Synchronisation of "Work Processes" vs. "Geo-information", a RWS case

Abstract

The main research questin is: Which geographic data sets can support the need of information regarding the work processes 'Maintenance of the Highway Network' at the Dienstkring and what level of quality of the geographic data is necessary. The current situation at the Directorate-General increases the complexity of the research question. Commonly organizations with stable processes (and need of information) are preferred to investigate the need of information. At the Directorate the situation is more dynamic, because of reorganization. Therfore the role of the Dienstkring and their appoaches and procedures, regarding maintenance, are changing. Also new instrument, performance contracts (also called innovative contracts), has to be uesed to control maintenance of the highway network. The fitnes of use of the geograpbic data sets is focused at the objects (including thematic attributes) stored in the data set and the quality parameters: geometric accuracy and up-to-dateness. The need of information according to the users is presented in Object Models. According to directives from the Head Office, performance contracts have to be used instead of traditional contracts. The need of information will be investigated while using traditional contracts as well as performance contracts. To control and structure the different problems, the Integrated Architecture Framework developed by Cap Gemini has been used. By stating the work processes regarding maintenance of the Highway Network at a detailed level, the need of information should become clear. The need of information is presented by different Object Models separated by the themes: Pavement, Traffic Requirements, Nature and Environment, Exploitation and Civil Infrastructures. Also distinction by traditional contract or performance contract has been made. These Object Models will be used to relate to the data sets (and applications). Besides the desired objects and quality parameters, also the functionality (operations) of the applications has been invested. The main research question should be answered from the perspective of a Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI). A SDI consists of four elements: policy and organization; geogrraphic data; technology to store, communicate and use geo-informatin; standards for description, exchange and relating geo-information. All these elements contain parts of the answer to create an optimal information supply. Only mentioning geographic data sets (with Object Models and quality parameters) wouldn't be useful. It can be concluded that usage of performance contracts requires a geographic data set with the characteristics of the Object Model presented in Supplement 19. Although only usage of this data set won't improve the information supply. Long term solutions require the developoment of a SDI. Starting with a SDI on RWS level (corporate SDI) and participation at an SDI on national level (National SDI) is recommended. Besides conclusions about the data sets also conclusions about the used method can be presented. Finally some recommendations are presented.