Extension of Coding CEVNI Signs and Marking for European Waterways
This paper presents a new method of coding for signs and marking, which is based on the extension of signs and marking described in Annexes 7 and 8 of the European Code for Inland Waterways (CEVNI). Being members of three European expert groups, we have proposed these new codes of waterway signs and marking and recommend them for cases where they can be efficiently used. The main goal is to enable the use of these codes in databases, GIS systems and Web applications for efficient maintenance of waterway information. In addition, they will also contribute to international data exchange for creating standardised electronic messages described by ERI and NtS working groups. The intention is not to amend the existing coding from the Inland ECDIS Standard, which was developed for creation of Electronic Navigation Charts (ENCs). For example, the use of these new codes is tested through the Web GIS application for presentation of inland waterway signs and marking on the Danube River in Croatia. The application examples concern automatically generated reports on the position, characteristics and functioning of different waterway signs and river navigation marking located on the digital map.
The Concept of Dynamic Temporal and Spatial Data Presentations on the Web
Efficient data management requires a timely availability and completeness of information in the form acceptable for its efficient application. The concept of dynamic temporal and spatial data presentations on the Web has shown to be the best solution for satisfying such requirements. This concept has been applied in the development of an integrated Information system for temporal and spatial presentation of complex data [1]. The Information system possesses the main characteristics of both the Geographic Information System (GIS) and DataBase Management System (DBMS). Based on the performed GIS-DBMS integration, it is possible to analyze all the necessary types of information, so that presentations such as maps, statistical reports, time series diagrams and others could be obtained. In this paper, the most significant aspects of the development of the integrated Information system by using the Object-Oriented (OO) approach and modern technologies have been brought out. Attention is also paid to the description of its interactive dynamic Web application, which enables a timely availability of relevant temporal and spatial presentations. Examples of the Web application deal with the problems from the multidisciplinary field of environmental protection [1, 2].
Dynamic and XML-based river navigation maps for the Web
In this paper, an efficient generation of river navigation maps based on user input on the Web is described. XML-based approach can provide concepts and solutions to significantly improve the overall quality of the Web application relating to map maintenance, performance and usability problems. Therefore, dynamic map generation capabilities of the chosen Internet GIS are analyzed in order to optimize the application system architecture. The main principles and components of XML-based map generation are explained. Web application for efficient presentation of waterway signs and river navigation marks was developed by using the XML-based approach in agreement with the European Inland ECDIS standard for creation and exchange of digital maps. The application architecture is based on the three-tier client-server architecture for the Web. Detailed application flow procedures are described. The concrete application examples concern information about the position, characteristics and functioning of different waterway signs and river navigation marks. These activities are part of the Croatian programme for River Information Services (CRORIS).