About this tutorial
The EDCS is the means for identifying the classification and characteristics of environmental objects. Designed as a standalone technology, it unifies the characterization of environmental "things" regardless of the method by which such "things" are represented (e.g., as surfaces, features, etc.), or whether they are cast as individual primitives or structured collections. The EDCS tutorial introduces the concept of a coding specification, how it is applied to environmental data, and the major environmental coding systems currently in use. It reviews how the structure and function of the EDCS standard covers all domains of the environment, and how EDCS relates to other coding systems. Examples from various environmental domains are provided. Use of EDCS within the SEDRIS Data Representation Model is described, and mappings between the EDCS and external environmental coding specifications is described.
Those desiring to define the semantics of environmental data (the environmental "things" and what they "mean"), either as data providers, data consumers, or both. Both project managers and technical implementers will benefit from this tutorial.
Knowledge of other existing taxonomies or standards on environmental classification and attribution is helpful. Prior knowledge of other SEDRIS technologies is not required, however, prior attendance at either the "Introduction to SEDRIS for Managers" or "SEDRIS - The Technology Components" tutorial is recommended.
The attendee learns about both the current implementation, and the target standardization, of the EDCS. Related standards and coding conventions are discussed as a starting point for the attendee developing mappings to/from coding systems they may be currently using. Planned developments of the EDCS are addressed in order to assist attendees in preparing to use the EDCS within their domain and ensuring that ongoing EDCS developments can be taken into account in project planning. Mechanisms for elaborating the EDCS are defined, and attendees are encouraged to get involved in extending the EDCS to meet their project requirements.