XML / Python - Allows browser based forms and reports to interact directly with the relational database via the Internet.

Tables related to logical objects - that are represented by geometry (points, lines or polygons) - can be accessed and edited via XML in a browser. This will enable the maintenance of information about the logical object to be imbedded in existing work flows. While the geometry of a feature is maintained by GIS personnel, the information regarding that feature may be maintained by non GIS individuals using web based forms on their desktop.

This is going to be the crux of the biscuit in data integration!

Currently, some ASP is being used to make interactive forms and reports. However, all new development is utilizing XML and Python scripting. Among the reasons are:

1. ArcIMS map services are written in XML in the first place.
2. XML and Python are Open Source,
3. platform independent,
4. scaleable,
5. modular,
6. flexible,
7. powerful,
8. universally accepted and supported,
9. less inclined to become obsolete,
10. and free.

By migrating all browser based forms and reports to an XML platform, the Data Integration Project, as a regional resource model, can be easily to other regional resource centers as they are created.

Scripts will be made available as they are developed and released.