Supporting insular research and development through the ‘Archipelago’ information system

Abstract

Information systems play a crucial role in supporting decision-making for managing and administrating territories at different levels of authority. Unfortunately, most such information systems are not dedicated to or customized for the special needs imposed by islands. In this work we describe the design, implementation, and operation of the 'Archipelago' digital repository, an integrated information system for supporting island research and development. The main objectives of the system are the storage, documentation, and dissemination of any kind of data regarding islands, as well as the provision of cartographic facilities for searching, visualization, and comparison. The basic principle of the system is the ability to geographically designate any stored material. The system is compatible with the standards for digital information documentation and interoperability, and it is based on free and open-source software tools.

Papers from Islands of the World XIV conference, May 2016

“…These are emblematic cases of national identity formation, and the treatment of the topic by Farinelli highlights processes and results, providing a complete picture of the issues involved. Vaitis et al (2017) develop an information system infrastructure to facilitate spatial and non-spatial research for islands. Although following the different trends in digital infrastructures and interfaces is not always easy, it seems that 'depositories' (for storage, display and processing of data and information in different formats including video, but also maps) are tools that can assist access to research material that can be uploaded and used by individual researchers, institutions, administrations, etc.…”