SOFIA - Geospatial Interface

A geospatial interface will be developed using ArcIMS software. The interface will provide a means of accessing information stored in the SOFIA database and the SOFIA data exchange web site through a geospatial query. The spatial data will be served using the ArcSDE software, which provides a mechanism for storing spatial data in a relational database. A spatial database will be developed from existing data sets, including national USGS data sets, the Florida Geographic Digital Library, and other available data sets. Additional data sets will be developed from the published data sets available from PBS and other projects.

The South Florida restoration effort requires multidisciplinary information relating to present and historical conditions for use in responsible decision-making. The South Florida Information Access (SOFIA) database is the cornerstone of information management for the South Florida place-based science program. Currently, the SOFIA web site and database have a minimal geospatial interface which relies on the Geo-Data Explorer (GeoDE) system developed by the USGS Energy Resources Program in Reston. A geospatial interface using currently available commercial software (ArcIMS) is needed to develop a more easily maintained and user-friendly interface. Developing an interface that is directly connected to the SOFIA website and database will provide a more stable long term solution to providing a geospatial interface.