Abstract
For several decades, map libraries and our users have appreciated the value of graphical search methods, and the integrating power of geographical coordinates for spatial searching (Van de Waal, 1974; Larsgaard, 1978). More recently there have been developments in software and data availability to allow the more widespread practical implementation of web-based graphical search tools, using dynamic maps and geo-referenced records. This year, the National Library of Scotland (NLS) has implemented pilot web-based applications using ESRI’s ArcIMS software, to provide an online spatial search method for NLS collections. This paper describes the background to these applications, the software and hardware used, interfaces developed, and I will end with an examination of the problems and prospects of this web-mapping technology.
Highlights
Map libraries and our users have appreciated the value of graphical search methods, and the integrating power of geographical coordinates for spatial searching (Van de Waal, 1974; Larsgaard, 1978)
The broad definition of government institution, which included Non Departmental Public Bodies such as National Library of Scotland (NLS), allowed us to participate in the scheme, using the OS products to support our key objective of promoting access to our library collections
We could have developed these applications without OS mapping, this would have been difficult and costly, and the Pan-Government Agreement (PGA) provided a crucial lever within NLS to gain support for pilot projects to explore the potential of web-mapping technology
Summary
Map libraries and our users have appreciated the value of graphical search methods, and the integrating power of geographical coordinates for spatial searching (Van de Waal, 1974; Larsgaard, 1978). More recently there have been developments in software and data availability to allow the more widespread practical implementation of web-based graphical search tools, using dynamic maps and geo-referenced records[1]. This year, the National Library of Scotland (NLS) has implemented pilot web-based applications using ESRI’s ArcIMS software, to provide an online spatial search method for NLS collections. This paper describes the background to these applications [2], the software and hardware used, interfaces developed, and I will end with an examination of the problems and prospects of this web-mapping technology
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