GIS-use in urban administrations. A new spatial reference system for Düsseldorf

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

1.1 Structure

1.2 Objective

1.3 Limitations

2. Course of Investigation

2.1 Definitions

2.2 Methodology

3. Spatial Reference Systems in Urban Administration

3.1 MERKIS Recommendation

3.2 GIS in Düsseldorf

3.2.1 MapInfo

3.2.2 Structure of Düsseldorf’s GIS

3.3 GIS in other Municipalities

3.3.1 Stuttgart

3.3.2 Wuppertal

3.3.3 KRZN – Communal Computing Centre Lower-Rhine Region

3.3.4 Vienna

4. Requirements in Düsseldorf

4.1 Tasks to carry out in the selected Department

4.2 Requirements concerning GIS

4.3 Problems in Departments

5. Possible System Improvements

5.1 Exemplary System Components

5.1.1 Shared Network-Graphs

5.1.2 Geo-Data Warehouse

5.1.3 Development and Implementation of individual Functionalities

5.2 Obstacles concerning the Realisation Process

6. Conclusions and Recommendations

Objectives & Core Topics

The primary objective of this work is to assess the complex GIS landscape within Düsseldorf's urban administration and to formulate recommendations for systemic improvements, specifically by leveraging successful models from other municipalities and insights from expert interviews.

• Analysis of existing GIS structures and inter-departmental workflows in Düsseldorf.
• Evaluation of the MERKIS recommendation as a standard for communal information systems.
• Benchmarking GIS implementations in Stuttgart, Wuppertal, the Lower-Rhine Region, and Vienna.
• Identification of core obstacles such as data heterogeneity, lack of interoperability, and maintenance challenges.
• Proposal of optimization strategies including shared network graphs and geo-data warehouse concepts.

Book Excerpt

Summary of Chapters

1. Introduction: This chapter highlights the increasing necessity of GIS in German urban administrations and introduces the specific challenges regarding data diversity and quality in Düsseldorf.

2. Course of Investigation: The author details the research methods employed, including interviews with experts in Düsseldorf, Vienna, and the KRZN, and provides key definitions for GIS-related terminology.

3. Spatial Reference Systems in Urban Administration: An overview is given of the MERKIS recommendation and the diverse GIS implementation strategies observed in various German and Austrian municipalities.

4. Requirements in Düsseldorf: This section investigates the operational tasks of the traffic planning department and highlights critical functional requirements and existing limitations within the current GIS setup.

5. Possible System Improvements: The author evaluates potential enhancements, such as shared network graphs and geo-data warehouses, while addressing the significant obstacles to the realization process.

6. Conclusions and Recommendations: The final chapter summarizes findings and provides pragmatic recommendations for upgrading Düsseldorf’s GIS by focusing on incremental improvements rather than full-scale system replacements.

Keywords

GIS, Urban Administration, Düsseldorf, Spatial Reference Systems, MERKIS, Data Interoperability, Geo-Data Warehouse, Traffic Planning, Municipal Infrastructure, Digital Mapping, Data Consistency, Meta-Database, Information Management, Urban Planning, System Integration

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core focus of this research?

The research examines the implementation and usage of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) within the urban administration of Düsseldorf, identifying current structural issues and exploring improvement strategies based on external benchmarks.

Which thematic areas are covered?

The work covers GIS terminology, municipal spatial reference standards (MERKIS), comparative studies of GIS in other cities, user requirements, and technical challenges like system compatibility and data maintenance.

What is the primary research goal?

The primary goal is to provide actionable recommendations for improving Düsseldorf's fragmented GIS environment, specifically by addressing issues in inter-departmental data exchange and systemic integration.

Which scientific methodology is applied?

The author utilizes a qualitative approach, combining literature review with problem-oriented, semi-structured interviews conducted with employees involved in GIS management across several administrations.

What topics are discussed in the main body?

The main body focuses on the current state of GIS in Düsseldorf, detailed requirements from traffic management departments, and an analysis of how other cities solve similar integration problems.

How is the work characterized by keywords?

The work is defined by terms such as interoperability, spatial reference, municipal geo-data infrastructure, and administration-specific technical requirements.

What are the specific challenges of the system in Düsseldorf?

The system is described as extremely heterogenic and complex, suffering from imprecision in spatial reference, dated software, lack of common data standards, and difficult inter-departmental communication.

Why are meta-databases considered important for improvement?

Meta-databases are proposed as a crucial, low-cost solution to improve transparency and data usage across departments, helping users locate and understand the quality and purpose of available geo-data.