Abstract
 Expanding Access to Large Geospatial Repositories: Harvard's Center for Geographic Analysis Track: Database Design, Automation, and Management Author(s): Bonnie Burns, David Siegel The Harvard Geospatial Library is a catalog and repository of geospatial data (containing georeferenced historic maps, vector data and satellite imagery) that's continually expanded and enhanced. It has been identified as the foundation of a university-wide platform to support all areas of teaching and research using geospatial analysis. Faced with the expectations of a diverse user community, all aspects of the system must be extended to a broad array of applications and services without abandoning library roots. As the Center for Geospatial Analysis at Harvard gains momentum, we are tasked with synthesizing data from different sources (such as the Harvard MIT Data Center), providing community and user-specific interfaces to the repository, and capitalizing on open communications protocols. Enhancing existing access capabilities and developing new ways for client interaction are our top priorities. This paper outlines the challenges and approaches we've taken to address them. Bonnie Burns Harvard College Library Harvard Map Collection Pusey Library Cambridge , MA 02138 US Phone: 617-495-2417 E-mail: bburns@fas.harvard.edu David Siegel Harvard University Office for Information Systems 1280 Mass Ave Suite 404 Cambridge , MA 02138 US Phone: 6174953724 E-mail: dave_siegel@harvard.edu |
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