Re: PostgreSQL + PostGIS - "mining" FGDC metadata of GIS datasets

Kasia,

Thank you...

Sorry for not explaining myself very well...

The data is in the ESRI geodatabase format using the FGDC-compliant
metadata tools that are part of 'your' software to generate the metadata
- that is, already done and will be maintained by ESRI software users...

I want to write some 'code' to loop through all of these metadata
'components' of the geodatabase, "mine" it, and put the textual data
into a PostgreSQL data table (via a template) - including putting the
matching spatial data *extents* from the metadata into a simple PostGIS
'rectangle' that is part each record...

On the web page the user could then use a web map to see what spatial
data is available in their area of interest and get info about it - say
with a topo map, NAIP imagery, Google imagery, whatever to allow them to
orientate themselves...

I would like the process, once established, to be as automated as
possible - that is, if the ESRI-software user changes, adds or deletes
its metadata 'components' of the course of their work, then the
PostgreSQL table/'app' would "see" these change/s and 'automagically'
change its own contents to sync... (aka a nightly 'batch file'?)

Later, *maybe*, the web server could show the *actual* data on a web map
and/or allow download of the spatial data in some form - but to be
honest, why reinvent the wheel, just get a copy of ArcGIS server and set
it up! :-) (for now, "the wheel" is not in the budget!)

Regards,
GREG COCKS
gcocks(at)stoller(dot)com

-----Original Message-----
From: Kasia Tuszynska [mailto:ktuszynska(at)esri(dot)com]
Sent: Tuesday, January 20, 2009 11:59 AM
To: Greg Cocks
Cc: PostgreSQL List - Novice
Subject: RE: [NOVICE] PostgreSQL + PostGIS - "mining" FGDC metadata of
GIS datasets

Hi Greg,
You mentioned that your data is in the "ESRI geodatabase" format, if it
is stored in the PostGIS datatype called geometry then you will be able
to use the data in the open source software stack that you are
proposing.

The data being recognized a geodatabase does not have any bearing on
your ability to use it with open source stack, as long as the type in
which it resides is understood by PostGIS.

Sincerely,
Kasia

-----Original Message-----
From: pgsql-novice-owner(at)postgresql(dot)org
[mailto:pgsql-novice-owner(at)postgresql(dot)org] On Behalf Of Bob McConnell
Sent: Monday, January 19, 2009 4:25 PM
To: Greg Cocks
Cc: PostgreSQL List - Novice
Subject: Re: [NOVICE] PostgreSQL + PostGIS - "mining" FGDC metadata of
GIS datasets

Greg Cocks wrote:
> Hello,
>
> I am looking in to building a web site with PostgreSQL, PostGIS,
> MapServer, and OpenLayers so users can access an online catalogue of
> what GIS data is available within an organisation - spatially,
> temporally and/or with other criteria.
>
> Most the existing data in ESRI geodatabases and "so forth"...
>
> I am new to a lot (most!) of this, so was hoping for advice on:
>
> (i) does this seems like a 'reasonable approach'? (and I know I have
> only described it broadly)
>
> (ii) can it be made flexible enough? (esoteric question I know), and
>
> (iii) is this a "big job" for me, a relative newbie as mentioned?

Hi Greg,

I am not sure how big a job it will be. Much of it depends on your other

background and experience. However, there are a couple of open source
GIS projects already underway that could give you some ideas, or even
some code you can start with. As long as you don't plan to sell it as
your own invention, most of the OSS licenses would allow you free reign.

Who knows, you might get good enough to contribute improvements back to
those projects. There are search functions on Google, Sourceforge and
Freshmeat that should point you in the right direction.

There are also a number of APRS (Amateur Position Reporting Service)
systems around. I am not sure what the difference is, but I believe they

use a lot of the same information.

Bob McConnell
N2SPP