This study originates from the discussion of precautionary environmental protection and their instruments in the Federal Republic of Germany and in the Republic of Korea. It combines the coherence of a crucial information base with the development of comprehensive cross-media environmental information systems. For this purpose two case studies are presented - Environment Information Systems in Berlin and Seoul and development concepts for cross-media systems followed by a discussion on aspects of technology transfer.

The work is based on the pivotal subject of whether the information sources for an environmental policy makes an effective precautionary environmental policy aiming at improving and enables environmental quality. It is apparent that the quality of a comprehensive environmental information system is dependent on the accuracy of environmental objectives, the excellence of environmental policy, the requirements of eco-political instruments, the individual capability, the ambitions and the exploitation interests by clients in politics and government and the uniformity of the underlying ecology model.

An important component of conceptual instruments in Korea is based on legally prescribed all-embracing environmental planning, testimonials on current environmental conditions, predictions on the intensification of environment pollution and the determining of a desirable environmental quality. For this end a comprehensive environmental information system representing also evaluation features is essential.

In preparing case studies basic knowledge on environment Information systems is deliberated upon. Such environmental information systems can not be designed without simultaneous development of an overall political concept and a coherent environmental model. This is not only required for a conceptual environmental policy instrument but, for all instruments sustaining precautionary environmental protection.

Case studies in Berlin and Seoul are established on existing media and information landscape. An important topic is the presentation of conceptual depictions existing to further basic environment information in order to attain a comprehensive environment information system. Hence, in Berlin a rigid information system is developed incorporating an ecological planning system based the Berlin Environmental Map. The system is to some extent already functional yet, still under construction.

In the capital Seoul some media exposure exists, but only limited attempts of cross-media coverage. An approach however derives from the implementation stage of a soil protection information system.

The case study of Berlin and the subsequent issues of technology transfer expertise for the 10-million citizens of Seoul and other agglomeration areas is discussed with regard of comparable developments in other states of the Federal Republic, which so far bear significant innovations, but also some limitations.

From the requirements of the new Framework Act on Environmental Policy in the Republic of Korea, an argument may be deduced from considering the transfer of Berlin's system in a modified form to Seoul. Suggested is a development tailored to fit the transfer concept which bundles the know-how gained from all previous systems. If an ideal information technology for environmental protection is conceivable in the near future is open and its desirability might ultimately be a philosophical question.