Modeling distributed GIS data production workflow

Real-time access to status of project progress, control of production processes and activities, and automation of production procedures are major hurdles in further improving production throughput and project management in distributed GIS data production projects. Workflow technology promises to address these issues by facilitating, automating or controlling GIS data production processes. The success of applying workflow technologies to distributed GIS data production requires comprehensive understanding of the underlying production processes. This paper presents the first research effort on rigorously modeling distributed GIS data production workflows, with particular attention to a GIS data quality control process using the Internet-based workflow management technologies. Existing practices of distributed GIS data production projects are used as the essential sources for modeling the required workflow. The paper discusses some issues faced and concepts such as workflow process repository and GIS data QC testing program repository.