This section outlines the framework and the technology used in the portal. The map serving platform of the IBP has the following components:

• A Protgresql PostGIS Database engine that stores the geographical data along with attributes.
• A MapServer that fetches data from the database and server polygon layers.
• OpenLayers java script library for fetching data from Internet map sites, our MapServer and our Postgres PostGIS database.
• Drupal that manages access control through defined roles, and manages all content linked to maps and features.

The diagram below shows a high level system architecture.