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3.2 TR32DB Database 
The current TR32DB database is subdivided in two parts (see 
Figure 2). The first component manages non-spatial data of the 
TR32 including project data, metadata, and administration data. 
The other component manages the spatial related data of the 
TR32. 
Purchased geodata and future spatial-related research results of 
the TR32 will be stored in the open-source object-relational 
database system PostgreSQL which is extended by PostGIS 
(see Figure 2). Main reasons for this database system are the 
possibility to manage geodata and the support of ESRI’s 
ArcGIS Server with the ArcSDE technology to present those 
data in a WebGIS. 
The non-spatial TR32 data is managed by a multithreaded 
MySQL database that is implemented in cooperation with the 
ZAIK/RRZK. The multiuser open-source-system is popular for 
web applications in combination with PHP (MySQL 2008). In 
fact the TR32DB database structure (simplified in Figure 3) 
only contains references to the uploaded project data (by the 
file directory) that is stored in the AFS. In addition, the 
database includes the corresponding metadata of these project 
data. The quantity of metadata attributes depends on the type of 
data. 
Different data types require attributes that are not important for 
other data types e.g. details about a measuring instrument which 
is important for measured data, but not for publications. Final 
metadata attributes for the different data types still have to be 
discussed with the individual SP staff in order to customize the 
needs and requirements of the project participants. The input of 
metadata into the database operates by the TR32DB-web- 
interface (see Figure 4). 
Furthermore, administration data is saved in the TR32DB 
structure that is implemented by the MySQL database, e.g. the 
authorization of TR32DB-users and related user views. Finally, 
the structure and content of the TR32-web-interface is arranged 
by the database. This contains information about e.g. users, 
project sections or cross cutting groups. 
Figure 3. TR32DB Database structure 
3.3 TR32DB Web-Interface with integrated Web-GIS 
(download of data) 
The current TR32DB web-interface (see Figure 4) is located at 
http://www.tr32db.uni-koeln.de. Basic functions of the web- 
interface are representation, search and download (only TR32 
participants) of non-spatial project data and temporary 
download of purchased geodata. The input of corresponding 
metadata is available, and spatial data is accessible via the 
integrated Web-GIS. Non-spatial project data of the TR32 as 
well as content and structure of the TR32DB web-interface are 
in most instances managed and filled due to access to data from 
the TR32DB-file-system or the MySQL-database. Furthermore, 
the web-interface offers information about the TR32. 
Figure 4. TR32DB Web-Interface (for metadata input)