Developing a data-sharing system for geospatial research: A case study on the Joint Research Assist System (JoRAS)

Abstract

This study demonstrates a framework for joint research at a university research center that supports research in the geospatial information sciences. Here we examine the improvements in an Internet-based spatial data infrastructure and data-sharing system through its long-term operation. In the original system for this framework (the Spatial Data Infrastructure System or SDIS), the purpose was to make accessing spatial data easier for academic researchers. However, after ten years of service, it was still experiencing challenges, such as increased human costs and inconveniences from its operation, which were no longer negligible. In response, the system was rebuilt in 2010 as a new Joint Research Assist System (JoRAS) by reviewing and changing its design to address the challenges. Two years after the establishment of the JoRAS, its effectiveness and the emerging challenges demanded further improvements. This study summarizes the challenges of the former SDIS and the improvements made to transform it into the new JoRAS. The user statistics and its interpretations are then presented. This case study provides a guide to scientists and practitioners who are designing similar systems.