GML-based interoperable geographical databases

Many geographical databases have been developed for different programs and applications, but data acquisition and data sharing are still a big problem because no interoperability exists among these different databases. This study presents a GML (Geography Markup Language) approach to build a geographical database in order to enable interoperability. As an open, non-proprietary industry standard, GML overcomes the problems of current GIS software proprietary data models and database structures. Compared with other standards, such as the Geographic Data File (GDF) and Spatial Data Transfer Standard (SDTS), the GML approach has the advantage of enabling on-line data exchange. GML holds promise in providing a standard way to share and use existing spatial data over the World Wide Web. A GML-based interoperable geographical database for the conservation of the Stone Forest Landscape is implemented as a case study. It shows how the public can access and use the GML-based spatial database through a user-friendly interface and that GML can deliver high quality vector data on the Web.