Geo-Web Services and New Exchange Formats to Develop Future Services Supporting Climate Change Adaptation Measures

Abstract

Climate change and a rising number of extreme weather events increase the demand for regional climate adaptation concepts. Consequently, the need for supporting the development of such concepts, for example through the usage of digital climate services, is growing. In particular, the adequate use of geospatial data and Web services could accompany actors in the development and primarily in the implementation of climate adaptation measures. The paper describes the potential of current geo-Web services and innovative data exchange formats for future climate services. The hypothesis is to determine whether the use of innovative exchange formats and interoperable geo-Web services can contribute to an increase of quality and an expanded usage of Web services during the definition of regional climate adaptation measures. Aiming at the verification, or falsification, of this hypothesis, various investigations were and are being carried out. They are embedded in a research project, focusing on climate adaptation measures in small river catchments. Initial results suggest that the hypothesis can be confirmed. It will be tested based on the development of innovative climate services aimed at producing maps that inform users about erosion vulnerabilities in two exemplary catchments. Resulting findings will be presented, and conclusions are drawn.