The Aeronautical Geotopographic Information Centre is enhancing its operational capabilities in the cartographic field
The aim is to overcome the stringent constraints of the geographical information managed by CIGA, both in terms of the native formats handled and in terms of sharing with other bodies and institutions. The architecture discussed (based on the cutting-edge technologies proposed by CNR) and its related modules implement, in fact, an SDI (Spatial Data Infrastructure) which first of all decouples geographical data – in the disparate formats in use – from the applications that allow them to be used, through the introduction of servers capable of enabling the delivery of mapping services according to protocols standardised at an international level (cf. Open Geospatial Consortium). This is not only for the use and consumption of CIGA, but also towards third-party organisations, such as other Defence General Staff centres.
Furthermore, the platform includes a Web-GIS application, which allows most operations to be carried out regardless of location, using a simple browser and without having to install any special software. Finally, with this application, as already experienced during the management of the earthquake emergency in L’Aquila and subsequently the G8 held in the same location, it is also possible to jointly use multiple information layers provided, according to a federated model, by bodies and institutions (military and civil) other than CIGA. With the aforementioned interoperable platform, the Air Force Geographic Information System (SIGA) distributed across the network will therefore be created, featuring a single access geoportal. This will enable the essential sharing and exchange of digital information in real time for the construction of effective and coherent situational awareness.
All without infrastructure costs (software licences, web hosting contracts, specialist hardware), dealing solely with the necessary start-up, training and educational costs.
