Study on the Development of Inter-university Geographic Data Infrastructure Systems

2004 Fiscal Year Final Research Report Summary

• Project/Area Number: 15200060
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (A)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Geography
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: OKABE Atsuyuki The University of Tokyo, Graduate School of Engineering, Professor, 大学院・工学系研究科, 教授 (10114050)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): YAMAMURA Etsuo Hokkaido University, Graduate School of Environmental Earth Science, Professor, 大学院・地球環境学研究科, 教授 (00001230) ; ESAKI Tetsuro Kyushu University, Graduate School of Engineering, Professor, 大学院・工学研究院, 教授 (40038609) ; MASUDA Satoru Tohoku University, Graduate School of Economics and Management, Professor, 大学院・経済学研究科, 教授 (30231591) ; OKUNUKI Keiichi Nagoya University, Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Associate Professor, 大学院・環境学研究科, 助教授 (90272369) ; SADOHARA Satoru Yokohama National University, Graduate School of Environment and Information Science, Professor, 大学院・環境情報研究院, 教授 (90178799)
• Project Period (FY): 2003 – 2004
• Keywords: Geographical Data / Clearinghouse / Catalog Server / Catalog Contents / Digital Map / Census Data / CSIS

Research Abstract

Studies with digital geographical data including maps, census data and remotely sensed data are found in human geography, natural geography, economic geography and so forth. In carrying out these studies, however, it is difficult to find where necessary data are available ; there is no systematic way of sharing expensive geographical data among universities ; and there is no system of sharing research information about software. The objective of this project was to resolve these difficulties, and we have almost achieved this objective. Our major outcome is as follows.
1.Catalog server system. In the past, clearinghouse was used for searching map data. However, this system could be run only a large organization with technicians, and it could not be managed by universities. Therefore, we have developed an easy system that university researchers can easily manage. At present, the Center for Spatial Information Science at the University of Tokyo(CSIS) runs this system, which can be used by any researchers for academic use. In the near future, branch universities will run this system.
2.System for making catalog contents. We have developed software with which researchers can easily make catalog contents.
3.Construction of catalog contents. Using the above system, we have constructed catalog contents of digital maps, census data and Zmaps which are frequently used by researchers. We have also constructed catalog contents of various maps toward the National Virtual Museum of Maps.
4.Data sharing system. We have developed a system with which researchers can down load the data that are searched by the above catalog server system.
5.Software search system. We have developed a web system for finding software packages, and a system of down loading free software packages.