Since 1 January 2016, the digital exchange of information concerning cables and pipes in Flanders through KLIP Digital is mandatory. As a consequence, all network operators in Flanders should be able to deliver the requested information to plan applicants using the INSPIRE-based IMKL data specification via the KLIP Digital platform.
A platform to prevent excavation damage
KLIP (Kabel- en Leidinginformatieportaal – “Cable and Pipe Information Portal”) is a web application that helps prevent excavation damage to underground cables and pipes by optimising the access and exchange of information on this topic. The application was first developed in March 2007 and is managed by the Flanders Geographical Information Agency (FGIA). Following the KLIP-decree of 14 March 2008, it is obligatory for all network operators to be registered and to be responsible for the accuracy of the provided information. Prior to the start of excavation works, information about cables and pipes needs to be requested and received by the plan applicants. In this context, plan applicants can be principals of works, contractors, research departments or other individuals.
In April 2015, the KLIP platform entered a second phase, the KLIP Digital Phase, allowing the digital exchange of information between plan applicants and network operators. Plan applicants are able to easily consult and receive all cable and pipe information from the requested zone in one plan. KLIP Digital also supports network operators to manage their own information and to make use of open standards to exchange information.
According to FGIA, within the first six months since the launch of KLIP Digital, 100,000 plan requests have been submitted by nearly 4,500 plan applicants using the platform. Since the end of July 2015, each plan request is partially processed through KLIP.
KLIP is founded on the IMKL 2.2 Data Model, which is an extension based on the INSPIRE data specifications on Utility Services.
As of 1 January 2016, applicants pay a fee of €10 to FGIA in KLIP.
Data and application integration solutions
ARE3NA (Action 1.17 of the ISA Programme) is interested in the software powering the implementation and use of INSPIRE, where this work in Flanders shows some examples in practice.
In the context of KLIP, IT solution providers offer data transformation services and application integration solutions. A list of all solution providers for KLIP Digital can be found on: https://www.agiv.be/producten/klip/meer-over/ondersteuning/dienstenleveranciers-die-diensten-leveren-voor-klip-digitaal
For instance, paper plans can be converted into digital vector data or data can be modelled according to the IMKL format. They also offer Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions that allow network operators to more easily connect their data sources with the SaaS platform. This, in turn, delivers the information in an IMKL-conformant manner to the KLIP platform upon request.
IMKL in the Netherlands
The Netherlands have a similar platform to KLIP, KLIC-WIN, which is based on the IMKL data specification. Since 2008, the exchange of information on cables and pipes is regulated by the WION decree (the Law on the Information Exchange of Underground Networks). According to this decree, plan applicants must submit an excavation report to the Land Registry when carrying out excavation works. Furthermore, network operators are obliged to maintain digital information on cables and pipes and make them available upon request to the Dutch Land Registry.
In this context, the KLIC (Cables and Pipes Information Centre) online tool for the exchange of information on cables and pipes was developed. Currently, a new system KLIC-WIN is envisioned for 2017, which will comply with the requirements of both WION and INSPIRE.
If you have a similar story you would like to share with us, please contact us at are3na@jrc.europa.eu and let us know about your apps built around INSPIRE and Spatial Data Infrastructures (SDI).