Abstract
Recent advancements in internet mapping technology, efficient geospatial data management systems, and availability of different GIS API’s have revolutionized the way in which the geospatial data is being used, shared and represented through distributed systems for business applications. However, development of powerful, highly functional, yet cost- and time-effective enterprise WebGIS business systems requires a very robust and highly scalable architecture. The architecture should have the inherent characteristics of rapid development, a well-defined object library and at the same time it should comply with the existing geospatial interoperability standards defined by Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC). On the other hand, development of extendible distributed business GIS systems requires the presence of tailor-made inbuilt models available as modules which can be extended further by readily implementable user-interface templates supported by object modeling environment which allows for custom design and delivery of the processes and map output. There are various commercial and open source web mapping solutions which offer a great deal of flexibility and functionality. Nevertheless, they restrict the user community with certain limitations, in terms of functionality, cost or complexity. This necessitates, defining a new approach which efficiently caters the user requirements and not limiting them with aforementioned shortcomings. This paper aims to evaluate various architectural alternatives for delivering robust distributed GIS business solutions and also attempts to give an account of an implementable instance of a WebGIS architecture which can cater the multi-user and multi-industry requirements.
Highlights
Rapid advancements in internet technology and database management systems vis-à-vis storing, managing and disseminating the geospatial data over World Wide Web opened up the vistas for completely a new generation of information applications, i.e., WebGIS [1]
This paper discusses in detail about the components which are essential to be part of developing a unique WebGIS system which can cater the informational requirements of a diversified business environment
The architecture proposed in detail describes the components required for developing a service oriented, low-cost, highly functional and time-effective holistic WebGIS application framework
Summary
Rapid advancements in internet technology and database management systems vis-à-vis storing, managing and disseminating the geospatial data over World Wide Web (www) opened up the vistas for completely a new generation of information applications, i.e., WebGIS [1]. For overcoming the limitations and shortcomings inherent with traditional desktop GIS which limited the GIS technology to a selective group of users, WebGIS as a multi-user platform transcended the boundaries and proved that it is highly powerful and effective in sharing, distributing and representing the geospatial as well as associated information over Internet through HTTP protocols. Due to their cost effectiveness and ability in reaching majority sections of the community, WebGIS applications are becoming pervasive and have far reaching impact on information sharing and decision making [2] [3]. Apart from that, development of a WebGIS model which is highly scalable and can connect to a wide range of geospatial and other data sources requires adaptation of commonly acceptable standards, such as the one specified by OGC
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
