IPSES

Introduction to the Platform

The IPSES (Italian Platform for Solid Earth Science) is the single point of access to Earth Science data produced by various Italian organizations. Thanks to its integration with the European EPOS ICS-C platform, IPSES allows you to:

• Search for heterogeneous scientific data;
• Display them in different formats (maps, tables, graphs, images, videos, 3D models);
• Analyze them through a dedicated environment (Virtual Research Environment, VRE).

The platform follows the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) and targets three main types of users:

• Earth Science researchers;
• Institutional decision and policy makers;
• The public and private sectors, also via smartphones.

Access and First Use

The platform can be used in both public and authenticated modes:

• Public access: Only some data and functions are available.
• Authenticated access: Allows saving work sessions, sharing workspaces (for authorized users), and full use of analysis tools.
• Language: Available in Italian (default) and English.

Panel Management

The application organizes information through modular panels:

1. Access the Panels menu to view available modules.
2. Select which panels to show or hide in the browser workspace.
3. Click the panel header to collapse or reopen it without losing data.
4. Click the resize icon (usually a square with arrows) to expand it into an overlay window for enlarged view.

This modular structure optimizes workspace usage based on user preferences.

Main Modules

Catalogue

The Catalog module organizes data from EPOS backend REST APIs into three main categories:

• Data: Scientific datasets available for analysis.
• Laboratories and Facilities: Information on laboratories and infrastructures.
• My Web Services: Personalized user services.

Each category groups data by Domain, listing specific datasets with:

• Dataset name (e.g., “Seismic Events Catalog 2020–2025”).
• Service status (e.g., active or temporarily unavailable).

To add a dataset to the Workspace:

1. Find the dataset.
2. Click the “+” icon next to its name.
3. The dataset will appear in your Workspace.

Tip: Multiple datasets can be added and organized into personal folders.

Research

The Search module allows identifying specific datasets through three dedicated interfaces.

Basic Search

Enter one or more parameters and click Search to view results, sorted by Macro and Subcategory. Click Restore to reset parameters.

Workspace

The Workspace module is a personal area to manage datasets selected from the Catalog or searches.

Single dataset actions:

• Map View: Opens dataset in Map module.
• Rename: Edit dataset name.
• Delete: Remove dataset from Workspace.

Additional actions:

• Select multiple datasets and group them into renameable folders.
• Authenticated sessions persist; unauthenticated sessions are temporary.
• Authorized users can share sessions with the VRE.

Example: A researcher can create a “Vesuvius Project” folder combining seismic, geodetic, and volcanic datasets.

Map

The Map module offers an interactive visualization of geospatial datasets with multiple tools:

• Search by Area.
• Zoom In/Out.
• Navigation through map panes.
• Save view with custom name and description.
• Draw shapes for spatial selections.
• Measure distances using the “Ruler”.
• Print or export the map as an image.
• Select basemap (satellite, road, etc.).

Example: Highlight an area of seismic activity and export it as an image.

Data Preview

The Data Preview module displays details for selected datasets with multiple visualization modes:

• Tabular view with CSV export.
• Graph view (supports CoverageJSON).
• Image and Video display from REST APIs.

Information

The Information module provides dataset metadata:

• Data: General descriptions.
• Authors: Contributors and creators.
• Services: Linked data services.
• Related Searches: Connections to similar datasets.

Properties

The Properties module supports advanced actions:

• Filter: Refine datasets with extra parameters.
• Style: Customize visual appearance.
• Notes: Add annotations.
• Export: Download files in multiple formats.

Authenticated and Unauthenticated Users

Unauthenticated: Only basic functions available.

Authenticated: Advanced features like data saving and Turtle File uploads based on assigned role.

User Registration

1. Click Sign In.
2. Select Register and fill in personal data.
3. Select desired role (pending admin confirmation).
4. Click Register to submit request.

After admin approval, log in with your credentials to access your personal area.

User Area

• Change password.
• View role under My Profile.
• Sign out to exit session (unsaved data lost).

Note: Some settings (e.g., map position, basemap) aren’t stored, even in authenticated mode.

Uploading Turtle Files (Ingestion)

Authorized users can upload Turtle Files from the personal area after logging in. Choose Upload Turtle Files from the menu, select a file, and confirm upload. The moderator reviews it before publishing.

Moderator Actions

• Staging: Test the file in a sandbox environment.
• Production: Approve and publish the file.
• Reject: Deny publication.

General Tips

• Authenticated Access: Unlocks session saving.
• Customization: Resize and hide/show panels to suit workflow.
• Support: Check Catalog for service status or contact technical support.

Standards and Interoperability

• Data formats: QuakeML, GeoJSON, CoverageJSON, raster images.
• Web services: OGC (WMS, WMTS, WFS, WCS), FDSN, RESTful APIs.
• Metadata: DCAT-AP, DOI (DataCite) compliance.