Abstract
Web mapping and the use of geospatial information online have evolved rapidly over the past few decades. Almost everyone in the world uses mapping information, whether or not one realizes it. Almost every mobile phone now has location services and every event and object on the earth has a location. The use of this geospatial location data has expanded rapidly, thanks to the development of the Internet. Huge volumes of geospatial data are available and daily being captured online, and are used in web applications and maps for viewing, analysis, modeling and simulation. This paper reviews the developments of web mapping from the first static online map images to the current highly interactive, multi-sourced web mapping services that have been increasingly moved to cloud computing platforms. The whole environment of web mapping captures the integration and interaction between three components found online, namely, geospatial information, people and functionality. In this paper, the trends and interactions among these components are identified and reviewed in relation to the technology developments. The review then concludes by exploring some of the opportunities and directions. Keywords: web mapping; Web GIS; Internet; online; web services; digital earth; GeoWeb; semantic web; collaborative; development era
Highlights
The United States Vice-President Al Gore’s 1998 speech on digital earth technologies created an increased awareness of the value of geospatial information and its necessity to be available online and accessible to many users globally
The following sections introduce the concept of web mapping, discussing different available definitions, and its characterizations, which will helping us in identifying the developments and significant events categorized into different development eras
We can identify some of the currently available definitions: “Web mapping is . . . : (1) information and data updating, (2) security and authentication of the user, (3) collection of user-filled forms and (4) access to databases.” [5]; “Web mapping is the process of designing, implementing, generating and delivering maps on the World Wide Web.” [6]; “Web mapping is the technique of utilizing maps that are obtained by an information system for spatial and geographical data.” [7]; and “Web mapping is the process of using maps delivered by geographical information systems (GIS).” [8]
Summary
The United States Vice-President Al Gore’s 1998 speech on digital earth technologies created an increased awareness of the value of geospatial information and its necessity to be available online and accessible to many users globally. Gore’s vision was to harness technology and people to generate an immersive visual experience of travelling through virtual geographic space and time to understand our earth [1]. He identified the focus on applications such as conducting virtual diplomacy, fighting crime, preserving biodiversity, predicting climate change and increasing agricultural productivity. The two decades following that have seen huge developments of technologies and collaborative environments that bring people and information together, including digital globes, high speed communication networks, mobile wireless environments, location-based services, cloud computing and Web GIS.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
