FAO s online searching and browsing catalogue of key Geographic Information Systems (GIS) maps

Transcription

1 Meeting on Cartography and Geographic Information Science UN Headquarters, New York, 28-30/03/00 FAO s online searching and browsing catalogue of key Geographic Information Systems (GIS) maps (Developed jointly by WAICENT and SDRN Service) For review and comments By José Aguilar-Manjarrez, Yanyun Li, and Karl Morteo Contact address: Jose.AguilarManjarrez@fao.org, Tel: Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), World Agricultural Information Centre (WAICENT), Rome, Italy. There is Only one Earth and there should be Only one Digital Earth 1 FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS 1 HE, Changchui Integrated Global Observing Strategy - Putting the vision of digital earth into actions by international communities. Keynote speech at the International Symposium on the Digital Earth. Chinese Academy of Sciences: Beijing, China, 29/11/99 2/12/99. 6 pp. Also available at

2 Introduction Currently, FAO is developing a Strategic Framework of the Organization. One of the five corporate strategies proposed for the period emphasizes the improvement of data availability and information exchange, monitoring, assessing and analysis of the global state of food and nutrition, agriculture, fisheries and forestry, and the promotion of a central place for food security, and A comprehensive, current and reliable set of data to be disseminated to all Members and that is accessible to the international community and to the public has been identified as a key priority in this strategic process. The use of spatial information and appropriate decision support tools has become essential in raising awareness, providing scenarios, evaluating progress, assessing trends, monitoring impact of response to environmental pressures, reaching consensus, and making decisions. Accordingly, FAO is moving into a digital age (HE, 1999), so there is significant scope from various FAO units to enhance their capabilities with regard to the use of spatial information in support of national and international food security efforts. FAO is involved in the collection, storage and manipulation of vast amounts of geographic data and much of this data will be of use to many departments and divisions of FAO. The effective sharing of data, and avoidance of duplication in data gathering and analysis, is one of the greatest challenges facing any large organisation. The ability to plan and develop world s resources by any organisation will depend on their access to reliable, accurate and timely data in the form of text, numbers, maps and imagery. FAO recognized many of these problems when it established the World Agricultural Information Centre (WAICENT). A GIS Policy Group was also established in 1997 to strengthen inter-disciplinary coordination in FAO s field and Headquartes land use planning activities. Key recommendations by the GIS Policy group at its meeting on 20-November-1997 included 2 : 1. The need for an inventory of all FAO geo-referenced databases; 2. The need to identify the major gaps in the existing databases and to assess the needs for the development of new ones; 3. A GIS meta-database should be developed; 4. Some common GIS data standards are needed. Based on the recommendations of the GIS Policy Group, it was clear that there was lack of a common database and thus a gap in the commercial market for a system which could make the vast store of digital maps readily available and that could considerably reduce the time required for any user to locate the maps in FAO. Lack of such a system is like having a library full of books without a catalogue and without a system to find them. FAO s Environment and Natural Resource Service (SDRN) is one of the main units in FAO which collects, integrates, processes and disseminates spatial information related to environment and natural resources, and WAICENT is the main gateway for disseminating the Organization s information resources. Thus, WAICENT jointly with SDRN and with the collaboration of FAO GIS users from the Agriculture (AG), Fisheries (FI), Forestry (FO), and Economic and Social (ES) departments have created FAOMAP, an online searching and browsing catalogue of key GIS maps. Objectives This paper calls for discussion and decisions over the potential use of the FAOMAP system as a UNwide Pilot (UN-MAP) to disseminate geographic information in the form of an image catalogue through the web to the UN community. 2 FAO, GIS Policy Group. Report of the FAO task force on FAO GIS Datasets inventory. Internal FAO Document. Rome, FAO. 51p. 1

3 Contents of this paper This paper has been prepared and organized with a view to facilitate discussion, inputs (comments, suggestions, contributions) and decisions based mainly on the purpose and scope of FAOMAP. For those interested, this paper also provides a Detailed description of FAOMAP, and the Online help for FAOMAP. Page 1. Purpose and scope of FAOMAP Short description of FAOMAP Implementation phases of FAOMAP Benefits Detailed description of FAOMAP Map Source Audience and Map Availability Applications Technical Background Next version Online help for FAOMAP Navigation Menu Search Engine Map Brief Viewer Map Description Viewer Purpose and scope of FAOMAP 1.1 Short Description of FAOMAP The overall aim is to provide an online searching and browsing catalogue of key FAO's Geographic Information Systems (GIS) maps. FAOMAP is based on commonly used catalogues like the GRID- Arendal online GIS and Maps Database and the Africa Data Dissemination Service. Its objectives are to provide GIS users with key base maps and to provide a mechanism for users to share maps and avoid duplication of efforts for the creation and use of GIS maps. FAOMAP is a corporate catalogue of FAO's spatial information. It is an open Map/Image catalogue for the collection, display and dissemination of Maps and Images. FAOMAP has details of maps, covering seventeen themes in many areas (e.g. Africa). It contains maps relevant to hunger and malnutrition, including many of the maps used in FAO reports. FAOMAP is a live system. FAO GIS users may add their key maps to the system through the webbased maintenance module and modify the map details. This is the first version of FAOMAP. At present the system has been loaded with 35 key maps (mostly Africa maps), but as users begin to add their maps to the system it will quickly grow. It will also be available to the general public in its next release. 2

4 1.2 Implementation phases of FAOMAP 1. As part of the initial phase (i.e. started in November 1998), a 4-month assessment of the spatial information available in FAO was carried out and contacts were made with many different divisions at FAO in order to become aware of their needs. An Internet assessment also took place by evaluating the map catalogues already available. 2. The second phase consisted in the initial design and construction of FAOMAP. 3. The third phase involved review of FAOMAP s first version by presenting it to FAO AG, FI, FO, and ES GIS users through a series of small group meetings in order to obtain their feedback and to discuss their concerns and suggestions for the enhancement and use of FAOMAP. A large meeting was held with WAICENT staff and their advice was taken into account. Thus, FAOMAP is in full agreement with WAICENT s programme goals and objectives and is fully integrated and compatible with WAICENT s existing and planned information systems. For example, FAOMAP benefits from the use of a ready-made search engine, which is considered as the standard thesaurus through which FAO information can be found. AGROVOC descriptors are recorded in FAO's Data Dissemination Agreement online Intranet form (DDA). Thus, FAO's WAICENT Information finder on the Internet will be able to locate documents and/or sites along with maps from FAOMAP. Continuous and thorough testing of FAOMAP by AG, FI, FO, ES GIS users took place and any important changes suggested by them were take into consideration and included in FAOMAP. 4. For the fourth phase, on 17 March 2000, FAOMAP was placed on FAO s Intranet for inclusion of key base maps by GIS users. In a parallel phase, FAOMAP is presented for review and comments at the Meeting on Cartography and Geographic Information Science at UN Headquarters in New York from 28-30/03/00. Subsequently, FAOMAP will be available for review, comments and use to other UN Agencies, International Organizations and NGOs, and this will be the phase in which maps from these institutions should be added to FAOMAP. 5. The fifth and current phase will consist of discussions for the design and development of the next version of FAOMAP, and here WAICENT and SDRN are seeking partners for funding and/or joint development. 6. After completion, FAOMAP will be released to the general public. 1.3 Benefits 1. FAOMAP has received very positive feedback from a number of departments in FAO, and as a result of its release on the Intranet, collaboration amongst departments is being strengthened. 2. FAOMAP is not a centralized system; it is a distributed, user-driven system that is updated and maintained by map providers. Thus, this important feature of FAOMAP will enhance data exchange among users. 3. The first version of FAOMAP has been developed at no cost to other FAO Departments and will also be provided to UN Agencies, International Organizations and NGOs for free. 4. FAOMAP is a system that is completely portable and can be installed in any project or country environment for little or no cost. The product is Web based and can be updated by authorized 3

5 users throughout the World over the Web. FAOMAP can also operate the same (excluding data update) on a Web Server or CD-ROM. 5. FAOMAP will support FAO s effort for the development of a geo-spatial infrastructure within the Organization to facilitate services in the use of remote sensing and GIS as decision support tools for the Organization and its Members in monitoring of environment and impact assessment, crop modelling, and the inventory and management of natural resources and disaster management for food security. 6. Given the lack of a common geographic database, FAOMAP fills this gap by having the potential of becoming a common UN vehicle to provide information on a timely basis, to support important issues such as early warning of potential crisis, movements of refugees, spread of diseases, distribution of natural resources, emergency prevention and special relief operations. The Cartographic Section of the Department of Public Information for the United Nations in New York is currently looking into establishing a common UN Geographic Database to be used system-wide 2. This concept has been discussed with other UN agencies and programs. During the first phase of this project, one component is to develop a pilot to disseminate geographic information in the form of image catalogues through the web to the UN community, so FAOMAP fits right into what they want to develop during the first phase (Chow, A. pers.comm.). FAOMAP provides solutions to common problems (i.e. as outlined and in full agreement with Pinther and Chow, 2000) and addresses needs, benefits, implementation strategies and opportunities for cooperation within and among UN organisations for sharing spatial information. 7. Maps displayed by FAOMAP are static GIF maps, so they are not able to provide the many advantages that a GIS map could provide (e.g. map overlays, map zoom, etc.). However, FAOMAP will have links to the original GIS maps for downloading. There are a number of advantages that a GIF map can provide; perhaps the biggest advantage is the computer spacesaving benefits. For example, raster maps which are very large in size, cannot be viewed unless they are presented as static GIF maps (or related image format), otherwise, they would have to be downloaded or be requested on a CD-ROM(s) and then displayed with a GIS software that includes the use of rasters (e.g. ERDAS and IDRISI). 2 Pinther, M., and Chow, A UNITED NATIONS GEOGRAPHIC DATABASE. Document prepared by the United Nations Cartographic Section at UN Headquarters in New York for the Seventh Meeting of the International Steering Committee for Global Mapping. Cape Town, South Africa, 16/03/00. 6 pp. 4

6 2. Detailed description of FAOMAP 2.1 Map Source FAOMAP is comprised of a catalogue of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) maps that have been created, edited, enhanced or compiled by various divisions in FAO, many of which are located in FAO's GIS Centre. 2.2 Audience and Map Availability FAOMAP is intended to be a user-friendly GIS map catalogue that can be used by both GIS and non- GIS users. In the future, Internet users, including non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and journalists should be able to purchase and download maps from a database that will include access to the original GIS map along with its map description. At present, users have access to maps in GIF or PDF format only, but there are links (i.e. request and purchase order form), to help users contact the FAO GIS Centre or specific FAO Division to request the map in GIS form. 2.3 Applications FAOMAP provides six applications: Map dissemination FAOMAP is intended to be the search engine through which all of FAO's GIS maps can be located. FAOMAP will enhance data sharing, will help avoid map duplication in data gathering and analysis and will help set map standardisation guidelines among users. Standard maps for administrative boundaries and shorelines in FAOMAP have been selected and proposed by FAO (See right and also FAO's GIS Centre suggested Global datasets in digital format). Source: FAO, GIS Policy group. Report of the FAO task force on FAO GIS datasets inventory. Internal FAO Document. Rome, FAO. 51p. Base maps (mainly coastlines + lakes + rivers) 1:1 million: Digital Chart of the World (DCW) 1:5 million: ArcWorld 1:25 million: FAO GIS Centre A3 and A4 World and continental maps: FAO GIS Centre National and sub-national boundaries and codes 1:1 million: Digital Chart of the World (DCW) 1:3 million: ArcWorld 1:25 million: FAO/UNESCO soil map of the world and derived soil properties A3 and A4 size maps: FAO GIS Centre FAOMAP will provide legends, Internet links and map descriptions for a number of maps that have been published in GIS-related FAO reports Standardized keyword search FAOMAP benefits from the use of a ready-made search engine, which is considered as the standard thesaurus through which FAO information can be found. AGROVOC descriptors are recorded in FAO's Data Dissemination Agreement (DDA) online Intranet form). Thus, FAO's WAICENT Information finder on the Internet will be able to locate documents and/or sites along with maps from FAOMAP. 5

7 2.3.3 Implementation FAOMAP is a system that is completely portable and can be installed in any project or country environment for little or no cost. Although it can be interfaced with expensive Arc/Info or other GIS packages it is not dependent on them. The product is Web based and can be updated by authorised users throughout the World over the Web. FAOMAP can also operate the same (excluding data update) on a Web Server or CD-ROM Map description FAOMAP will provide the map descriptors to KIMS. Hence, compatibility and direct links are ensured between FAOMAP and KIMS Access to maps Maps displayed by FAOMAP are in GIF form, so they are not able to provide the many advantages that a GIS map could provide (e.g. map overlays, map zoom, etc.). However, FAOMAP will have links to the original GIS maps and there are a number of advantages for the use of a GIF map as shown below: In addition to providing a GIF map to the users, these same maps can also be downloaded at a higher resolution in PDF format. When authorised on a map-by-map basis FAOMAP will provide the map in GIS form Map web applications Map web applications can be developed when FAOMAP has direct access to the maps in GIS form. For example, parallel to the development of FAOMAP, WAICENT has developed a prototype for mapping Bambara groundnut information in relation to genetic resources and environmental data. 2.4 Technical Background Functions and features A GIF is usually a more simple representation of the original GIS map and therefore it is easier for the user to choose a map. A GIF map includes both vector and raster maps. Raster maps are very large in size, so it is not possible to view them unless they are presented as GIF's (or related format), otherwise, they have to be downloaded and displayed with a GIS software that includes the use of rasters (e.g. ERDAS and IDRISI). GIF maps can be created without altering the original GIS map (i.e. GIF's are screenshots of the GIS maps). GIF maps can be saved online. To do this, select any map, then click on the right button of the mouse, a dropdown list will appear, then choose the "save image as" option and save GIF map in drive C or on a floppy disk, so that it can be later inserted in a document. A wide range of mapped and other spatial data can be found on the World Wide Web (WWW). Thus, in order to establish some level standardisation amongst map catalogues, FAOMAP is based on commonly used catalogues like the GRID-Arendal online GIS and Maps Database and the Africa Data Dissemination Service. 6

8 2.4.2 Dynamic and interactive page generation FAOMAP is a web-based database application combining Java Servlet and Oracle database technology. An important feature of FAOMAP is that all the dynamic information on this web site is generated interactively and automatically based on the FAOMAP databases and user's queries. For example, the map description of every map is read from FAOMAP's database; every continent map for map navigation search is generated dynamically based on the countries whose GIS maps are accessible via FAOMAP (these countries are highlight on the navigation map). Thus, there is no need to maintain the HTML pages of FAOMAP, maintenance is done for the map description database and small and large image files (GIF format) are provided for each map GIS terminology There are a number of terms that are commonly used in GIS, hence, even though efforts were made to minimise the use of these terms for clarity to the non-gis users, there a terms which might be difficult to interpret, so it is recommended to consult the Association of Geographic Information (AGI) online description of GIS terms Map type The maps presented in FAOMAP are in GIF and PDF format, hence, they are static maps and they are not linked to an info file or table (e.g. statistical data like population density in Kenya). All GIF and PDF maps presented were based on the original maps, which are GIS maps, produced using Arc/Info software Map description It is not intended to increase the number of map description elements in FAOMAP, so that it remains user-friendly, however, this will depend on the feedback provided by FAOMAP users, so any element can be easily added or be replaced in the future. Furthermore, if the users were to need additional more detailed map description elements they can request them via to FAO's GIS Centre.. Map description is the responsibility of FAOMAP's administrator and data owners (i.e. those who have online access to FAOMAP's database maintenance). "Map state" is an important metadata element; FAOMAP uses the term "complete and documented" or complete and scarce documentation" and it is similar to the terminology used by UNEPs' GRID- Arendal Online GIS and Maps Database. At this stage, maps that are being catalogued in FAOMAP are in most cases complete and documented and three were the reasons for their selection: a. Maps that have been published in FAO reports, b. Maps that are already accessible on the Web, and c. Historical maps for which various plots have been made in the past and for which no changes have been made to them to date Online Database Maintenance FAOMAP comprises of a web interface (not shown in FAOMAP and only accessible to specific users) that allows users that have online access to the database maintenance to upload, edit, update, replace, or delete any of the elements (e.g. map descriptors, legends, keywords, themes and web sites) contained in the database including the maps in all forms (i.e. GIF, PDF and GIS). The information in FAOMAP's web site is dynamically generated and it is based on the content of FAOMAP's databases, and any modification to these databases will be reflected by FAOMAP web site immediately. 7

9 FAOMAP's administrator and data owners (i.e. group of people responsible from each of FAO's Divisions) are the only ones with access to FAOMAP's database maintenance. Example of online database maintenance form: 8

10 2.5 Next Version The next version of FAOMAP will include the following additions and/or enhancements to the existing system: Provided that FAOMAP receives full-support from GIS users in FAO, the next release will contain about 1,000 maps. Inclusion of any important changes suggested by the users. Further tuning and testing of the first product release. Multilingual support for English, French, Spanish, Arabic and Chinese. Enhancement to the administration facilities for remote update and data acquisition. Creation and dissemination of FAOMAP on a CD-ROM. Integration of FIVIMS KIDS (Key Indicators Database System) functionality into FAOMAP. Enhancement of compatibility of FAOMAP with KIMS. 9

11 3. Online Help for FAOMAP 3.1 Navigation Menu For clarity in accessing FAOMAP's features and functions, use FAOMAP's navigation menu. There are six sections in the navigation menu. FAO Home Content Description Click on "FAO" to go to FAO's Internet home page. Click on "Home" to go to FAOMAP's Home page. For clarity and to reduce the time you would need to spend looking for a map, FAOMAP provides you with a summary report of the number of datasets that have been catalogued by theme and geographical area. Click on "content", and the map count will be generated dynamically, it is automatically updated and is based on FAOMAP's Oracle database. This section describes 4 main areas, FAOMAP's: (1), Map source, (2) Audience and Map Availability, (3) Applications and (4) Technical Background. Feedback FAOMAP will continue to grow according to your feedback and contribution, so please take time to complete this simple feedback form. For enquiries, a FAOMAP administration address has been created, and in the near future, FAOMAP will also have addresses for data owners, so that you can make your map enquires directly to them, hence, the number of addresses will depend on your needs. Help FAOMAP Online Help pages. The content report as shown in FAOMAP: 10

12 3.2 Search Engine Search engine of FAOMAP is quite flexible and powerful: FAOMAP provides the user with a catalogue search that is enhanced by a navigation map search. The icon serves to access FAOMAP Database Maintenance (i.e. currently login access is only available to FAOMAP's administration). For any search, the user must first select the Region or Country of interest. To perform a simple map search you are given six options: 1. Select one of the regions or countries available from the list and click on the Find button. For example, looking for maps in Africa: Select 'Africa' from Region/Country list box and then click on the Find button. 11

13 2. Select one of the seventeen themes available and click on the Find button. For example, looking for maps in Africa related to soils: select 'Africa' from Region/Country list box and 'Soil' from Theme list box, then click Find button. 3. Select one keyword from the dropdown Keyword list. For example, "Soil Classification", then click on the Find button. 4. For GIS user, maps can also be searched by data types (i.e. Raster or Vector) and or by Scale for Vector (e.g. 1,000,000). Select from the dropdown lists from one or both of these two options. For example select data type "Vector" and Scale for Vector "5,000,000" and then click on the Find button. 5. The default of every search option: Region/Country, Theme, Data Type and Vector Scale is "Any". Thus, while doing a search, "all" themes can be displayed once a region is selected. For example, select the "Any" option for all options, the click on the Find button. This option enhances the searching capabilities of the catalogue and allows comparison amongst maps from different themes. The "order", in which the themes are displayed when selecting the "Any" option for all the search options, corresponds to the ranked order of the themes in the dropdown list "Theme" selection. 12

14 Select from a combination of any of the options just listed above. For example, select "Africa" from Region/Country list box, 'Soil' from Theme list box, and "Soil Classification" from Keyword list and then click on the Find button. Please bear in mind that the more options you select, the narrower your search will be. For example, if you select "Africa" from Region/Country list box, 'Soil' from Theme list box, "Soil Classification" from Keyword list, data type "Vector", and Scale for Vector "5,000,000" and then click on the Find button you will find a Soils map. However, if you repeat the procedure and select a different scale (e.g. 1,000,000) you will have a message saying "Sorry, no map available". An innovative addition to FAOMAP's capabilities are the "navigation maps" provided. Map search can be done without using these navigation maps, but for many users this alternate search option is an enhancement to the search because the search becomes more interesting or meaningful. Using "the Continent sphere" you can select the Region or Country desired: Click on the "Africa" sphere, an African continent map will be generated and displayed dynamically, Ghana is the only country which is highlighted (see example below), because it is currently the only country that has maps catalogued in FAOMAP. At this point, you can either follow options 1 through 5 above or click on the highlighted country and all maps for that country will be displayed (i.e. same result as option 5 above). If you can't remember the name of a country, notice that if you move the mouse cursor over any country on this navigation map, its name is displayed at the bottom of the map. 13

15 3.3 Map Brief Viewer Click on to return to the search engine for a new search. The icon serves to access FAOMAP Database Maintenance (i.e. currently login access is only available to FAOMAP's administration). When you specify the types of maps desired using the catalogue search or the navigation map search, "thumbnail" previews of the maps which meet your requirement are displayed on the screen with a short description for each. For example, the output of the search option number 5 above (i.e. Africa, Soil, Soil Classification) is illustrated below: 14

16 If you click on a "thumbnail" preview of a map or on the short description that identifies this map, it will bring up a larger version of the map along with a legend, keywords and a map description. 3.4 Map Description Viewer Description of tools for map selection: Keyword links, and access to maps and legends in GIF format. Every catalogued map has a title, a short description, keywords, a large map in GIF format, and a legend. All maps in FAOMAP have been catalogued with keywords using FAO's multilingual thesaurus AGROVOC. To view the map keyword linked to AGROVOC, simply click on any keyword. About 99% of the catalogued maps have AGROVOC keywords, However, for those very few cases in which a keyword does not yet exist in AGROVOC you will have a message saying "No record matches your selection" (e.g. select the Marine Fishery keyword). This problem will be solved as soon as the next version of AGROVOC containing more keywords is released. You are provided with a large map in GIF format: An example is provided below: 15

17 If you would like to have access to the map you selected, place your mouse cursor over the map, click on the right button of your mouse, a dropdown list will appear, then choose the "Save Picture As" option and save as a GIF file in drive C or on a floppy disk so that you can later insert it in a document. If you would like to have the legend of the map you selected, click on the word "Legend", and follow the same procedure described above, so that you can later insert the legend in a document along with the GIF map Map description There are standard GIS Metadata entry forms that are accessible on the Internet, however, these forms comprise of a very large amount of metadata elements (e.g. map source, production date, quality comments, etc.) for each map. Thus, for clarity to the general public (i.e. GIS and non-gis users) FAOMAP provides a simple "map description" form for each map with 14 basic elements, and their selection was mainly based on their importance, their occurrence in other Internet sites and on elements that could be completed for the majority of the maps in FAO. Ownership, and distribution are all part of the map description entry form presented. Relevant web site links are provided in FAOMAP because many maps are enhancements, updates or modifications of maps from other sources, or they are maps that contain non-fao base maps (e.g. coastlines). 16

18 In addition to having access to the maps in GIF format, FAOMAP also provides the same maps in PDF and GIS format. Go to: Click on PDF to display and access the PDF map. Click on GIS to access the map in GIS format. On the first click you will be presented with FAOMAP's feedback form which you have to complete. Once you completed the form, you will be presented with three types of map access: a. For free, and will be available to you through a download option (i.e. currently, FAOMAP does not contain any GIS maps that are free for download). b. Accessed through a request message that is sent to FAO's GIS Centre or the FAO Division. Click on the word " GIS", then click on "Send a request", this action will automatically create and message containing the map name and the directory path(s) of the map that you are requesting. Map name and directory path not displayed in FAOMAP map description, but they are contained in FAOMAP's maintenance database and in cases were an in-house map catalogue has been developed within a FAO Division, the map ID is recorded in FAOMAP and is used in the e- mail request instead of a map name and a directory path. To date, all maps except a map for Dominant soils in Africa need a request to have access to them. c. Purchased through FAO's publications order form. To do this click on the word "GIS" and then on the word "Go to Purchase Form", this action will take you to FAO's online purchase order form. At present only a map for Dominant soils in Africa is accessible in this way. Select the keyword "soil classification" from the search engine to locate this map. An example of a map description form is provided below: 17