[OSGeo-Discuss] Interest in open source Graph Tracing Tool

[Frank Maes]

Hi,

This is an inquiry regarding the interest in an open source Graph Tracing
Tool.


The Flemish Environmental Agency (VMM) has invested in an improved graph
tracing tool. The tool is build on top of the JGraphT [1] library and
offers the following features:

   - Ability to trace paths on a topological network (graph)
   - Capable to detect and handle loops in the network
   - Supports creation of a single graph/network from multiple data sets -
   seaming between multiple datasets can be logical (via linked keys) or
   spatial
   - Supports aggregation of diverse properties along the path (e.g. total
   dirt load for a path in a sewer system)
   - Generic via configuration - supports any form/structure of dataset as
   long as it represents a valid graph. Specific configurations can be adapted
   using generic config files.
   - REST interface to access the tracing engine and retrieve results (can
   be used in web context)
   - Tracing result is a graph representation in JSON



In VMM this tool is being used to calculate for a given point the upstream
or downstream path in a network of sewer lines, rivers and canals.

In terms of user interaction and required skills the tool can be best
compared with tools like Geoserver (without the extended GUI). This means
that it is a standalone software packaged as a war or docker image. After
installation, a user with decent understanding of spatial data, graphs and
basic computer skills can independently configure the application to
generate the graph/network and perform graph analysis. No programming or
advanced sys admin knowledge is required.



VMM now considers to release the tracing tool as an open source tool and
therefor seeks feedback and information regarding this idea.

Is there an appetite in the OSGeo community for such a tool?

Would you or your organisation be interested in using such a tracing tool?

Are there any suggestions, ideas, tips regarding this?

Are you aware of any open source initiatives or tools that can offer
synergies with this tracing tool?


Really looking forward to hear back from you.

Thanks in advance.

Cheers


Frank



[1] https://jgrapht.org/
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