Branch Library of the Research Institute of Geodesy, Topography and Cartography 250 66 Zdiby 98, tel. + 420 284 890 375, fax: + 420 284 890 056

This report of the year 2003 describes activities and results of the VÚGTK works. Individual areas are presented according to departments and realizing teames of the institute. Research and development departments of the VÚGTK are the following: Department of Geographic Information Systems and Cadastre of Real Estates, Branch Information Center including the library, the most complete branch library of surveying and cadastre in the Czech republic, Department of Geodesy and Geodynamics located at the Geodetic Observatory Pecný near Ondřejov, and Research Center for Earth´s dynamics. VÚGTK also involves Metrologic Center with accreditation for calibrating metrological works. In conclusion of the report some well-arranged annexes on publication and other activities of VÚGTK employees are added.

Goal of this annual report is to inform wide public of surveyors on results of activities of the Research Institute of Geodesy, Topography and Cartography (VÚGTK) during 2003. In this year the VÚGTK has accomplished its 50^th anniversary.

Also in this year the VÚGTK focused its attention to solving of research and elopment tasks connected to main activities of bodies and organisations of its founder i.e., the Czech Office for Surveying, Mapping and Cadastre (ČÚZK) and to systematic fulfilment of its own vision that sees its goal in strengthening the VÚGTK position as knowledge centre to branches of surveying and mapping, cadastre, geodesy and cartography to the branch of ČÚZK, to academic centres and to the private sector in the Czech Republic. During joining operation of the Czech Republic into the European Union the VÚGTK becomes gradually one of important contact and co-ordinating centres in the field of research and development and international expert activities related to geodesy, geodynamics, geographic information systems and cadastre of real estates and geodetic metrology in the frame of the European Research Area (ERA).

was continuing in development and program product adaptations of MicroGEOS family products oriented to creation and maintenance of digital cadastral maps according to actual requirements of the ČÚZK as resulted from the new legal regulations in the Cadastre of Real Estates and from operating the new Information System of the Cadastre of Real Estates (ISKN).

The MicroGEOS programmes represent nowadays an integrated system serving to updating by new mapping and by pre-processing the existing analogue maps into the uniform state co-ordinate system (S-JTSK). The new system makes use of descriptive information files of the Cadastre of Real Estates in the text format from the ISKN data base in the first place, raster files of existing cadastral maps and the files of co-ordinate registries. Thanks to new controls — the graphic as well as the text data — the MicroGEOS system contributes in an important extent to the ISKN quality of creation and updating. The VÚGTK was co-opted on the request of the ČÚZK to solving of the next stage of the ISKN upgrading.

took part also at solving tasks of the branch of Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic (Information System of Monuments of Culture) and Ministry of Environment of the ČR (Hydrologic Information System). In the frame of its economic activities co-operates on creation of programmes using ISKN information to state and autonomous administration bodies and to real estate evidence of firms.

The project "MicroGEOS Evolution and Upkeeping of the SM 5" to creation and maintaining the State Map 5000 that was tested and established to practical use at the Survey Office.

(surveying library, education, Internet www to users in and outside of branch) took again a step forward in information offered in electronic way. Retrospective digitizing of library catalogue was finished and real-time supply of digital catalogue started. There are preparation in progress on document to CD ROM "Surveying, Mapping and Cadastre IV, 2003 - 2004" by ODIS members. It will obtain a complex of very valuable actual and retrospective documents and will be edited to the 50^th anniversary of VÚGTK. ODIS organized also running courses and seminars to participants from and outside of the branch oriented to the cadastre of real estates, survey engineering in building construction, real estate appraisal, preparation to examinations needed to gain official authorization in surveying, mapping and cadastre, etc. The VÚGTK organizes also courses preparing applicants to Official authorization. Since 2002 the VÚGTK is entrusted on the base of competition to maintaining and further designing of web pages of the CLGE (Committee de Liaison des Geométres Européens) at http://www.clge.org.

preserved by obtained results its reputation of foremost workplace in this branch in the Czech Republic. Activities of the Center on Earth's Dynamics Research (CEDR) continued successfully, too. The VÚGTK was entrusted by its co-ordination since the year of 2000. Obtained results gave precondition to successful finishing this project in 2004 and give chances to participate in similar project in next years. An important contribution of CEDR is also establishing better contacts to prominent working places of the Academy of Science of the Czech Republic (AV ČR) and universities participating at the project, i.e., especially with the Astronomic Institute of AV ČR, Faculty of Civil Engineering of the Czech Technical University in Prague, Faculty of Sciences, Charles University and Institute of Rock Structure and Mechanics AV ČR. The absolute gravimeter at the Pecný Geodetic Observatory of approximately 10 million Czech Crown in value that was gained in the frame of this project is now used to operation as well as research applications. This will enable the VÚGTK also to develop other activities, especially in the sphere of geodetic metrology. The Permanent GPS station at the Pecný Geodetic Observatory belonged among the best European working places in this sphere in 2003, too. The testing base of GPS complexes was used to testing of systems in and outside the branch. The Department of Geodesy and Geodynamics prepared also a draft of DGPS net of permanent stations. Its realizing is planned in 2004.

continued in operation of its accredited calibration laboratory and authorized metrologic center of VÚGTK. Among other accreditations, reaccreditations and interlaboratory comparisons, the VÚGTK kept its position of unique accredited metrologic laboratory to testing geodetic instruments in the field of length and angle in the Czech Republic. It is now preparing to attain a similar accreditation for position and gravity calibration.

VÚGTK is continuing in co-operation with the Czech Institute of Metrology, through which it has to become a member of the European organization for co-operation with European metrologic laboratories EUROMET. The department of metrology has finished the solution of the state standardization task advertized by the Czech Standards Institute (ČSNI) "Geometric Precision of Buildings", the task of which is to harmonize the respective ČSN standards with the CEN ones. Furthermore, the VÚGTK is still trying to be commissioned for four national metrology standards keeping (length, angle, position and gravity). In the framework of engineering and surveying activities VÚGTK takes part in installation of monitoring systems designed for observing position changes of the 1^st and 2^nd blocks of the Nuclear power plant at Temelín (JETE).

VÚGTK takes part at many national and international grants. VÚGTK people are active members of different international teams and working groups.

The year 2003 ended for VÚGTK also with success as regards the economic part. This was done only thanks to extraordinary effort of all VÚGTK members. From the total volume of expenses attaining 38 291 thousand CZK there was 29 904 thousand CZK covered from state budged of ČR to science and research and grant agencies of ČR. The EU sources and other activities covered the main activities by 2 842 thousand CZK. It is necessary to pay the up-most attention to financing of science and research.

Thanks to efforts of all VÚGTK members the rising trend of VÚGTK activities was preserved. There are good preconditions to further scientific and research activities in geodesy, surveying and mapping in the next fifty years that are since the 1^st May 2004 in new conditions of a European Union country. There are not only new chances for the VÚGTK and the whole Czech science and research, but also demands are substantially increased. We believe that VÚGTK will stand this test even in competition with other EU countries well. The results obtained until now bear the witness to it.

Prague the 21^st March 2004

Václav Slaboch
Director     

           
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The main orientation of the department of GIS and the Cadastre of Real Estates was creation and operation testing of new database structure for graphical and non-graphical data of the cadastre and creation of a new product for renovation of the cadastre named MicroGEOS Nautil. In 2003 the main activity of the department was oriented to solution of following projects.

1. Connection of adjacent cadastral districts during transformation of digitalized cadastral maps.

The purpose of this research report is to draw attention on insufficiencies which complicate objective valuation of the position accuracy of digitized cadastral map and to propose an alternative solution of the connecting of adjacent cadastral districts problem. This will make possible to estimate accuracy of any point of cadastral map by statistical methods.

2. System of arrangement in river basins to decrease harmful inundation effects – development of GIS application.

The project "System of Arrangements in Hydrological Watersheds for Decreasing Harmful Effects of Floods - GIS Application development" solved creation of GIS application for purposes of water management for decreasing of harmful effects of floods with exercise of present photogrammetric methods.

Successful mastering of this problematic supposed gradual solution of several very difficult tasks, i.e., to

• analyze present upkeep of documentation by individual watershed managers and create a guide and technology for different variants of analogical data transfer into the digital form,
• propose suitable geographical data for the territory of the Czech Republic, from which is possible to create digital model of the map of inundation areas, propose and create computer structures and data formats,
• create the map of inundation areas in scale 1:10 000 containing the technology of representation of inundation lines and other elements in the map of inundation areas and propose the system of administration of this data in the GIS model,
• evaluate task and possibilities of photogrammetry and set parameters for achievement of required accuracy,
• verify and evaluate accuracy of altimetry of ZABAGED (Fundamental Base of Geographic Data),
• prove that for purposes of data on inundation areas administration are ZABAGED data sufficient but ask for further complementation, especially with cadastral data, ortophotomap etc.,
• create system of transfer of ZABAGED data into the structure of the map of inundation areas 1:10 000 and respect data structures so that they correspond with printed map output as much as possible,
• solve complementation of raster and vector reference maps of cadaster of real estates into the new model and attach reference database of file of descriptive information of cadastre of real estates.

After solution of particular problems in cooperation with customer final program system was proposed which makes processing of analogical data for realization of system of arrangements in hydrological watersheds and in unison represent inundation areas and data transfer into digital model possible. The map of inundation areas with its own special contents was created for phenomenon localization from ZABAGED data. Ortophotomap, cadastral and own watershed administrators' data may be attached to the map of inundation areas.

Data model created from legislative data of ČÚZK branch and watersheds administrators is the solution of the project. The data model creates unified data base intertransferable for all water flows managers. From this model, it is possible quickly and in unison localize information on inundation area and direct risks, which creates a premise for fast and easy communication of all bodies (mostly Civil Service) for unified procedure for decision on arrangements in water sheds for decreasing of harmful effects of floods.

1. Metalanguage XML Use In Civil Service Of Surveying and Cadastre

The purpose of this stage of the research task was to demonstrate possibilities of XML use for exchange and saving cadastral data. The main output of this stage is to realise functional components demonstrating possibilities of XML use in the branch of ČÚZK and this research report “Use of XML In Branch of ČÚZK”. Functional components contain practically whole spectrum of technologies using XML as basic tool for data processing.

Whole research was divided into set of partial tasks that would demonstrate as good as possible chances of XML as a medium for data exchange between different systems. Base of this whole solution is a database containing data taken from the ISKN and other sources or, created specially for this purpose. The structure of the database is consistent with the structure of exchange format ISKN and was filled by VFK file. The database contains the data of file of descriptive information, data of graphic file and all processed tasks using data from this database.

Two different approaches to the exchange of the data with other information systems were proposed. The first, classical approach, makes possible creation of a document containing an equivalent of ISKN exchange format (VFK) in XML specification using a standard thick application. The second, up-to-date way of XML use, is a web service providing an interface, which makes possible direct approach to the data by standard Internet protocols.

In case of classic approach is application for export of accumulated data in XML format created simplified. In the second one several functional modules demonstrating individual components used in this very modern technology are created. This is from afar not exhausting list of web service technology possibilities.

The last proposed solution for XML as general language for documents saving is a use for data on measured points – “survey data”. Here XML is successfully demonstrated as a document containing very different information from the form “Survey data on measured point” including graphic sketch of location. The advantage of document saved in this way (directly in file or in database, from which it is possible to get the document whenever) is its independence on the platform and displaying tool.

2. MicroGEOS Map and MicroGEOS Vektor information systems for cadastre renovation of the cadastre

The program system MicroGEOS Map and MicroGEOS Vector (further MicroGEOS) was developed in Research Institute of Geodesy, Topography and Cartography (VUGTK) as integrated system for renovation of the cadastre by new mapping a revision of original analogue maps into unified state information datum S-JTSK. Import data sets are above all files of descriptive information of cadastre in text format VFK from the ISKN (Information System of Real Estates) database, raster files of existing cadastral maps and text files of co-ordinates registers. After data input raster files vectorization is processed and cadastral map is compared with files of descriptive information with respect to uniformity of both parts of cadastre.

The program system also ensures creation of bases for investigation of parcel boundaries layout and creation of lists of real estates for each sketch of investigation of parcels boundaries layout. A digital form of sketches is completed with data gained by local on-the ground examination and makes even print output for work in field possible. The program is able prepare automatically a survey sketch for detailed measurement from the identification sketch for boundaries layout. The program creates a digital map for whole cadastral district in the structure and with attributes according to state standard from field sketches upkept in individual files. Automatic connection of the drawing on points with measured co-ordinates and fulfilment of the drawing and parcels of real estate registry in simplified form is ensured by functions of the program that were part of project solution. Individual function was developed for automated renumeration of parcels and creation of comparative compilation that works in three steps, i.e., the concept of the renumeration, map for renumeration and finally the comparative compilation of renumeration from original parcel numbers is processed.

Data controls are important part of the program. This is ensured by the program "Controls" with possibility to check either whole cadastral district or a part of it. MicroGEOS makes possible to check not only graphic data, but also descriptive information data saved in a database (ORACLE) and make control of interrelations between them.

Transformation and raster viewing are other group of important functions. The raster manager makes possible to choose raster colour and its localisation. The MicroGEOS program contains following raster-transformations: shift, Helmert, affine, B-Coons plate, Jung and TPS transformation. Other functions are raster cleaning, possibility of order change during reloading, coupling, mirroring, deleting etc.

The program tool GROMA for geodetic tasks calculation is very extensive. It works with database where all points belonging to processed area are saved in

unified structure of MicroGEOS system. The program displays these points in simple way in graphic system and in calculation forms.

Drawing tools are adapted to digital map datastructure and provide functions for editing and manipulation with elements of digital cadastral map. Other auxilliary tools make possible vector transformation of points or drawing and dividing of parcel area by needed parameters.

Very often used function, especially during creation of digital sketches, is the analytic function for selection of elements in digital map on base of different criteria like display and colour highlighting of parcels of one (or more) proprietors, highlighting of land-use (forests, arable land, vineyards, buildings etc.). There is often a need to get information on proprietor for the parcel displayed in a digital map. This information can be obtained by interactive query into the database. In the same way the area of the parcel from graphic file (by calculation) or by a query into file of descriptive information can be obtained.

Renovation of the cadastre finishes by matching of new information on estimated pedologic-ecological units to all parcels. The system MicroGEOS identifies areas of estimation units and allocates them to appropriate parcels on the base of referential attached design of the layout of ecological units and from new digital cadastral map.

3. Inclusion of historical map series to DIKAT-P system for specification of detailed localization of real estate culture

The study summarises and evaluates available sources from branch of oldest map series on the area of the Czech Republic and their propriety for integration into the system DIKAT-P. Availability and possibility of other historical sources proper for specification of detailed localisation of real estate culture monuments is also analysed. Further, the study proposes an optimal mean for conversion of these map bases into digital form. Digitised images of historic maps are then adapted by technological procedure into shape and form that allows their integration into unified system of detailed localisation of real estate culture monuments in unified state coordinate system S-JTSK, operated in National Memorial Institute, i.e. into the system DIKAT-P.

4. Solution of selected problems bound to the ZABAGED actualisation

The project is engaged in selected problems connected with ZABAGED (Fundamental Base of Geographic Data) updating with cadastral data. The project compares types of the ZABAGED and cadastral features, their localisation accuracy, possibilities of ZABAGED and change cadastral data contemporary visualisation and investigates possibilities of cadastral change records for ZABAGED changes identification and eventual adoption of some tapes of features, e.g. buildings and administrative boundaries.

5. Development and upkeeping of the MicroGEOS SM5 system and users’ support

The object is to develop and upkeep application software MicroGEOS SM 5 including user’s support. The main goal of the project is transfer of State Map 1:5000 in digital vector graphics. The MicroGEOS SM 5 uses several data sources: Cadastral Map of the Czech Republic, ZABAGED (Fundamental Base of Geographic Data), GEONAMES (description) and uses graphic sources, especially aerial survey photographs of the Czech Republic. Base map 1:5000 is not an original map, but it is Derived State Map. This map includes planimetry, altimetry and toponyms.

The new project goal is to create metadata of State Map 1:5000 for each map sheet. Another task is to save data in new exchange format based on metalanguage XML (eXtensible Markup Language). As solution specification of OpenGIS Consortium in GML (Geography Markup Language) was selected All solutions are based on software GeoMedia of Intergraph Corporation. The last project goal is to create an Internet presentation of State Map 1:5000 (SM 5).

           
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VÚGTK - Department of Geodesy and Geodynamics in 2003

The activities of the Department of Geodesy and Geodynamics/Geodetic Observatory Pecný in 2003 were based on the contracts between the VÚGTK and the Czech Office of Surveying, Mapping and Cadastre (ČÚZK) and financed by the Council on Science and Research of the Government of the Czech Republic through the ČÚZK. Several projects were supported by the grants rendered by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic, by the Grant Agency of the Czech Republic and also by the General Directorates of the European Commission (action COST716, FP5 projects TOUGH and CERGOP2). The department was involved in both the fundamental and applied research in geodesy and related fields. The goal of the applied research was to meet the requirements of the National Mapping Agencies of the Czech Republic. The experimental fundamental research was harmonized with some currently running international projects emphasizing the participation in international scientific services.

The Centre on Earth´s Dynamics Research (CEDR), established in 2000, was an important part of the department. It is a joint project of five institutions - Research Institute of Geodesy, Topography and Cartography (Geodetic Observatory Pecný), Astronomical Institute and Institute of Rock Structure and Mechanics (both Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic), Faculty of Civil Engineering, Czech Technical University Prague and Faculty of Sciences, Charles University Prague. In 2003 CEDR accomplished the fourth year of realization of the joint project LN00A005 “Experimental Research of the Dynamics of the Earth and Its Surface”.

The staff of the department in 2003 was 18 persons, 15 of them were researchers (10 converted to full-time employees). They submitted 34 publications, 5 research or technical reports and held 19 oral presentations.

In the following a review of the projects the department dealt with in 2003 is given.

           
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took care of activities connected with accredited calibration laboratory of VÚGTK. In the framework of other accreditation, re-accreditation and to according inter-laboratory comparisons, VÚGTK has kept its position and is still the only one accredited metrology laboratory for verification of geodetic instruments in the field of length and angle, and is now preparing necessary documentation to attain a similar accreditation for position and gravity calibration. In the field of external activities VÚGTK established new contacts with Metrology Center in Lithuania and with the Military geographic and hydrometeorological office.

VÚGTK is continuing in cooperation with the Czech Institute of Metrology, through which it has become a member of the European organization for cooperation with European metrology laboratories EUROMET, REGMET and is engaged in activities of FIG Commission 5 - Instruments and methods. The department of Metrology has finished the solution of the state standardization task advertised by the ČSNI (Czech Standards Institute) “Geometric precision of buildings”, the task of which is to harmonize the respective ČSN standards with ISO ones. Furthermore VÚGTK is still trying to be commissioned for 4 national metrology standards keeping (length, angle, position and gravity). In the framework of engineering and surveying activities VÚGTK takes part in installation of monitoring systems designed for observing position changes of the 1^st and 2^nd block of JETE (Nuclear power plant Temelín).

Operation of the ODIS VÚGTK Surveying library - management of the library, gathering and informative processing of literature and special information, literature evaluation, creation of catalogues, annotations of articles and monographs, keeping archives of resort reports and documents in the branch library (regulations, progress reports...), lending procedure. Acquisition and purchase of home and also foreign monographs and periodicals. More detailed information about ODIS in English are accessible on:

http://www.vugtk.cz/odis/e_index1.html

The library owns more than 40 thousand library units, and 80 thousand of bibliographic records. The library is the only one of our branch in ČR of such an extent (not substitutable function in ČR). A digital catalogue of monographs, proceedings, magazines and special articles accessible on WWW in the Internet is at disposal. It is possible to turn over the leaves of the library catalogue in Internet and thus to search library records of publications and also special articles, and make information retrievals by oneself. During the year 2003 the number of lended library units was 13 327, through the interlibrary lending service 125 units. Furthermore 17 units were asked to be lended by other libraries, realized 6 327 accesses to the title WWW page of the library catalogue and answered 38 214 inquiries about the catalogue. The catalogue of the Surveying library is achievable on:

It consists in services of information retrievals, expertise and consultation, and also provides information on the Surveying library funds, library information and reference service. Edition of the library magazine "News of Surveying library" (Czech abbr. NZK) containing shortened translations of selected special articles. NZK informing in Czech about library news is accessible on: http://www.vugtk.cz/nzk/. The ODIS activity lies also in supporting the newest information technologies in the branch – development and administration of connecting VÚGTK to the National research network CESNET2, ensuring work of VÚGTK WWW pages, and development of ODIS WWW pages.

The separate part of ODIS work is the edition activity – issue of ODIS publications. In 2003 the following publications were issued: Bayer, T.: Main program tools for creation of digital maps utilizing the MicroStation system, Souček, Z.: Development of automation regarding the written documents of the cadastre of real estate, Šíma, J.: Geoinformation terminology for geodesists and cartographers, Kliment, V.: Real rights and cadastre of real estates.

ODIS also carries on the education activity in the form of seminars, courses and special lectures mostly aimed at the cadastre of real estate.

Services of the integrated virtual Surveying library for remote users, Document delivery services (DDS) – delivery of an asked document copy to the reader's address, updating the digital library catalogue accessible on the WWW ODIS, checks and corrections of digital catalogue data, validation of all corresponding items in all records of the digital catalogue, running upgrade of the library SW system.

In 2003 ODIS also fulfilled the folowing special tasks:

Securing the activity of the ČÚZK terminological commission, solution of topical special terminological problems, composition of the Czech structured terminological branch database utilizable for needs of automatic documents searching in automatic documentation systems in our branch according to themes and items, and for updating the branch terminological dictionary.

Purpose of the research task stage was to demonstrate possibilities of XML utilization in surveying, mapping and cadastre, and information providing. The main advantages of web services were mentioned according to international standards. A model of functional application was elaborated for dynamical analysis of deformations realized as on-line form of web application showing the possibilities of XML interface and WMS (web map service) utilization.

Acquisitions of the basic ODIS tasks solution lie above all in the basic not substitutable role of obtaining and gathering special publications and information, in evaluating them, in further propagation and making them accessible. Through this activity and creation of metadata, annotations and catalogues, an information system of special branch literature is being created.

           
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