Features

Conceptual requirements of the Geoportal

• Visibility Users have the ability to discover the existence of data and information because all data assets are published or “made visible” by providing metadata to describe the asset.
• Accessibility The ability to access, visualize, query and download tabular data and geospatial information from a web-based GIS service. Data assets are published or made available for access to users or applications, except when limited by policies, regulations or security issues.
• Understandable Users and applications can understand the published data in order to determine how the data may be used for their specific needs, both structurally and semantically.
• Interoperable Services need to be in place that allow for exchanges of data between formats and through interfaces that are predefined and compatible for data exchange. Metadata are available to facilitate conversion and/or migration of data between interfaces.
• Standardization The data published by the services need to be implemented according to data standardization processes, which clearly describe data structure, ownership, permissions and user access.
• Open The distribution of data should follow industry-standard open data guidelines for timely and convenient access to data.
• Trusted Users are able to review and determine data sources as needed.
• Privacy The processing of confidential data must be in accordance with each dataset’s privacy requirements. No transfer of data to third-parties will occur without the appropriate authorization and necessary processing.
• Versatile The ability to quickly integrate relevant, valid and reliable information into thematic projects that can be adapted for different purposes. For example: water resources, the environment, energy, transport, telecommunications, health, security, public safety, education and immigration.
• Bilingual The use of languages (English and Spanish) within the application that is understandable to users on both sides of the U.S./Mexico border.
• Efficient Access to data, information and tools in a timely, secure and efficient manner by users with different access permissions.
• Flexible The technology used to develop the Geoportal must be flexible and scalable, and the payment of commercial licenses will be avoided if at all possible.
• Security The technological infrastructure of the Geoportal will include a security framework for the protection of users, data and information. All published data will be distributed securely, and authorizations, level of security and dataset history will be clearly identified and documented.

Main features

• Low cost All the components of the Geoportal will be developed exclusively with free software and open source technology, which will allow for zero licensing costs for the project.
• GIS as a Web Service Content will be accessed interactively through a web-based interface. Usage will not require specialized knowledge in computing or geographic information systems, as the user interface will be intuitive and simple. The Portal will provide a suite of tools to integrate, manage, visualize, consult, analyze, edit and download geographic data and tabular information.
• Design based on user needs Geoportal design and content will be guided and validated by experts. As a customizable stand-alone application, the Geoportal will have the capacity to be scalable so that functionality can be modified based on user needs.
• No plugins required The Geoportal will be usable from internet browsers without having to install plugins for use.
• User Profiles Management Based on user type and interest, roles can be defined by configuring restrictions and permissions for accessing tools and content.
• An international, bilingual, multi-scalar, geographic data model A robust model that includes existing data related to high-priority issues of interest to a large number of users.
• Data Warehouse storage schema This schema will be used as a basis for the design of the Geoportal.
• Best Practices Development of the Geoportal will consider best practices in software engineering, enterprise architecture and data governance, and will include rigorous quality assurance/quality control standards.