DANewBE Data is an Interreg III B project within the scope of the GIS Forum Danube.
DANewBE Data sets up close co-operation between waterway administrations along the Danube waterway, including those from relevant new Member States. The project aims at the provision of interoperable navigation supporting services for inland waterways. Feasibility studies and pilot operations shall ensure sound and high-quality preparation of data, accurate positioning signals, efficient exchange of geo-related data and preparation of electronic charts. Most effective distribution mechnisms shall also be defined and tested.
The involvement of similar administrations from non-EU Danube countries will ensure that the project also meets their requirements and prepares extension of project results towards the Black Sea.
DANewBE Data will enable authorities to fulfil their obligation as service providers preparing the basis for IT based information systems along the Danube as the European Transport Corridor VII.
Overall, long-term objectives
The gradual accession of SK and HU to the European Union will intensify transport of goods significantly. In order to establish inland navigation on the Danube as an effective alternative to transport on road and railway, modern IT based services are needed.
Various projects, like the Interreg III B project D4D are dealing with such implementations on the Upper Danube in AT and DE. DANewBE Data shall transfer and further develop those experiences towards other Danube states. A close co-operation among the waterway authorities shall be established.
Partners shall commonly define quality standards for services and feasibility studies for implementing internationally standardized systems. The final goal is to provide internationally compatible high-quality services to support the inland waterway transport sector and prepare the final implementation of modern IT based systems according to European Directives.
Concrete results
GPS based positioning systems have been installed in AT and DE. In order to provide current information on the reliability and accuracy of those signals transnational monitoring systems shall be installed in a test phase. In parallel a feasibility study for the installation of a compatible beacon in HU shall be worked out.
These signals will be used by skippers to display the position of their vessels on electronic maps. Such charts shall be worked out in close co-operation between the involved authorities. As AT and DE are currently finalizing their exchange of geo-related data the network shall be extended to SK and HU. This will ensure an even longer stretch of compatible charts and intensive exchange of data among four countries. Finally the most effective distribution of the charts to skippers shall be defined and tested.
In order to ensure same quality of data common standards for measurements shall be worked out, tested, demonstrated and transferred into national work flows.