Download Abstract - GRUMETS

The SDI of the data. MMZ: The de-facto standard for
distributing multipart data integrated to OGC
services.
Joan Masó1 and Xavier Pons2
1
Grumets research group. CREAF. Edifici C. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. 08193
Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain.
2
Grumets research group. Dep Geografia. Edifici B. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. 08193
Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain
[email protected]
[email protected]
Abstract
For a long time spatial data infrastructures, SDI, have focused on collecting metadata and
creating mapping search tools based on this metadata. Having reached a certain degree of
maturity, SDI have not completely fulfilled yet their ultimate goal because, once a user is able
to discover which dataset fits his/her purpose (assuming it exists and it is recorded in the
catalog), there are still difficulties in accessing the data. This paper reviews and compares the
data distribution channels most currently used and their level of standardization, and analyzes
their level of integration with SDIs. At the same time, it introduces a problem common to all
of them: geospatial data often consists of several interrelated parts that must be transmitted
together in one package to the user. This is particularly true for GIS data where often core
information (both spatial and thematic components), aspects of symbolization, on screen
presentation, printing design, metadata, etc. are separately encoded in different files. This
problem affects different standards such as OGC WCS 1.1 (which uses multipart MIME
format https://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc2392 to integrate GML that links with binary raster file
formats), GMLJP2 1.0.0 (which uses XML boxes to embed data and metadata in JPEG2000
files), the future WPS 2.0.0 (which is seeking an overall strategy for input and output data for
processes), etc. However, in 1997 the MiraMon development group designed and implemented
the MMZ format as a solution to this problem, which was repeatedly awarded and continues in
full force to be used by various administrations and data distribution projects and can be
integrated seamlessly with the new open data initiatives (such as the Catalan government:
http://dadesobertes.gencat.cat/). The paper analyzes the integration mechanisms of the MMZ
format with OGC standards, their advantages and disadvantages, and suggests lines to
generalize its use in open formats and standards.
Keywords: dataset, service, standard.
Jornadas Ibéricas de Infraestructuras de Datos Espaciales -JIIDE
2011.
Abstract
52.
Spanish
version
available
at:
http://idee.es/resources/presentaciones/JIIDE11/Resumen-52.pdf
How to cite:
Masó J, Pons X (2011) La IDE de los datos. MMZ: Presente y futuro del
estándar de facto para la distribución de datos multiparte integrado en
servicios OGC. Jornadas Ibéricas de Infraestructuras de Datos Espaciales JIIDE
2011,
Barcelona
(España).
Available
at
http://idee.es/resources/presentaciones/JIIDE11/Resumen-52.pdf. English translation at
http://grumets.uab.cat/docs/JIIDE2011AbstractMMZ.doc.