Virtual GIS laboratory as a tool for spatial data analysis

Abstract

Вased on UniHUB technology by ISP RAS, Web-laboratory (hub) for remote sensing data integration is currently being deployed. Huge amount of remote sensing data is currently available. Data are being gathered by separate researchers and scientific projects as well as by complex global databases of major international programs and information centers. Thus we observe broad migration of geographic data, services and applications to network environment, particularly to Internet. But our information system focuses not only on data collecting but mainly on creating problem-oriented community of scientists (i.e. experts, researchers, students) online. It provides a search mechanism for sources of spatial data via graphical interface, data access, web applications and training materials. In context of UniHUB our Web-laboratory exists as a user group. Anyone can easily contribute new materials to it as well as take advantage of assistance from competent colleagues. Cloud environment of UniHUB is used to solve geographic problems, such like handling of satellite images and digital elevation models by methods and techniques of spatial analysis and geomodeling in open source Quantum GIS. Currently our Web-laboratory is widely used among students. But we expect it to have much more applications such like assessments in the field of natural resources, state of environment etc.