Nature conservation information system in Slovenia

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the construction of the nature conservation information system in Slovenia, into which all official and more detailed data related to nature conservation will be integrated. The existing databases are to be replaced by a single base, which will diminish the possibility of errors occurring in data production, collection and distribution. The arrangement of data is transparent, their accessibility simple. Website data editing is enabled.

Design/methodology/approach

On the basis of the existing databases analysis, an information system is constructed by the inverse engineering method. The database is organised per separate sets, where uniform codes are used. For web site users, the Nukleus graphical interface is built, which is connected with other information system components and enables web site data examination and processing.

Findings

A modularly composed information system has been built, which establishes a uniform database, enables interoperability between separate data sets, introduces uniform codes and standardisation of data organisation in the information sense. In the information system, the graphic and attributive data are interlinked, which enables a simplified data search, analysis and processing also via the web site with the aid of the so‐called Nukleus graphical interface. The information system modular scheme enables a simple improvement of the system with new data modules in the future.

Originality/value

The nature conservation information system in Slovenia is one of the first that enables web site editing of graphical and attributive data at the same time. It contributes to an easier accessibility of data, a better organisation of data, as well as a rationalisation of working processes associated with nature conservation data.

Citation

Petkovšek, M., Kačičnik Jančar, M. and Smolnikar, T. (2012), "Nature conservation information system in Slovenia", Management of Environmental Quality, Vol. 23 No. 5, pp. 566-577. https://doi.org/10.1108/14777831211255132