Re: 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