Grant Amount: US$ 29,816

Keywords: GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM, INFORMATION MANAGEMENT, HINDU KUSH-HIMALAYAS

Geographic coverage: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Hindu Kush-Himalayan region

Objectives

The objectives of this project are to increase the availability and accessibility of relevant geographic data and to enhance the exchange of geographic information within the Hindu Kush-Himalayan (HKH) region.

Research context

Decision-making in the HKH region requires systematic generation and access of data to make a realistic assessment of natural resources and socio-economic conditions. Many spatial databases in the region have been developed in isolation from one another and thus information is dispersed, heterogeneous, inaccessible, or not relevant due to their continuity, reliability or nature of parameters. In response to this, this project worked with partners from Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal and used Internet mapping technology such as ARCIMS (http://www.esri.com) and a Structured Query Language (SQL) server to develop an Internet-based Geographic Information System (GIS) metadata system. The system adheres to international standards for compatibility with other regional and global partners. It provides an integrated regional platform to increase the availability and accessibility of relevant geographic data and enhances the exchange of geographic information.

Target beneficiaries

Researchers, development projects and agencies working with GIS in the region are the direct beneficiaries of the project. The adoption of standardized formats for database queries, information sharing and consistent presentation across multiple participating organizations facilitates the development of more realistic policy planning and action plans, ultimately benefiting the mountain community at large.

Outputs

The major outputs of the project are: 

• An Internet-based mapping system for publishing geographic data and information; and
• A metadata system based on international standards for documentation of existing spatial databases to facilitate Internet-based searches and encourage data sharing in the region.

Research results and outcomes

In the initial phase of the project, a conceptual framework was developed to share GIS resources and services. The main GIS resources identified were database and metadata resources, map resources, applications and training resources. A concept of the portal system was developed to provide a common platform to access and share information and knowledge about GIS technology and its applications in mountain environments.

A comprehensive underlying structure for the portal was developed based on the ESRI’s g.net architecture. The portal was designed to be a virtual platform for sharing data and information among users in the region. The portal was named the Mountain GIS Portal and can be accessed at http:www.icimod-gis.net. The portal provides a number of web-based GIS services and resources such as metadata, maps, applications and training resources. Similarly, users can submit their own data, metadata, maps or application case studies. The system administrator manages these materials and posts them as appropriate. In this way, a user is also a provider of the resources.

The main software packages used to build the Mountain GIS Portal are ArcGIS, ArcIMS and IIS Hyper Text Markup Language (HTTP) server. eXtensible Markup Language (XML) provides the underlying database for metadata and its administration. The system is tied together through a combination of eXtensible Stylesheet Language (XSL), Active Server Page (ASP), JavaScript programs and various web pages.

Based on the conceptual design, the following systems were developed for the implementation of the portal: a metadata system with search capabilities; online data services to view and query data, and to create online maps; a map catalogue to serve the published maps on the Internet; and a website (http://menris.icimod.net) and web pages integrating the systems in a common framework. Other features included in the portal are a discussion forum, news and events, and numerous links to GIS resources on the Internet. A moderated email list was established to further strengthen collaboration and communication. ICIMOD has partnered with Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and United Nations Environment Programme to implement the Geonetwork metadata system in a free and open source environment with data harvesting technology. Further, in partnership with European Space Agency, a special page has been created for space technology applications for mountain environments.

The implementation of the Mountain GIS Portal has helped in organizing, documenting and disseminating ICIMOD’s and its partners’ own geographic data and information. With the framework in place, the effort is now focused on encouraging more partners to join and publish their metadata and spatial databases using the system. The application has the potential to be extended to other regional and national institutions of the HKH, an important step towards realizing the vision of a Regional Geographic Information Infrastructure. Since data-sharing culture is still conservative in the region, ICIMOD has to play a proactive role in convincing more of its partners to actively participate in the framework. The project continues to grow through additional information inputs and by extension to other countries and institutions.

Project Duration

Start Date: March 2002
End Date: April 2004
Total Duration: 26 Months

Contact information

Basanta Shrestha, Division Head
Mountain Environment and Natural Resources Information Systems (MENRIS)
International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development
GPO Box 3226, Jawalakhel, Kathmandu, Nepal
Telephone: +977 1 525 316 / 313
Fax: +977 1 524 509, +977 1 536 747
Email: bshrestha@icimod.org

Website: tp://www.icimod.org

Reference websites

http://menris.icimod.net/
http://www.esri.com