An image and multimedia database for Tren Urbano : application to technology transfer programs

Abstract

Information systems can be expected to play a major role in urban infrastructure projects that require technology transfer. The volume of information that is addressed and the greatly increased accessibility to that information via the Internet make information systems many times more desirable than traditional forms of paper exchange or hard-copy warehousing. As technologies continue to grow and expand, it is becoming more feasible for laypersons to switch to database management solutions for handling vast stores of information. These solutions have become much easier to manage, more intuitive to design, and less costly and burdensome to implement. With a minimum of expertise these days, anyone can learn to manage a database and operate an information system over the Internet. The subject of this thesis is a simple database management system - called a "Spatial Database" - designed to support the Tren Urbano Technology Transfer Program. The Spatial Database allows instant publishing of spatial information (images and multimedia) and student research reports over the Internet. Its objectives are to improve communications and information exchange between Tren Urbano and the community; students at the University of Puerto Rico and MIT in the Professional Development Program; and students from both universities and Tren Urbano contractors and consultants. Open distribution benefits each group by providing immediate access to valuable information as it is captured and recorded about the Project in the field. This information is necessary to understanding Tren Urbano's unique history and set of issues involving its construction and daily operations. Freely distributed information over the Internet is of more use to the Technology Transfer Program in its efforts to transfer knowledge than if it were to remain undistributed (or distributed to a much lesser extent).