Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
in various databases and information systems, and in different locations,
accessible by some or all staff. The existence of some data may only be
known to the people involved in their creation. All data are georeferenced -
linked to geographic locations ranging from the whole park network to
individual parks or a location within a park. The data archive however is
not used as effectively as it could, and the data are not always readily
accessible when needed for decision making.
This paper reports on a research project that is developing a methodology
for providing access to this data archive through the concept of a
geo-
knowledge tool
as a data interface. The research project regards a geo-
knowledge tool (GKT) to be a digital information or knowledge system
providing access to the data in part based on their geographic links. The
GKT design is being undertaken with use of contemporary Web 2.0
concepts and Web based applications, and apart from data access will also
allow for data storage, capture and visualisation.
The research project is part of an overarching interdisciplinary research
project being undertaken at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia
under the umbrella of
Affective Atlas
(Cartwright et al. 2008). PV is a col-
laborator on both research projects.
The paper first outlines related background information - aspects of Web
2.0, the geographic relevance and a summary of knowledge systems -
before iterating the overall objective. The next section outlines the methods
and approach that are being applied, including the consideration of alternative
data sources and the use of a case study. This is followed by initial results
of some research tasks thus far: fire management information require-
ments, alternative data sources, and a park visitor survey. As the research
project is still underway, the final section gives a preliminary conclusion
before outlining the future direction.
2- Background
The GKT will include Web 2.0 concepts and is a
geo
tool. Hence elements
of Web 2.0 and the geographic relevance need to be explained so as to
better understand underlying theories applied. A summary of knowledge
systems links it to the proposed GKT - a collaborative, geographically
orientated knowledge system.
