Using OpenStreetMap to deliver location-based environmental information in Ireland

This paper outlines research work-in-progress on delivery of location-based services for environmental information in Ireland. A prototype web map service (WMS) is developed to deliver map-based environmental information using a specially customised version of the OpenStreetMap database. This WMS must deliver a location-based information package to the user: maps of the area that the user is viewing, key state-of-the-environment indicator information for that geographical area, and links to where the actual data and further environmental information can be obtained. This information package must be presented in a way that best matches the environmental preferences of the user. These preferences are derived from a set of 'user profiles' of potential users of the WMS. Software tools developed during this work to derive geospatial products from the OpenStreetMap database are described and some of our observations of working with OpenStreetMap are discussed. The paper closes with the likely directions for the continuation of this research