Position of Geo-information

From Geostandards

An architecture – also called Enterprise Architecture – describes the organisation-wide cohesion using several sub architectures, such as Business Architecture, Information Architecture, Application Architecture and Technical Infrastructure Architecture. For each sub category of architecture we look at the following aspects:

• Why? Here we look at the context
• What? This gives a description of the situation at a conceptual level
• How? A logical solution is drawn up
• With what? We look for possible solutions on a physical level
• When? The path of transformation from the present situation to the future and the desired situation is worked out in detail.

The particular sub architectures and facets that are distinguished depends more or less on which architecturalframework or – which schools work with them; (there are various frameworks such as DYA, IAF, TOGAF, Dragon1, GEA). In the figure below the architectural framework of the Dutch e-government reference architecture is described NORA. Management and security are facets of the Reference Architecture.

The sub architectures are created under the conditions of - the facet safety (security) and efficient management. This way the Reference Architecture creates an extensive overview of all the aspects mentioned above. This aspect focuses on the fundamentals necessary for cohesive decision-making at the interface between business and IT. Because an aerial view is used to gain insight into the cohesion and relationships within the organisation of the e-government or organisation (Enterprise Architecture) it becomes possible to make optimal use of the development both on business and technological levels. The framework that is shown in the Enterprise Architecture is used as a guideline for the further elaboration of the architecture of the provision of geo-information.

Because of the interrelated nature of geo-information and the possibilities it has in the many diverse domains of application, geo-information is considered as a facet of the architecture as well (the same as security and management). The figure above shows that geo-information is given as a facet or profile of the Enterprise Architecture of the American federal government (CIO Council).

Geo-information and NGII as a facet or profile of an Enterprise Architecture holds a specific position within the framework. It is not necessary for all the parts of an architectural framework to have a specific geo-information or NGII content. The figures, aspects of the NGII are ‘mapped’ on two architectural frameworks, that of NORA and IAF (Cap Gemini).

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