An object-oriented river information system (RIS) for WWW-access to distributed environmental data

A service-oriented approach for an open, scalable and generic River Informa tion System (RIS) is presented. In a brief introduction the requirements fo r such a distributed environmental information system (EIS) in this special field are given. They define the basics for an adequate conceptual and tec hnical system design, based on WWW technology and use of CORBA services. It is shown how and in which way public access and internal administrative da ta distribution restricts availability of data and system structure. The de veloped strategic approach leads to an overall system, which is transferabl e to other EIS. Embedding future needs to provide an elegant solution to in corporate ODBMS access and entries to workflow management systems MFMS). Di vision in several layers guaranties a maximum of flexibility and scalabilit y. Use of CORBA services drives the evolution of this EIS to a decentralise d data collection, storing and updating, which is essential for long-term e fficiency and user acceptance (keep data where it is collected). Data selec tion, handling and operations on data are performed by intelligent agents, operating on specified methods in an authorised environment (e.g. server, d ata, methods and user). The technological architecture of the system and th e implementation of selected components and features are described. It is p ointed out why such a system must be adaptable to present and future comman dments and how this can be realised under controlled conditions for a self- growing system. The complex and sensitive handling of data is highlighted b y an example. Some possible lines for WMFS access are given. The potential for automation, quality assurance and controlling is shown. To date, a comf ortable solution has been developed, that can be used by decision-makers, a dministration, industry, scientists and the general public to have access t o all environmental data related to rivers. The developed system can be ado pted to EIS for estuaries, channels for inland navigation and coastal regio ns. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.