Island Studies Journal, Vol. 12, No. 1, 2017, 95-114 Supporting island research and development through the ‘Archipelago’ information system Michail Vaitis University of the Aegean, Mytilene, Lesvos, Greece vaitis@aegean.gr Vasilis Kopsachilis University of the Aegean, Mytilene, Lesvos, Greece vkopsachilis@geo.aegean.gr George Papapanos University of the Aegean, Mytilene, Lesvos, Greece gpapapanos@aegean.gr Dimitris Simos University of the Aegean, Mytilene, Lesvos, Greece simos@geo.aegean.gr Nikoletta Koukourouvli University of the Aegean, Mytilene, Lesvos, Greece koukourouvli@geo.aegean.gr and Sofia Karampela University of the Aegean, Mytilene, Lesvos, Greece karampela@env.aegean.gr ABSTRACT: Information systems play a crucial role in supporting decision-making for managing and administrating territories at different levels of authority. Unfortunately, most such information systems are not dedicated to or customized for the special needs imposed by islands. In this work we describe the design, implementation, and operation of the ‘Archipelago’ digital repository, an integrated information system for supporting island research and development. The main objectives of the system are the storage, documentation, and dissemination of any kind of data regarding islands, as well as the provision of cartographic facilities for searching, visualization, and comparison. The basic principle of the system is the ability to geographically designate any stored material. The system is compatible with the standards for digital information documentation and interoperability, and it is based on free and open-source software tools. Keywords: digital repository, geographic services, islands, metadata, spatial data infrastructure, web cartography https://doi.org/10.24043/isj.7 © 2017 – Institute of Island Studies, University of Prince Edward Island, Canada.