Web Application for Data Sharing

The aim of the project is to develop, implement, and optimize web infrastructures dedicated to geographical data sharing and management, based on Open Source components. The architecture is mainly involved in data sharing both for the early impact and early warning activities having outputs through WebGis applications. WebGis applications are accessible through a common web browser from anywhere. Data come from the Global Spatial Database and from specific sources depending on the project.

The architecture is based on the following components:

  • Debian/Ubuntu Linux operating systems
  • Apache web server
  • Tomcat application server
  • PostgreSQL + PostGIS as spatial database backend
  • Python programming language
  • Django web development framework
  • Geoserver map engine
  • Geonetwork metadata catalogue
  • OpenLayers javascript library
  • GeoExt javascript library + Ext.js javascript library

An extensive use of OGC standards is done:

  • WMS for raster data
  • WFS for feature data
  • SLD for data style
  • GeoJSON and XML for data transfer

The current development involves the GeoNode testing, deployment and contribution. The ITHACA GeoNode instance is available at geonode.ithacaweb.org. Developed applications are:

  • Web GIS for early warning Extreme Rainfall Detection System
  • Web GIS for Haiti emergency response after the earthquake in 2010
  • Cyprus Cultural Heritage catalogue
  • Web GIS for Drought monitoring in Africa
  • Web GIS for Snow Cover monitoring system for Nepal and Afghanistan
  • FASST Interreg Web GIS and catalogue

The future development involve the GeoNode extension for cartography management, editing and printing capabilities as well as a complete integration in the ITHACA web architecture.