"Development of Technologies for Practical Use", aims to propose a prototype of services to be provided while paying heed to requests concerning the type, quality and format of the required data and verifying development and operational potential. Throughout 2009 and 2010, we have upgraded and expanded the datasets and content released from the test site. At the same time, we have proceeded with system development focusing on functional enhancements such as data visualization and downloading on the test site.

Responding to User Needs - Functional Enhancements

To meet user needs, we enhanced visualization functions with map display and graph plotting using a web map server as well as map download functionality. These functions support a wide range of data formats and plotting methods including time series for each point, animations of spatial distribution, spatial map display of line data and point selection from a map display of measurement points. In addition, data segmentation and file archiving functions have been added to data downloading. The implementation of these functions is expected to encourage a wider range of users to utilize the data as well as give substance to requests for further functionality and product application.

Future Plans

As well as releasing the website with added functionality in autumn 2010, we will conduct an online questionnaire aimed at collecting users' responses and gauging their needs for the added functions and new data. By the end of fiscal 2010, we will use the results of the questionnaire and the results of an access analysis to sort out which functions are useful in promoting utilization of the data and undertake an examination toward an information service with long-lasting stability in the future.