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The IUGS commission for the Management and Application of Geoscience Information
(CGI) established an initiative to develop a harmonized geoscience data model and
exchange format based on GML (Geography Mark-up Language), referred to as
GeoSciML (GeoScience Mark-up Language). This development incorporates several
novel aspects in design of the data model and transfer format as well as the technical
procedures involved in their creation. The data model working group has had three face
to face meetings: Perth AU, December, 2004, Ottawa CA, August, 2005, and Orleans FR,
April 2006. In the course of these meetings, and through online collaboration using a
TWIKI (https://www.seegrid.csiro.au/twiki/bin/view/CGIModel), the group has
developed a GML schema (GeoSciML v.1.1) that is being used as the framework for
implementing a demonstration (TestBed2) to be presented at a workshop at the IAMG
meeting, early September, 2006, in Liege, Belgium. Participants in the demonstration will
include BGS, USGS, SGU, GA, GSV, BRGM, GSC, AZGS, and will demonstrate the
delivery of geological map data from a variety of national and state geological surveys
using Open GIS Consortium (OGC) Web Mapping Services and Web Feature Services.
The exchange of complex data objects will be of relevance to a wide user community
outside of the geosciences.
The working group has identified two documents that are required. First, a technical
specification document, ready for evaluation and formal adoption through CGI approval
process. This document will formally define the GeoSciML markup as a GML
application, following patterns used by the OGC for specification documents. Secondly, a
useable reference implementation document is necessary to guide new users in system
development. This document would include example instance documents, server
implementation details, and best practice guidelines. This specification and reference
implementation documentation needs to be published for use by the international
geoscience community to enable online interchange of geoscience information.
Publication by the IUGS will lend authority to the specification, promoting its
acceptance, and increase the visibility of the IUGS as an important resource for
development and dissemination of online geoscience information.
Production of these documents will require resources above and beyond those available
to the working group participants through normal programmatic funding channels.
Assistance from an organization like IUGS is appropriate because development of
community documents in support of an international interoperability effort is beyond the
national purview of participating organizations. The working group will require support
for time to write and edit the technical documentation, and expenses for at least one face
to face meeting to finalize the package.
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Deliverables will include:
 Technical specification of GML application schema (GeoSciML)
 GML schema
 UML diagrams presenting the logical model, implemented using a UML profile
designed to map into a GML implementation.
 XML instance documents
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Text documentation describing the conceptual and physical data models,
Text documentation describing implementation details of participating agencies.
Schedule
Version 1.1 design and implementation will be finalized by the end of May, 2006 in
preparation for test bed demonstration in September.
Technical design of test beds platforms must be complete in time for test bed
demonstration at IUGS, Liege, Belgium, early September, 2006. Formal documentation
production will begin at this point.
Formal documentation ready for submission for to initiate evaluation and formal adoption
by CGI IUGS, June, 2008.
Requested support
We estimate that document production will cost on the order of $40,000 for salary and
travel expenses.
History
The project was established following a November 2003 meeting (Edinburgh) attended
primarily by representatives of geological surveys. A workshop in Perth, Australia, (6-10
December, 2004) resulted in
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establishing a methodology and toolkit,
making a preliminary selection of components from existing sources, and
setting up work teams, with a schedule of deliverables during 2005.
A second workshop meeting followed IAMG, held in Ottawa, Canada in August 2005.
Results included
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Finalization of content model for test bed development
Establishment of test bed objectives and time table
Selection of test bed technology (WMS, WFS)
A third workshop in Orleans, France was held to review progress and preliminary results
of test bed development. Results include
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Addition of significant detail to use-cases for test bed to facilitate implementation
Review and editing of model based on test bed development
Review of encoding and interoperability problems identified to date, with
solutions where possible.
Updated development plan.
Progress report on development: IAMG in Toronto, August 2005.