Web Services

Web services are among the most important system design considerations that CANRI is involved with. It has been noted that a focus on web services is grounded in the increasing demand and opportunity to seamlessly integrate OpenGIS compliant Geospatial Web Services with other non-spatial infrastructure services.

Following is a summary guide to the work we are undertaking in this area.

User Needs Analysis

A small survey was conducted amongst CANRI's key user groups to test the priorities and perceptions of the CANRI framework within the context of web services.

Responses to User Requirements Questionnaire

OGC Web Services Testbed Sponsorship

CANRI was a sponsor of the Web Services Testbed 1.1. The OGCs Testbed methodology was employed to clarify and align the functional specifications for a web services pilot programme. The project report lists achievements and analysis.

OWS-CANRI Web Services: Final Status Report and Evaluation of Achievements

Technical Strategy Papers

Gathering the issues and opportunities into sharper focus, CANRI commissioned three small strategy papers: (requires password) Web Services Strategy Papers.

Web Feature Server Pilot Project

This initiative leveraged the testbed and strategy outcomes (above) to produce a working implementation of the OGC-WFS specification. The project sought to demonstrate:

1. the technical feasibility of standards-based interoperable access to cross-government natural resource data stores using the CANRI framework.
2. The feasibility of using this technical capability to present the data to users in a simple, useful and meaningful viewing application.

WFS Pilot Demonstration Site
WFS Pilot Presentation of Results
Web Feature Server (WFS) Pilot - contract brief

System Model Establishment

The technical complexity associated with the web services area suggests that a robust design and specification process would be beneficial.

CANRI is currently developing a UML model to describe the major systems associated with the framework. This model is being produced in Rational Analyst Studio, which involves the establishment of stereotypes, controlled value lists, and meaningful classes.

The resulting UML assets will be made available to other system designers. In this way, it is hoped that the System Model Establishment project will benefit any number of developers.

System Model Establishment: Project Brief
Draft CANRI Catalog Usecase document