Abstract
A collaborative open-source IT infrastructure is designed and implemented to optimize the process of geological field data collection, integration, validation, and sharing. Firstly, field data collection is carried out by multiple users using free and open-source GIS-based tools for mobile devices according to a predefined database structure; then, data integration is automatically performed in a central server, where the collected geological information is stored and validated; finally, data are shared over the Internet, providing users with up-to-date information. The IT infrastructure is currently being employed to accomplish surveys for the realization of the “Brescia” geological map within the New Geological Map of Italy, scale 1:50,000 (CARG Project). Users are only required to run the field data collection application on their mobile devices, add different geometric features to predefined thematic layers and fill in the dialogue forms with the required information to store the new structured and georeferenced data in the central database. The major advantage of the proposed IT infrastructure consists of guaranteeing the operational continuity between field surveys and the finalization of geological or geothematic maps leveraging field data collection tools that are operational both online and offline to ensure the overall system resilience.
Highlights
Geological maps are, among others, strategic tools for territorial planning and sustainable environmental management
The aim of this study is to present an information technology (IT) infrastructure based on open-source geospatial technologies, which is designed to support the CARG project by enabling collaborative data collection, editing, validation, integration, and sharing
This study describes an open-source-software-based IT infrastructure which consists of two modules (GIS and data exchange and storage (DES) modules) to ease the entire process from data collection to map sharing within the CARG project
Summary
Geological maps are, among others, strategic tools for territorial planning and sustainable environmental management. The transition from traditional to digital technology-based approaches in geological and geothematic mapping has been made possible by increasingly accessible and user-friendly devices and applications, and their use is no longer just an option but a requirement. In Italy, the CARG (geological cartography) Project started in 1988 with the aim of improving the existing national geological map of Italy (at a scale of 1:100,000) and is currently carried out by ISPRA (Istituto Superiore Protezione Ricerca Ambientale—Institute for Environmental Protection and Research) in partnership with regional governmental agencies as well as research institutes and universities. The CARG project will provide 636 new geological and geothematic georeferenced maps, at a scale of 1:50,000, covering the entire national territory. The CARG project started in 1988 with a traditional approach to geological mapping, in the following years, a digital database, 4.0/)
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