Standards-based methodology for developing a geoscience markup language Simon Cox Research Scientist 9 August 2008

CSIRO IEI07402L Cox Standards-based methodology Outline The issue Example: GeoSciML Re-use and delegation patterns Summary

CSIRO IEI07402L Cox Standards-based methodology The issue

CSIRO IEI07402L Cox Standards-based methodology Transfer format methodology Typical markup language strategy: Manually crafted schema Implicit data model from existing db or processing service Ad-hoc xml patterns Single use-case  no interoperability A better way Model-driven design, standards-based methdology

CSIRO IEI07402L Cox Standards-based methodology GeoSciML as exemplar

CSIRO IEI07402L Cox Standards-based methodology GeoSciML A language for exchange of geoscience information Scope: interpreted geology and supporting observations MappedFeature, GeologicUnit, GeologicStructure, Geologic timescale, Borehole, Outcrop, Observation, etc i.e. information required to maintain geologic maps

CSIRO IEI07402L Cox Standards-based methodology MappedFeature – geologic map elements The map sheet Map polygons and lines Map legend c.f. NADM conceptual model

CSIRO IEI07402L Cox Standards-based methodology MappedFeature – use of standards ISO Feature Model ISO Geometry ISO Metadata OGC Sampling Model

CSIRO IEI07402L Cox Standards-based methodology Boreholes, specimens, outcrops, traverses ISO/OGC Sampling Model ISO/OGC Observation model

CSIRO IEI07402L Cox Standards-based methodology ISO/OGC Sampling Model ISO/OGC Coverage Model Borehole logs

CSIRO IEI07402L Cox Standards-based methodology Localization & delegation

CSIRO IEI07402L Cox Standards-based methodology Orderly delegation of responsibility CGI GeoSciML provides the data structure E.g. GeologicUnit is a kind of GeologicFeature with the properties “preferredAge”, “classifier”, “beddingPattern” etc Data providers use appropriate vocabularies and reference systems Interoperability levels: Schematic/model – common XML Schema GeoScML v2.0 - see other paper in this conference Semantic – common vocabularies

CSIRO IEI07402L Cox Standards-based methodology Example … GSNSW Mafic volcaniclastic sandstone, siltstone, shale, chert; minor limestone, conglomerate Kabadah Formation Ojck urn:cgi:feature:GA:Stratno:29570 published description typicalNorm urn:cgi:classifier:ICS:StratChart:2004:Ordovician unspecified … Most property values refer to registered concepts Common values  interoperability

CSIRO IEI07402L Cox Standards-based methodology Extensions Related communities building specializations on GeoSciML GroundWaterML GeochronML Mineral Occurrences ML

CSIRO IEI07402L Cox Standards-based methodology Governance delegation Understand the scope and reach of your community Only maintain the elements that are: a.important to you b.not governed by someone else Enable extensions to your model Publish re-usable components in http repository e.g. XMI of UML model; XML Schema Maintain your components in an orderly way Don’t cause surprises! Use the technology to support governance arrangements UML packages (XML namespaces) reflect system boundaries  discrete governance arrangements Markup conventions support late-binding of selected elements (esp. vocabularies and scales)

CSIRO IEI07402L Cox Standards-based methodology Summary

CSIRO IEI07402L Cox Standards-based methodology Key points Methodology for information communities to reach consensus Design stays close to conceptual level Use cross-domain components and standard applications Implementation enables delegation to appropriate authority  Enhanced interoperability GeoSciML is an example of a community agreement developed using a standards-based methodology Specialized schemas are being built on top of GeoSciML

CSIRO IEI07402L Cox Standards-based methodology Tony Cragg, Subcommittee, 1991 Governance IWG

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CSIRO IEI07402L Cox Standards-based methodology GeologicUnit

CSIRO IEI07402L Cox Standards-based methodology Tooling

CSIRO IEI07402L Cox Standards-based methodology Tooling to support standards-based approach UML for design, XML for transfer HollowWorld UML template Standard UML profile ISO components OGC Observation & Sampling components FullMoon XMI processor to automate XML schema documentation production GeoSciML documentation