PROMOTING ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS: SPATIAL INFORMATION DISSEMINATION

Transcription

1 PROMOTING ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS: SPATIAL INFORMATION DISSEMINATION Hande Demirel and Reha M. Alkan Istanbul Technical University, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Geodesy and Photogrammetry Engineering Department, Maslak, Istanbul, Turkey Presented at the 13 th International Symposium on Environmental Pollution and its Impact on Life in the Mediterranean Region (MESAEP), Thessaloniki, Greece, Oct SUMMARY This study proposes a novel approach for coastal zone management information dissemination, where advantages of spatial based web-technologies are highlighted. Efforts on sustainable development can only be achieved via promoting public awareness, encouraging maximum practicable and timely input, and collaboration with all interested parties on decisions. However, adequate tools for stakeholders, having various social and educational backgrounds, are lacking. The potential of Spatial Information Technologies were highlighted in the project of the Web-Based Halic Information System, where cultural tourism, e-governance, and Coastal Zone Management (CZM) applications are overlapping due to the uniqueness of the project area. The contribution of the presented study is to disseminate the structured, heterogeneous spatial information for varying users in order to enhance the knowledge-based society efforts. Hence, the designed system will aid to promote public awareness on environmental issues. KEYWORDS: Sustainable Development, Environmental Awareness, Spatial, Web-based, Dissemination, Integrated Coastal Zone Management. INTRODUCTION The coastal area, the region of interaction between land and sea, is of a dynamic character and highly complex, since the coastal zone is a place where different interests meet and conflicts arise between various stakeholders. Hence, many countries all over the world have adopted the integrated coastal zone management, which requires multidisciplinary effort. It should be understood, however, that integrated coastal zone management is not a mere physical planning exercise. How people think about the issues - their knowledge, beliefs, attitudes and, especially, their values - is as important in the search for solutions as the objective realities confronted [1]. The sustainable development of a coastal zone could become a common vision, actively pursued by all stakeholders through education and the advancement, sharing and application of scientific knowledge, and lessons learnt [2]. The sustainable development efforts on coastal zones are highly correlated with information dissemination in order to increase public awareness. Hence, environmental management strategies should identify mechanisms to disseminate information to the public [3]. The task is not easy, since it requires a common understanding of environmental issues. Stakeholders have varying social status and educational background, and, therefore, varying understandings on environmental issues and sustainable development. Spatial representation can assist the comprehension of environmental issues and may aid to develop a common understanding. Since maps are selective representations of reality [4, p 11] and necessary tools in the comprehension of spatial phenomena, such as the environment, the selective beneficiary information is presented in the most comprehensive manner. The briefly highlighted potential promotes the usage and implementation of these technologies in the project of Web-Based Halic Information System, where cultural tourism, e-governance, and Coastal Zone Management (CZM) applications are overlapping due to the uniqueness of the project area. The objective of this research is to provide structured information and assessment tools for stake holders via web technologies. The spatial information systems are widely used in Coastal Zone Management (CZM), where large databases involving spatial information are common. Therefore, system design efforts will be less compared to fromsketch applications. Using information technologies, involving web, cellular phones, and pocket PCs, makes any spatial information application directly accessible to the public, whenever and wherever it is required. Such infor- 771

2 mation technologies are highly appreciated by the public. As an example, according to the 2003 statistical information announced by the Turkish State Institute of Statistics, the number of cellular phone users has reached 27,887,535, where the number of telephone subscribers was counted to be 18,916,721 [5]. The increase of cellular phone users, within the period of , is illustrated in Figure 1. It was announced that the number of cellular phone users reached 34,700,000, and in 2005 that of the forecasted users will reach about 43,000, 000. FIGURE 1 - Number of Cellular Phone User in the Period of , Turkey For all stake holders, being developers, public authorities, citizens and private sectors, Halic is a challenging area with enormous possibilities of business applications mainly focusing on tourism, trade, governance and Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM). Many projects were conducted; producing enormous amounts of spatial and non-spatial data involving land and water measurements. Hence, huge investments were made for management and decision making. However, the required continuous information dissemination is still lacking. Spatial Information technologies and Web-technologies offer solutions for aiding dissemination of information for varying stake holders, which motivates the project. In particular, the specific targets of the project are: i) presenting the environmental information to any system user, ii) demonstrating the image archives of Halic, where before-rehabilitation and after-rehabilitation can be significantly recognized, iii) to allow the users to perform simple spatial information system operations, and iv) constituting a long-lasting information source for arising environmental awareness. The contribution of the presented approach is disseminating structured, heterogeneous spatial information, which aids to enhance the knowledgebased society efforts. It will serve for the long-term preservation of the area and sustainable development. MATERIALS AND METHODS DISSEMINATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION Study Area The Halic district, also known as Golden Horn, is located at the European side of Istanbul. The horn-shaped estuary geologic constitution began about 7500 years ago. This region has always been considered as the city center, where commerce, military and cultural activities took place for centuries. In Halic, being one of the oldest natural harbors in the world, navies and commercial shipping interests were centered. The region s uniqueness is certificated by UNESCO, due to its historical function in trade, politics and religion. The masterpieces of the area and its surrounding include the ancient Hippodrome of Constantine, the 6 th -century Hagia Sophia and the 16 th -century Süleymaniye Mosque, which are the unique monuments of universal architecture. In Fener and Balat, neighborhoods midway up the Golden Horn, the evidence of the former diversity of the city's citizens can be observed, and highlights include many Orthodox churches, the New Mosque, the Greek Patriarchate, and the Jewish Quarter. However, in the mid-20 th, Halic, The Golden Horn, has experienced severe pollution due to the uncontrolled domestic and industrial wastewater discharges until the recent years [6]. In parallel, proper industrial politics and protection strategies were lacking, which speeded up these affects dramatically. Not only water was polluted but also sea bottom relief had been filled up with the sediments, occurring as islands. Many projects have been conducted for rehabilitation of the Halic in recent years, where many stake holders have participated. But, it dredged and cleaned significantly with the Halic Rehabitiation Project, realized within and more than 5 million m 3 of mud have been removed [7]. The total costs were about 500 million US Dollars. As a result of these efforts, Halic and its surrounding area are again attracting attention as an important cultural, commercial, recreational and tourism area. Data Disseminated Data disseminated through this project are categorized as non-spatial and spatial. i-) Non-Spatial Data: Data related with historical monuments of Halic (e.g. mosques, churches, tombs) and other important places, (e.g. schools, hospitals, museums etc.) were retrieved from the 1:1000-scaled photogrammetric city plans produced in The salinity, temperature values and several hydro-chemical parameters, hydrocarbons and heavy metals, and also biological parameters have been served. These parameters were collected monthly in the Water Quality Monitoring Project. ii) Spatial Data: As base-maps for the Web-based Halic Project, the digital ortho-photo map mosaic of scale 1:5000 and 1:1000-scaled city plans in digital format were available, and obtained from Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. Additionally, the spatial information about historical monuments, transportation facilities and tourist relevant places were collected on field. The geographical coordinates of the water quality sampling stations were determined by a hand-held Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. Furthermore, sea-bottom topography was determined three-dimensionally by means of bathymetric studies. The data acquisition is done following two methodologies, being conventional and on-field ones. While the 772

3 conventional methodologies involve data available in existing databases and non-heterogeneous various sources, the on-field methodology uses mobile devices. METHODOLOGY In order to serve the needs of 3-D structured information and assessment tools for stake holders via web technologies, a web-based spatial information system was designed and implemented. The system is constituted upon three stages, i-) data acquisition & up-date, ii-) data integration & system implementation, and iii-) data dissemination, which is the scope of this paper. Data dissemination is utilized via a web-page having static and dynamic components. The six components involved are history, geodetic studies, water quality measurements, image archive, Halic Rehabilitation Project, and Interactive Map. Varying User Profiles Data Dissemination WEB-BASED Actor Actor Actor MOBILE SYSTEM The system architecture benefits from both spatial information and web technologies` opportunities. Specifically, during the data acquisition, up-date and dissemination, Internet and/or mobile technologies are in usage. For varying user profiles, such as citizens, tourists and decision makers, different interfaces were designed. Although the disseminated information source is the same, the use of the spatial information technology facilities, such as generalization, varying layers, and visualization, makes it possible to emphasize and disseminate the relevant information, whenever required. The data dissemination is materialized in the project by two ways, the Web-based and Mobile system. One of the emerging GIS application concepts is the mobile GIS, which provides database access, mapping, GIS and GPS integration [8-10]. The spatially referenced information is accessible in the field via mobile devices. The necessary information for the established varying user profiles are transformed into HTML format and JavaScript for publishing on the web. The data integration is utilized upon spatial data bases via implementing spatial information technologies. In order to publish the information efficiently in the stage of data dissemination, both Internet and mobile technologies are integrated into the system architecture, which is illustrated in Figure 2. Publishing geospatial data on the Internet is very easy, and only a web server (also called HTTP server) and a set of maps are required. The Web-based data dissemination presenting geospatial data-different techniques involves i-) Static and Dynamic Maps on the Internet, and ii-) Fat and Thin Clients on the Internet. This system uses static architecture with thin clients, since static maps are rapid and adequate. In the static map display, the client sends a URL request to the server computer, where a spatial database is connected. After processing this request in the database, a graphic image is returned to the web browser of the client via HTTP server. The static maps with thin clients reveal adequate results, since query performance is high, and detailed spatial queries are needless. In the static map display, the client sends a URL request to the server computer, where a spatial database is connected. After processing this request in the database via HTTP server, a graphic image is returned to the web browser. The architecture of static map display is shown in Figure 3 [11]. Client Computer URL Request Server Computer Data Integration Spatial Information System Web Browser Internet Graphic Image HTTP Server Data (Image Files) Spatial Data Non-Spatial Data FIGURE 3 - Static Map Display. FIGURE 2 - The architecture of the Spatial Information Dissemination system. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION IMPLEMENTATION The designed system architecture is implemented in the study area. The objectives stated in the aim of the project are performed and accessible through the link. As noted in the system architecture, the system is available also for mobile system users. When the users access the web-based application (via interactive map link), a general ortho-photo map of the Halic District on the left (Main Map) and a smaller-scaled (Overview Map) one on the upper left side of the screen are appearing. Boundaries of neighborhood and districts, symbols and depth data appear after a specified scale by zooming is reached. The system users zoom in the original size up to 8x, and this ratio can be increased up to 16x. By using this technique, the expected problems of overlapping information, such as street names or object symbols, are prevented. All the symbols on the map are linked, and any user can get more information, such as name, type, usage 773

4 aim, address, neighborhood, district, web page (if existing) in a table via clicking (Figure 4). Entering a search string provides to explore specific objects by their names. All terms matching to this query are displayed in a result list. Highlighted objects are displayed in full extent and in the optimum zoom level of the queried object for the user. This system is extendible giving opportunity to update and add new components. Citizens can have access to information by using a mobile system, illustrated in Fig. 5. It is possible to perform some basic spatial information technology functions, such as finding a specific location, spatial querying or basic navigation procedures. FIGURE 4 - Halic GIS on WWW. FIGURE 5- Mobile Halic Geographic Information System on Pocket PC. Any user can take detailed information about Halic region in historical sequence by a History link, geodetic studies accomplished by our team using the Geodetic Studies link, about Golden Horn Rehabilitation Project by the Halic Rehabilitation Project link, and also information about the Water Quality Monitoring Project, which is performed by Istanbul University Research and Aid Foundation, and Istanbul Water and Sewage Administration (ISKI) as well. During these projects, several hydro-chemical parameters, hydrocarbons and heavy metals, and biological parameters have been measured in several stations of the study area. A total of forty parameters have been measured, such as dissolved oxygen, orthophosphate, total phosphorus, dissolved silicate, nitrate-nitrogen, nitrite-nitrogen, organic-nitrogen, hydrogen sulfide, particulate organic carbon, lead, iron, manganese, mercury, cadmium etc. Conductivity, temperature, salinity and depth measurements are also carried out. Before and after studies of the water quality, measurements indicate that there exists highly significant improvement in the study area. Before the rehabilitation of the Halic area, there existed only three species of fish, only to be found at the bottom waters of the estuary entrance. Following the rehabilitation efforts, in 1999 the fish species increased to 16, and, in 2000, eggs and/or larvae of 24 fish species were recorded. Most frequently, eggs and larvae belong to Dicentrarchus labrax in spring, Engraulis encrasicolus, Mugil (Liza) auratus, Trachurus sp, Scorpaena porcus, and Solea solea in summer, Gaidropsarus mediterraneus in autumn, and Sprattus sprattus in winter [12]. However, the Alibey and Kagithane creeks are still carrying heavy domestic and industrial pollution load, indicating that continuing efforts are required for the long-term preservation of the study area. Briefly, the biological diversity rapidly increased after the successful rehabilitation efforts, however, monitoring, techniques, specifically that of water quality, are still required. In order to arise public awareness for the sustainable development of the study area, the diversity of fish species and the measurement stations are presented with a designed interface, as illustrated in Figure 6. By clicking the station name, measurements of the fish diversities can be examined. The reason for selecting the fish species for the interface was that it can be easily understood by various users. This will increase the importance of environmental protection efforts among the citizens, in the longterm. Other examples, such as dissolved oxygen, orthophosphate, total phosphorus, dissolved silicate, nitrate-nitrogen, nitrite-nitrogen, organic-nitrogen, hydrogen sulfide, particulate organic carbon, lead, iron, manganese, mercury, cadmium etc can also be presented via designing different interfaces for varying users. During the implementation, some problems were encountered and complexities observed. Currently, the interfaces provided by software vendors are highly proprietary. Consequently, usage of most sites is limited to owners of the vendor-specific systems. The present system is going to be enhanced with some additional functions and data in the further studies, such as digital archives of 3-D models and emergency plans. Additionally, the available metadata is going to be integrated into the system via a designed interface, such as data acquisition date, usage purpose, and the owner`s organization. 774

5 FIGURE 6 - The designed interface for the system user. CONCLUSION The project aims to disseminate environmental information in a comprehensive manner for increasing the sustainability of the Haliç. As a result of this study, varying users at national and international level, access, query, use, and display the information for the Halic area efficiently, easily and rapidly through the web-based technologies; hence information is tailored for their own purpose. Specifically, i) information coming from various sources are integrated and disseminated with an easy-touse web browser through an internet-based spatial information system, ii) due to platform independence, the contribution of many relevant parties is achieved, and, iii) the system is mobilized, which provides several advantages for using, editing, validating, and updating of an existing system. The designed system is a community-based coastal zone management, which aids to disseminate the environmental information, enhance the knowledge-based society efforts, and guarantee the long-term preservation of the area. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Authors would like to the Commission of the Scientific Researches, Istanbul Technical University, for supporting this project. Appreciation is also extended to the Mapping Directorate of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality for their valuable assistance. REFERENCES [1] UNESCO (1997) Educating for a Sustainable Future, A Transdisciplinary Vision for Concerted Action., education, (retrieved 2005) [2] Kuijper, M.W.M. (2003) Marine and Coastal Environmental Awareness Building within the Context Of UNESCO s Activities in Asia and the Pacific, Marine Pollution Bulletin, 47(1) [3] European Environment Agency (2005) The changing faces of Europe s coastal areas, Report No 6/2006, ISNN: , Retrieved on July 10, 2006 from eea_report_2006_6/en/eea_report_6_2006.pdf [4] Black, J. (1997) Maps and Politics. London: Reaktion Books p. 11. [5] National Statistics Institute, Republic of Turkey, Use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) by Enterprises, Retrieved on July 10, 2006 from [6] Kınacı, C., İnanç, B., Aydın, A.F., Yüksel, E., Sevimli, M.F., Arıkan, O.A. and Topacık, D. (2004) Quality of The Bottom Sediment Prior To Dredging in The Golden Horn of Istanbul, Journal of Environmental Health and Science, Part-A, Vol. A39, No: 2, pp [7] Alkan, R.M., Kalkan, Y., Baykal, O., İpbüker, C., Yanalak, M., Erden, T. and Erdoğan, C. (2003). Internet-Based GIS Implementations: A Case Study in an Ancient Settlement of Istanbul, ISPRS WG VII/4 Symposium Remote Sensing of Urban Areas, pp , Regensburg, Germany. 775

6 [8] Harrington, A. and Lauer, G., (2002). Mobile GIS: Using Your Enterprise GIS in the Field, Proceedings, the Asian Conf. on GIS, GPS, AP and RS, Bangkok, Thailand. [9] Pundt, H., (2002). Field Data Collection with Mobile GIS: Dependencies Between Semantics and Data Quality, Geoinformatica, 6(4), Kluwer Acad. Publ., Netherlands, pp [10] Alkan, R.M., Maktav, D., Kalkan, Y. and Erdoğan, C. (2003) A Mobile GIS Application at the Estuary Halic (The Golden Horn) in Istanbul, Proc. of the First International Conference Studying Land Use Effects in Coastal Zones with Remote Sensing and GIS, August 2003, Kemer, Turkey, pp [11] Plewe, B. (1997). GIS Online: Information Retrieval, Mapping, and The Internet, OnWord Press, p.311. [12] Yüksek, A., Okuş, E., Uysal, A. and Yılmaz, N. (2001), Fluctuations in Fish Diversity During Rehabilitation of Golden Horn (Haliç), Proceedings, Haliç 2001 Symposium, pp , İstanbul (in Turkish) Received: December 20, 2005 Accepted: March 06, 2006 CORRESPONDING AUTHOR Hande Demirel Istanbul Technical University Faculty of Civil Engineering Geodesy and Photogrammetry Department Maslak, Istanbul Turkey hdemirel@ins.itu.edu.tr FEB/ Vol 15/ No 8a/ 2006 pages