logo IPSES

Gui IPSES

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 the 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 is designed according to the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) and is aimed at three main types of users:

  • Earth Science researchers;
  • Decision makers and policy makers of institutions;
  • Public and private sector, also via smartphone.

Access and first use

The platform can be used in both public and authenticated mode.

  • Public access: Only some data and functions are available;
  • Authenticated access: It allows you to save your work sessions, share workspaces (for authorized users) and take full advantage of the analysis tools;
  • Language: the platform is available in Italian (default) and English.

Panel Management

The application organizes information through modular panels. To manage them:

  1. You access the Panels menu item to view the list of available modules.
  2. You select the panels you want to show or hide in the browser window space.
  3. By clicking on the header of a panel, it can be reduced without loss of information, with the possibility of reopening it at any time.
  4. Clicking on the resize icon (usually a square with arrows) expands the panel into an overlay window, allowing for a zoomed-in view without closing the main application.

This structure allows you to optimize the workspace according to the user's preferences.

Main Modules

Catalogue

The Catalog module organizes the data from the REST APIs of the EPOS backend into three macro-categories:

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

Each category groups data by Domain, with the specific datasets listed. For each dataset, the following are shown:

  • The name of the dataset (e.g. "Catalogue of seismic events 2020–2025");
  • The status of the service (e.g. active or temporarily unavailable).

To add a dataset to the Workspace:

  1. Identify the dataset;
  2. Click on the “+” button next to the name;
  3. The dataset will automatically appear in your Workspace.

Tip: You can add multiple datasets and then organize them into personal folders.

This module is ideal for exploring and selecting initial data.

Research

The Search module allows you to identify specific datasets through three modes, each with a dedicated interface:

  1. Basic Research:
    • You enter one or more search parameters into the main interface.
    • By clicking on Search, the results are displayed, sorted by Macros and Data Subcategory.
    • By clicking on Restore, the search parameters are reset.

Workspace

The Workspace module represents the personal space to manage the datasets selected from the Catalog or from the searches.

Actions on a single dataset

  • Map Visualization: By clicking on the corresponding icon, the dataset is shown in the Map module.
  • Renaming: The dataset name can be changed.
  • Delete: The dataset can be removed from the Workspace.

Additional actions

  • Multiple datasets can be selected and grouped into renameable folders.
  • Authenticated items are persisted, while unauthenticated items are persisted only in session.
  • For enabled users, the session can be shared with the Virtual Research Environment (VRE).

In practice, this module makes it easier to organize your workflow.

Example: A researcher can create a "Vesuvius Project" folder with seismic, geodetic, and volcanic datasets.

Map

The Map module provides an interactive visualization of geospatial datasets, with several options.

Available interactions:

  • Search by Area: You draw a rectangle on the map to select data in a specific area.
  • Zoom In/Out: The display can be zoomed in or out.
  • Navigation: You can move to the previous or next pane of the map.
  • Save: The current view of the map can be saved with name and description.
  • Drawing: You can create rectangular shapes to select specific points.
  • Measurement: The "Ruler" tool allows you to calculate distances between points.
  • Print: The current map frame can be printed.
  • Download Image: The map can be exported as an image file.
  • Basemap: It is possible to choose between different basemaps (e.g. satellite, road).

This module is useful for geographic analysis and spatial visualizations.

Example: You can highlight an area affected by seismic events and save it as an image.

Data Preview

The Data Preview module allows you to view a selected dataset in detail. By clicking on the icon next to the title of the module (active only after selecting a dataset), a dedicated window opens.

Displayed content:

  • General information listed.
  • Location data.
  • Supported dataset visualizations.

The data can be explored in different ways:

  1. Tabular view:
    • You can search via a free text field.
    • The data can be exported in .CSV.
    • By clicking on Settings, you can sort the columns and choose which ones to show or hide.
  2. Graph View (suitable for time series):
    • The ranges of the X and Y axes can be customized.
    • You can zoom in on portions of the chart.
    • Data in CoverageJSON format supports previews.
  3. Image Display: Images provided by REST API services are displayed.
  4. Video Display:
    • You can browse the available channels.
    • The video quality is selectable.
    • Standard controls (play, pause, mute, timeline) are available.

Information

After you select a dataset, the Information module provides details broken down into:

  • Data: General descriptions of the dataset.
  • Authors: Information about the authors or contributors.
  • Services: Details of the associated services.
  • Related Searches: Links to related searches or datasets.

This module helps to put the data into context.

Property

Available after selecting a dataset, the Properties module is organized into subsections for advanced actions:

  • Filter: Additional parameters can be applied to refine the dataset.
  • Style: The visual appearance can be customized.
  • Note: You can add annotations to the dataset.
  • Export: The available files can be downloaded in various formats.

This module supports customization and export of results.

Authenticated and unauthenticated user

IPSES allows access in both authenticated and unauthenticated modes. Unauthenticated access allows only consultation of basic functions, without the possibility of saving data or performing advanced operations. Authenticated access, on the other hand, allows additional functionality based on the assigned user profile. For example, only after authentication can the processed data be stored or Turtle Files uploaded.

Registering a Utility

To get an IPSES account, you need to register on the portal:

  1. Click Sign in.
  2. Select Register.
  3. Fill out the form by entering your data.
  4. During registration, you can select the role you want.

Note: The actual assignment of the role will still be subject to confirmation by the administrator.

To complete the procedure, click the Register button. The request will be sent to the administrator for validation. After approval and receipt of the credentials, it will be possible to access the portal by clicking on Login and entering username and password. Once authenticated, you will automatically access your personal area.

User area

Several options are available from the user menu, the visibility of which varies depending on the role assigned.

Features available for all profiles:

  • Change password in complete autonomy.
  • View the assigned role via My Profile.
  • Sign out to exit the authenticated session.

After you log out, the operations you have performed are not saved.

Note on unregistered operations

Some actions are not stored even in authenticated mode, such as:

  • The current location of the map.
  • The selected basemap.

Loading Turtle Files (Ingestion)

Authorized users have the option to upload Turtle Files directly to the platform. To proceed, simply click on Login, enter your credentials and enter the personal area. From the menu that appears, select the Upload Turtle Files option, which will open a dialog box to choose the file to be uploaded from your computer. Once the upload is complete, the file will be reviewed by a moderator. If approved, it will be included in the catalog and made available.

General Tips

  • Authenticated Access: Authentication unlocks features such as saving sessions.
  • Customization: The resize and hide/show options allow you to optimize the interface.
  • Support: If you encounter any issues, you can check the status of your services in the Catalog or contact technical support.

Standards and interoperability

The platform guarantees full compatibility with:

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