We can see the GeoNet Server but we can't synchronise the data!

Jeremy and I travelled out to Avalon to catch up with the GeoNet team within GNS to test out their newly configured WFS server.

GeoNet are in a fantastic building that used to be a film studio but seems more like the secret base of a James Bond baddie with some serious computers and data displays on the wall next to racks of climbing gear, electric drills, rock anchors, armoured cabling and satellite dishes - my kind of science! All of that kit is necessary to maintain the network of scientific sensors they have across NZ in some of the harshest alpine terrain under attack from the elements, earthquakes, volcanoes and the ever present Kea (alpine parrot).

The WFS server will in theory serve up a range of data allowing other agencies to point their GIS application at the server and add the data layers into their own system.

Unfortunately whilst we could see the server, and see the data layers available we couldn't get them to synchronise to Emergeo. This photo shows a lot of very clever people trying to work the problem out with little success.

Having emailed the Emergeo Technical Support team in Canada I have a patch to apply to our system as soon as I get a chance and we should be in business.

Other agencies that could benefit from real-time GeoNet data within their GIS system should contact the GeoNet outreach coordinator Sara Tresch.