GSB 7.0 Standardlösung

Data Management and Data Processing (Main Topic 401)

How can data exchange and data use be facilitated?

The participating institutions within the BMDV Network of Experts possess a multitude of data sets, e.g. on climate or traffic, offering enormous potential to generate new knowledge based, for instance, on interdependencies between different metrics. In order to take advantage of the various data sets the scientists explore how to process them in the best possible way to facilitate further analyses and identify analytical methods exhibiting promising characteristics.

Standardising data formats

Which data do transport authorities collect and which data formats do they use? These questions are dealt with by the main topic Data Management and Data Processing. The researchers develop a strategy and a shared vocabulary, thus enhancing the possibilities to exchange data between government agencies. One particular goal is to agree on a standardised format for the data sets. Previous achievements of national and international organisations, such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), are also considered in the main topic’s work. The diverse data sets comprise weather, gauge and remote sensing data, amongst others. Moreover, the experts explore options to synchronise data in order to facilitate analyses of various data sets, aiming at a standardisation of measuring units and comparable data quality evaluation criteria.

Unlocking data processing strategies

In a second step, the experts exploit state-of-the-art data processing technologies, such as “linked data”, “big data analytics“, “data mining” und “artificial intelligence” to read out overarching information from the data sets. The term “linked data” describes data that are interconnected with other data (sets), thus offering large potential for the BMDV Network of Experts’ research efforts. This sort of data storage will be implemented in an appropriate database (Triplestore) on a test basis. “Big data” and “smart data” refer to very large, fast moving, complex data sets comprising different types of data and to related approaches of machine recognition of patterns and filtering solutions for those data. On a test basis, the experts develop an IT infrastructure making these data sets available for further processing purposes, e.g. through “data mining”. The main topic also addresses the subject matter “artificial intelligence and machine learning” involving research on automated data analysis.

Cross-modal use of geodata and geotechnical data

Another data category that is of interest to the transport carriers railroads, roads and waterways are geotechnical data disclosing the characteristics of the subsurface of structures (building ground). Geotechnical data can be exchanged via a format defined by the GeoValML (Geotechnical Value Markup Language). The scientists involved in the main topic Data Management and Data Processing explore the basic need for a cross-modal platform to exchange and process geodata within the BMDV Network of Experts. Subsequently they will build a demonstrator for the cross-modal use of GeoValML and draft a concept for the application of GeoValML. A cross-modal approach is also pursued in the context of geodata use. The objective of the main topic is to develop a web-based geodata platform featuring an analysis tool.

Strengthening ties

With its interdisciplinary profile the main topic Data Management and Data Processing is highly relevant for each of the expert tasks carried out by the BMDV Network of Experts. By integrating the data sets and needs of the participating institutions and topic areas this main topic fosters networking within the BMDV Network of Experts. The researchers also consider preliminary works of national and international organisations, such as Open Geospatial Consortium, ISO, the UN and the EU, and cooperate with the University of Cologne. The main topic thus plays a vital role in establishing state-of-the-art analysis and data storage procedures in the agencies participating in the BMDV Network of Experts and subsequently also in scientific institutions beyond the Network.

Coordination:

Markus Reinhardt
German Centre for Rail Traffic Research at the Federal Railway Authority
ReinhardtM@dzsf.bund.de

Participating institutions:

  • BfG
  • BAW
  • DZSF/EBA