An exploration of GIS architectures for internet environments

Abstract

The World Wide Web and the Internet have great potential in improving accessibility to spatial data and to spatial data processing services. We explore this theme by reference to three recent developments, demonstrating different architectural approaches to spatial data distribution. First, the ACT Pilot system assesses the feasibility of transferring cadastral data over the Web in vector form, to facilitate interaction based around the map image. Secondly, the Hydra-4 project extends the vector-based map interaction for environmental mapping in an interactive system for water quality planning. Hydra-4 enables Web access to both spatial and temporal data. Thirdly, the on-going SMART project assesses the technical feasibility of spatial Internet marketplaces, in which applications are built from data and processing services offered by multiple, independent providers. A small SMART demonstrator system has been built. Show more