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GeoNetwork

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Step-by-Step Tutorial: Setting Up Your First GeoNetwork InstanceSetting up GeoNetwork, a powerful cataloging tool for geospatial data, is a rewarding task that will enhance your ability to manage and share geographic information. This guide takes you through a detailed, step-by-step process to get your first GeoNetwork instance running smoothly.

What is GeoNetwork?

GeoNetwork is an open-source platform designed to manage geospatial metadata. It provides users with a user-friendly interface for data discovery, sharing, and access, making it an essential tool for organizations involved in geographic information system (GIS) projects.

Prerequisites

Before you begin the installation process, ensure you have the following:

  • A computer or server with at least:
    • 4 GB RAM
    • 2 CPU Cores
    • 10 GB of disk space
  • A compatible operating system (Linux, Windows, or macOS)
  • Administrative access to install software
  • Java Development Kit (JDK) version 8 or higher installed
  • Apache Maven installed (for building from source)
  • A PostgreSQL database or other supported databases (optional, but recommended for production)

Step 1: Download GeoNetwork

  1. Visit the GeoNetwork GitHub Releases Page to download the latest version of GeoNetwork.
  2. Choose the appropriate package for your operating system (e.g., ZIP, TAR.GZ, WAR file).

Step 2: Install Dependencies

  1. Java JDK: Ensure Java is installed. Use the following command to check the version:

    java -version

    If not installed, download and install from Oracle’s website or use a package manager.

  2. Apache Maven: Confirm if Apache Maven is installed:

    mvn -v

    If Maven is not installed, follow the instructions on Apache Maven’s official page.

  3. Database: For production settings, consider setting up a database like PostgreSQL. Install PostgreSQL and create a new database.

Step 3: Setting Up GeoNetwork

Method 1: Using Pre-Built Packages

  1. Unzip the downloaded file to your preferred location.

  2. Navigate to the GeoNetwork directory. If you downloaded a WAR file, you can deploy it on any servlet container like Apache Tomcat.

  3. Deploy on Tomcat:

    • Place the WAR file in the webapps directory of the Tomcat installation.
    • Start Tomcat by running: 
      
cd <tomcat-directory>/bin ./startup.sh  # for Linux/Mac startup.bat   # for Windows

GeoNetwork should now be accessible via:

   http://localhost:8080/geonetwork
Method 2: Building From Source

  1. Clone the GeoNetwork repository:

    git clone https://github.com/GeoNetwork/geonetwork.git cd geonetwork

  2. Build the project using Maven:

    mvn clean install

  3. Follow the deployment steps as mentioned in Method 1 to deploy the generated WAR file.

Step 4: Configuring GeoNetwork

  1. Access GeoNetwork via your web browser at:

    http://localhost:8080/geonetwork

  2. Upon first access, you will need to configure the system. Settings include:

    • Database Connection: If using a database, specify your connection details.
    • Metadata: Set up the default metadata schema and configure the harvesting settings if needed.

  3. Login with the default credentials (admin/admin) and change the password for security.

Step 5: Exploring the GeoNetwork Interface

Once your GeoNetwork instance is set up, familiarize yourself with the following key sections:

  • Catalog: This is where you can view, create, and manage metadata records.
  • Admin Panel: Access system settings, manage users, and configure plugins.
  • Search Interface: A user-friendly interface for searching and accessing geospatial data.

Step 6: Loading Metadata

  1. Create Metadata: You can manually enter metadata for resources, following ISO 19115 or other relevant standards.
  2. Bulk Upload: If you have multiple records, consider using the bulk upload feature to streamline the process.

Step 7: Customization

GeoNetwork is highly customizable:

  • Themes: Adjust the look and feel of your interface through themes.
  • Plugins: Extend functionalities using available plugins from the GeoNetwork community.

Step 8: Maintenance and Backup

Regular maintenance is crucial:

  • Monitor the log files for any issues.
  • Regularly back up your database and Geo

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