Data Catalogue & Dataset Explorer
The Data Catalogue & Dataset Explorer is Landuse Analyst’s spatial repository. It provides access to georeferenced elevation models (DEMs), pedological soil maps, land-cover classifications, wildfire fuels, and archaeological site inventories.
I built the catalogue to ensure that every spatial raster and vector layer consumed by Landuse Analyst carries a receipt — documenting spatial resolution, projection system, coverage extent, and an automated compatibility score relative to our computational pipelines.
Access: The Data Catalogue is open to all visitors at
/catalogue.
When to use it
- Discover spatial layers. Search the repository for elevation rasters, pedological soil suitability maps, or palaeo-environmental layers.
- Inspect metadata & provenance. Verify coordinate reference systems (CRS), spatial resolution, bounding box extents, and original data providers.
- Evaluate pipeline compatibility. Read automated compatibility scores ($\ge 90%$ Operational Grade) before ingesting layers into catchment runs.
- Export spatial data. Download raw rasters as Cloud-Optimized GeoTIFFs (
.tif) or vector inventories as GeoJSON (.json).
Anatomy of the interface
The Catalogue interface consists of a top Search & Filter Bar, a left Dataset Directory, and a right Metadata & Inspector Panel.
| Tag | Control | What it does |
|---|---|---|
A1 | Global Search Bar | Real-time text search across dataset titles, tags, regions (e.g. Levant, Jordan Valley), and file formats. |
A2 | Dataset Directory List | Browsable list of available spatial datasets with category badges and active workspace status pills. |
A3 | Dataset Metadata Panel | Detailed inspector panel displaying format (GeoTIFF, GeoJSON), bounding box coordinates, projection, and data provider. |
A4 | Compatibility Score Gauge | Automated compatibility score (0–100%) indicating how cleanly the layer integrates into the Catchment Model pipeline. |
A5 | Download & Export Buttons | Export options for downloading raw spatial data as Cloud-Optimised GeoTIFF (.tif) or GeoJSON (.json). |
Key spatial datasets
| Dataset Title | Category | Resolution | Extent / Coverage | Primary Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Levant High-Res DEM | Elevation | $30\text{ m}$ pitch | $31.0^\circ\text{N} - 33.5^\circ\text{N}$ | Catchment slope costing & Tobler hiking function. |
| FAO/UNESCO Soil Map | Pedology | $250\text{ m}$ / Vector | Global (Levant slice) | Soil fertility rating & arable land productivity. |
| LANDFIRE FBFM40 Fuel Grid | Vegetation | $30\text{ m}$ pitch | US / Crosswalked | Wildfire spread simulation & rate-of-spread modelling. |
| Dead Sea Palaeo-Coastlines | Hydrography | Vector Polygons | Dead Sea Basin | Deep-time Lake Lisan shoreline reconstruction. |
| Southern Levant EB Sites | Archaeology | Georeferenced Points | Southern Levant | Benchmark settlement catalogue for catchment analysis. |
Automated compatibility evaluation
Doing it this way allowed me to prevent silent pipeline failures. The Data Catalogue automatically evaluates each layer against four operational criteria:
- Resolution Fit (25%): Evaluates cell pitch ($30\text{ m}$ optimal for terrain modelling).
- Spatial Projection (25%): Checks CRS compatibility (WGS 84 / EPSG:4326 preferred).
- Data Completeness (25%): Measures void frequency and nodata values.
- Attribute Schema Alignment (25%): Validates required attribute fields (e.g., elevation in metres, pedology class).
A dataset scoring $\ge 90%$ earns an Operational Grade badge (A4), confirming instant ingestibility into model runs.
Related Manuals
- Agricultural Catchment Model — Consume elevation and soil layers from the catalogue.
- Deep-Time Palaeo-GIS — Access palaeo-climate rasters.
- Glossary — Definitions for GeoTIFF, EPSG:4326, and spatial compatibility scores.