I. Definition of tasks and products
If not already defined by EU „Reporting Sheets“ and the BfG in WasserBLIcK, the Advisory Groups of the ICPR define the conditions of data management and the maps expected (in particular legends, design), eventually of the further representation of results (e.g. calculations, tables, graphics, etc.) as well as deadlines for accomplishing work. The products (maps, representation of results) are part of the reporting of the states to the EU Commission within the implementation of EU Directives in the river basin district Rhine (catchment > 2,500 km²).
The ICPR working groups (B, S and H) or their respective expert groups clearly define the desired products for reporting within the EU Directives at an early stage (maps, tables, graphics, etc.). In cooperation with a representative of the BfG for WasserBLIcK, they clarify, whether the desired products can be achieved based on data existing or to be updated and the existing IT infrastructure.
The expert group GIS is in charge of determining and updating conditions for data exchange and for the solution of technical GIS-related problems or of clarifying questions related to the use of WasserBLIcK. If required, the Subordinate Strategy Group SG-K calls for a meeting of the GIS expert group.
II. Collecting and Compiling Data
The services of the states, regions and federal states in charge of GIS data input will normally directly feed their data by filling in existing masks in WasserBLIcK. To this end, the GIS contact persons of the national authorities in charge of this data feed are to be communicated to the ICPR and this information is to be kept up to date.
Eventually, existing masks are to be updated according to valid requirements and to be adapted to the needs of the ICPR. The BfG will recommend the corresponding new data standards, will present them to the GIS expert group, discuss them and implement them in WasserBLIcK, once the EG GIS has accepted them.
Data may also be compiled by the ICPR working groups and expert groups and transmitted to the BfG for (eventually preliminary) product draft (e.g. maps or other products).
The BfG will consequently and continuously develop the WasserBLIcK system according to the EU reporting requirements (Reporting Sheets and XML schemes) within the implementation of the WFD and the Floods Directive.
The BfG grants for the compatibility of WasserBLIcK with the systems used by other institutions (e.g. European Environmental Agency) and states (according to the regulations of the INSPIRE Directive).
III. Drafting of products (maps, tables ...) and checking the coherence of results
In co-operation with the BfG GIS experts (or national GIS experts) the ICPR advisory groups convene the desired drafting of maps or other representation of results for the coordinated implementation of the EU directives within the IRBD Rhine
The BfG sees to the access to the data set of the institutions delivering data via WasserBLIcK and secures access to the produced maps via MapExplorer for user groups defined within the ICPR (state, regional and local authorities in charge and further authorised groups).
The working groups and expert groups are in charge of checking the products (maps, tables, graphics, etc.) belonging to their technical scope, they check that the contents are correct and check the coherence of results. When checking the coherence the technical experts should be able to discuss with their respective GIS experts in order to eventually find joint solutions. If required, ad hoc meetings of technical experts, of representatives of the BfG and of GIS experts must be organised.