Sharing Geographic Information on the Internet – Icimod’s Metadata/data Server System Using Arcims

The developments in Internet Mapping technology such as ArcIMS has leveraged to publish potential geographic and associated information through the Internet. To take advantage of this, an integrated Metadata/Data Server System has been designed and developed with an aim to provide a platform to share databases and metadata residing in ICIMOD and its GIS partners and stakeholders through the Internet. The system includes a Metadata Editor for customized entering and viewing metadata. The editor has been developed using Visual Basic and ArcObjects (metadataEdit interface) and integrated within the ArcCatalog (ArcGIS) environment. It has an easy-to-use interface that is targeted to the groups in the region who need only basic but relevant information. A custom XSL stylesheet has also been created to display the metadata information pertinent for MENRIS. The Metadata Search Engine allows the users to look for the available data by using keywords or by defining an area of interest on the map. The system helps in organising, documenting and sharing geographic data in the region. Its potential will be realized when all ICIMOD partners in the region will join together to publish their data and metadata using the system. Such a network will make it possible for a user to know about any existing geographic information in the HKH region, an important step towards realising the vision of a Regional Geographic Information Infrastructure.