Spatial Data Model for Rural Planning and Land Management in Turkey

In Turkey, in the areas of rural planning and land management, problems regarding data retrieval, data quality, implementation scenario and legal base (law or regulation) have long been experienced. In this study, in order to contribute to resolving such problems, a conceptual/semantic data model was designed which focuses on the definition of required data, determination of their basic qualities and also their relations. As the preparation step for the model development, interviews, and discussions with authorized people were carried out. In addition, for the definitions of the data in the model, the Land Parcel Identification System and Infrastructure for Spatial Information in the European Community (INSPIRE) are considered. For the model design, an object-oriented modelling method with the Unified Modelling Language (UML) notation was used. In the model, planning activities were focused on. It is envisaged that the model will guide work for the preparation of a technical regulation which may enable a standardized implementation throughout Turkey. It has also the potential to be an example for the implementation of laws related to spatial data both in Turkey and also worldwide.