Designing a generic user interface for distribution of open geodata : based on FME server technology

Abstract: There are currently numerous web services that provide the user with the opportunity to download geodata. These services are often different regarding what type of data they provide and the way they distribute the data. Another aspect that differs between these services is if the download of geodata is free of charge (open) or subject to a fee. There is currently a trend in the society striving towards more and better public access to open geodata. Hence, the number of open geodata distribution services on the web will increase. Considering the expected future of open geodata and open geodata distribution services, it is of high importance for the society to be able to establish numerous new download services in a short amount of time. In this project, a generic user interface is developed that with slight modifications can be used in several different types of open geodata distribution systems. One goal is to design and develop the user interface in a way that makes it applicable in many future projects. A number of available open geodata distribution services are studied and analyzed to be able to draw some conclusions regarding the best way to manage and distribute open geodata. Different services present different features and opportunities to assist the user in finding the wanted data sets. Some different components, user parameters, and download processes of the studied services are described and compared. Furthermore, the open geodata situation of different countries is discussed, as well as the consequences that can follow a release of open geodata. A proper design of any type of interactive product is essential, not only for pure aesthetic reasons but also for the usability of it. When developing a web application the main goal should be to improve efficiency for the user. The concept of user-centered design is to take the user into account in every part of the development. Considerations regarding usability and user centered design have to be taken during the implementation phase of this project to reach the goal of a user-friendly design and efficient download procedure. Based on feedback from the application, the user should know what to do now, but also in the next step. In this study, a generic user interface for open geodata distribution is developed. The design of the user interface is based on the comparative study of open geodata portals and on general design theories. The application was implemented in JavaScript and HTML. Developed application is considered generic since it can handle most data types and any combination of user parameters. It is working properly, and the system can because of its generic nature be used to establish many new open geodata distribution services in the future. According to a number of test persons, the application is simple and self-explanatory. The application thereby satisfies the goal of a generic and user-friendly design. This project is conducted in cooperation with Sweco Position AB in Malmö.