EDCS Tutorial
The EDCS is the means for identifying the classification and characteristics of environmental objects. Designed as a standalone technology, it unifies the characterization of environmental "things“ regardless of the method by which such "things" are represented (e.g., as polygons, features, etc.) or whether they are cast as individual primitives or structured collections. This tutorial introduces the concept of a coding specification, how it is applied to environ-mental data, and the major environmental coding methods currently in use. It reviews how the structure and function of the EDCS standard covers all domains of the environment, and how EDCS relates to other coding methods. Examples from various environmental domains are provided. The use of the International System of Units (SI) for specifying measures in the EDCS is discussed. Use of EDCS within the SEDRIS Data Representation Model is described, and mappings between the EDCS and external environmental coding specifications are examined.
Those desiring to define the semantics of environmental data (the environmental "things" and what they "mean"), either as data providers, or data consumers, or both. Both project managers and technical implementers will benefit from this tutorial.
Knowledge of other existing taxonomies or standards on environmental classification and attribution will be useful, but is not a pre-requisite. Prior knowledge of other SEDRIS technologies is not required, however, knowledge of the Data Representation Model (DRM) will be helpful.
The attendee will learn about both the current implementation, and the target standardization, of the EDCS. Related standards and coding methods will be discussed as a starting point, providing a reference for mapping to/from other coding systems. The current EDCS implementation, and its evolution, will be covered in order to assist the attendee in preparing to use the EDCS within their domain and ensuring that ongoing EDCS developments can be taken into account in project planning. Mechanisms for elaborating the EDCS will be defined and attendees encouraged to get involved in extending the EDCS to meet their application requirements.