WebGIS Application Research Articles

Geomorphological processes, forms and features in the surroundings of the Melka Kunture Palaeolithic site, Ethiopia

ABSTRACT The landscape of the surroundings of the Melka Kunture prehistoric site, Upper Awash Basin, Ethiopia, were studied intensively in the last decades. Nonetheless, the area was mainly characterized under a stratigraphic/geological and archaeological point of view. However, a detailed geomorphological map is still lacking. Hence, in this study, we identify, map and visualize geomorphological forms and processes. The morphology of the forms, as well as the related processes, were remotely sensed with available high-resolution airborne and satellite sources and calibrated and validated through extensive field work conducted in 2013 and 2014. Furthermore, we integrated multispectral satellite imagery to classify areas affected by intensive erosion processes and/or anthropic activities. The Main Map at 1:15,000 scale reveals structural landforms as well as intensive water-related degradation processes in the Upper Awash Basin. Moreover, the map is available as an interactive WebGIS application providing further information and detail (www.roceeh.net/ethiopia_geomorphological_map/).

Enhanced Conceptual Model for Spatial References in Works of Fiction: Mapping Vilnius Literature

ABSTRACTThis paper presents a data model developed during the project of mapping the literature of Vilnius, capital of Lithuania. The city has for centuries been an important place for Lithuanian, Polish, Jewish and Russian culture. Various literary texts reflect different spatial conceptualizations. The diversity of spatial references in the literature of Vilnius calls for a comprehensive literary database that would store the different types of spatial references: locations, zones, routes, spatial links and events, related both to literary spaces and to authors’ biographies. For this purpose, a data model proposed by previous researchers has been modified and enhanced. A Web GIS application was designed for the input of geographic data. The elaborated conceptual model is not limited to Vilnius literature. It can readily be applied to any work of fiction or biography depending on the academic interests of the researcher.

WEBGIS Application for Planning the Tsunami Evacuation Route

The tsunami that occurred on December 26, 2004 has resulted in massive casualties in Banda Aceh City. As one of the steps to avoid the huge casualty if the tsunami repeats itself, a number of Escape Buildings have been built in the city. In spite of the availability of the Tsunami Escape Buildings, the number of casualties can be reduced only if everyone in the tsunami-prone areas knows the nearest Escape Building from his or her position and the best route to reach the building. The purpose of this research was to build a GIS web application that can help determine the nearest Escape Building from a user-selected location and the best route to reach it. This application utilizes a web service that implements the Dijkstra algorithm to find the closest facility and the best route to the facility. The web GIS application was built using the open source API. The web GIS application developed in this research helps users find the nearest Escape Building and the best route to reach it without the need of any GIS software. The application is easy to use because it provides a user-friendly interface via a web browser.

The Utilization of Big Data in Optimizing Tax Incomes at Jakarta Provincial Government

As the highest tax collection province in Indonesia, the DKI Jakarta province has the objective to promote optimization tax incomes and use. Current IT system is dominated with independent applications that make difficult to monitor and control the data. Jakarta government has taken IT initiative to optimize the potential of regional income and encourage the taxpayer compliance in fulfilling the obligation of payment of local taxes as well as the creation of integration of revenue collection amongst all related units. Jakarta governor has encouraged the use of recent IT technology to support faster data retrieval and effective decision-making process. The article proposes the conceptual SOA framework and supported with web GIS and Big Data application to promote data exchange amongst all units. The use of SOA is expected to deliver reliable services, module reusability, scalability and interoperability. The outcome of the article is expected to be used as a reference for all province in Indonesia in integrating data that spread in all districts/sub-districts and task-forces, and promote better decision making.

Analysis of server-side and client-side Web-GIS data processing methods on the example of JTS and JSTS using open data from OSM and geoportal

The last decade has seen a rapid evolution of processing, analysis and visualization of freely available geographic data using Open Source Web-GIS. In the beginning, Web-based Geographic Information Systems employed a thick-client approach which required installation of platform-specific browser plugins. Later on, research focus shifted to platform-independent thin client solutions in which data processing and analysis was performed by the server machine. More recently, however, the rapid development of computer hardware as well as software technologies such has HTML5 has enabled the creation of platform-independent thick clients which offer advanced GIS functionalities such as geoprocessing. This article aims to analyse the current state of Open Source technologies and publicly available geographic data sources in the context of creating cost-effective Web-GIS applications for integration and processing of spatial data. For this purpose the article discusses the availability and potential of Web-GIS architectures, software libraries and data sources. The analysis of freely available data sources includes a discussion of the quality and accuracy of crowd-sourced as well as public sector data, while the investigation of software libraries and architectures involves a comparison of server-side and client-side data processing performance under a set of real-world scenarios. The article concludes with a discussion of the choice of cost-effective Web-GIS architectures, software libraries and data sources in the context of the institution and environment of system deployment.

UAV and GIS based rapid earthquake-induced building damage assessment and methodology for EMS-98 isoseismal map drawing: The June 12, 2017 Mw 6.3 Lesvos (Northeastern Aegean, Greece) earthquake

On June 12, 2017, an Mw 6.3 earthquake struck Lesvos Island (Northeastern Aegean, Greece). Building damage was observed in its southeastern part with very heavy structural damage limited in the settlement of Vrissa. Taking into account that Vrissa is located further inland from the epicenter than other settlements with less damage, Vrissa looks like an earthquake impact paradox. For interpreting this paradox, a complete approach for damage assessment in an earthquake-affected area was applied during the first hours of the emergency response phase in order to provide crucial information to civil protection agencies. It comprises integration of building-by-building inspection, use of desktop and web GIS applications, UAV survey and digital post processing, extraction of data and information related to the buildings of the affected area, application of the European Macroseismic Scale 1998 and assignment of macroseismic intensities. Correlation of the all aforementioned data with the geological, geomorphological, geotechnical and seismological properties of the affected area along with its buildings characteristics was followed. This damage scene is attributed to the synergy of the near-field location of Vrissa, recent deposits, geotechnically unstable zones, proximity to active faults, rupture directivity phenomena and vulnerable buildings. The integration of UAV and web GIS applications during a rapid post-earthquake field macroseismic reconnaissance can potentially be considered as a methodological framework that can be applied for similar analysis in other areas affected not only by earthquakes but also by other extreme events that have the potential to cause destructive effects on the natural environment, humans and infrastructures.

Mitigation and Emergency Management System of Landslide in Ponorogo District, Indonesia

Ponorogo district, in East Java Province, is one area that is often hit by landslides. In addition to threatening the safety of residents, this landslide caused dozens of houses and public infrastructure to be damaged. The losses caused by this landslide disaster also reached billions of rupiah each year. Integrated of emergency mitigation and response systems for landslides are needed to provide information accurately and widely to the community. This paper proposes a new framework of mitigation and emergency system for landslide in Ponorogo district. The system can analyze, display, explore and store vulnerability data based on web GIS application. The information generated from the mitigation system is a landslide susceptibility map using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) - Natural break method. The landslide susceptibility index is produced based on 4 factors that cause landslides including slope, soil type, land use and rainfall. The map displays 4 levels of vulnerability including very low, low, moderate and high. The mitigation system is equipped with information features for the community about handling landslides. Pearson's Chi-squared test showed the classification class of vulnerability was declared very significant result. Emergency system information in the form of alternative route information and nearest evacuation sites.

Web-GIS and livestock trace tools for epidemiological surveillance, control and management

Web-GIS and livestock trace tools for epidemiological surveillance, control and management

Web-GIS Application Using Multi-Attribute Utility Theory Method as an Alternative Classification of New Highway Development with Heavy Traffic

Web-GIS Application Using Multi-Attribute Utility Theory Method as an Alternative Classification of New Highway Development with Heavy Traffic

New Technologies in Tourism: Transition from Analogue to Digital Maps

Purpose. The article discusses the subject of new technologies in tourism, especially the issue of replacing analogue maps with various types of digital ones - webGIS applications, geo-search engines, geoportals, applications containing tourist maps and mobile applications containing interactive maps. The research aimed to find an answer to the question whether we are actually dealing with the dusk of traditional tourism cartography, or if analogue maps are still needed and used. The issue regarding the impact of the geospatial revolution on subsequent stages of activity related to the preparation and completion of a tourist trip/journey was also discussed. Method. A discussion was presented on the role of maps in tourism. The advantages and disadvantages of digital maps, both computer and mobile ones, were evaluated within the context of their use by tourists. Findings. These considerations allowed the conclusion that despite the clear decline in the sales of tourist guides and tourist maps, the widespread availability of various types of computer and mobile applications on the market, it cannot be that we are witnessing the dusk of traditional tourism cartography trying to replace printed materials. Research and conclusions limitations. The theses presented in the article require empirical confirmation on the basis of a larger number of examples. Although the work discusses the advantages and disadvantages of cartographic media within the context of their suitability for tourism, however, conducting research on small trials and the occurrence of very different conditions makes them be contributing in nature. Practical implications. The conclusions from the article form the basis for further research on the use of digital maps and mapping applications in tourism and their usefulness at every stage of a journey. Originality. The originality of the article comes down to two issues. First of all, in the Polish literature on this subject, relatively few authors confront the advantages and disadvantages of analogue maps versus digital ones. Secondly, the texts that have been published on this subject so far draw attention to the above-mentioned problem within the context of the specificity of maps intended for tourists and other maps used by them, only to a negligible extent. Type of work. Review article.

SMART CITY WEBGIS APPLICATIONS: PROOF OF WORK CONCEPT FOR HIGH-LEVEL QUALITY-OF-SERVICE ASSURANCE

Abstract. In the frame of smart city initiatives, map-based web applications (WebGIS) are distinguished by the complexity of client-side implementation and high load on web servers. Web-map applications provide non-typical web content usually visualized by JavaScript code. For such applications, higher-level advanced approaches to quality of service (QoS) assessment are required. In this paper, a method based on the estimation of users’ interest in a web page and the information quantity provided by a web page is introduced. In order to implement it, a proof of work (PoW) concept is applied for verification of real users. Moreover, a novel metric is introduced to calculate the information quantity provided by web pages. PoW is used for verification of real users and distinguishing them from bots. Additionally, it can be utilized for balancing of web server load. For monitoring of web pages, an image-based approach is introduced. Web pages are rendered into raster images. A number of metrics describing an image are calculated. This approach allows users to compare and track various web pages, including rich web applications providing complex WebGL content. Several web services utilize the developed solutions. Analysis of harvested data proves the effectiveness of the proposed solution.

Competing space and place identity with landscape change analysis using Web GIS through Singapore historical maps (1828–2015)

The investigation of historical maps is fundamental to understanding the dynamics of landscape changes. In this study, we propose Web GIS tools as a way to compare historical maps efficiently for knowledge production. A key impetus of this article is to contribute to the ongoing efforts to broaden the appeal of ‘mixed‐methods research’ by bridging the epistemological and methodological gaps between GIS and qualitative methodologies in knowledge production. This article proposes a new visualization method for historical landscape change analysis by comparing multiple maps simultaneously with the mash‐up of Web GIS. Based on the analysis of exterior facts represented on the maps, four developmental footprints were investigated, namely, surviving place identity, disappeared place identity replaced by new identity, waning place identity overlapped with new identity, and waning identity by disconnected spatial relationships. To this end, the study argues that Web GIS applications have more potential in spatial knowledge production than traditional desktop GIS.

GLOBE BASED 3D GIS SOLUTIONS FOR VIRTUAL HERITAGE

Abstract. During the last years, many solutions have been proposed for 3D Virtual Heritage representations. Recently, also new technologies for online gaming evolved, based on javascript libraries (WebGL), used to create and publish virtual interactive environments. They are based on recent Web browser’s functionalities, surpassing some limitations of VRML technologies. On the side of geospatial information, technology has evolved from desktop GIS to 2D WebGIS and globe applications. The use of globe applications is, today, very diffused due to its immediate and at the same time impressive representation of the earth surface and territories. These technologies have been, also, applied to Virtual Heritage 3D reconstructions, to improve the fruition of Cultural Heritage (CH), with the achievement of interesting results. The topic of this paper is the experimentation on the fusion between globe based and gaming technologies (in our case WebGL) that allow achieving a more user-centric and powerful solution useful for publishing 3D geospatial information of CH on Web. This choice allows obtaining GIS oriented 3D models, typical of globe applications, and, at the same time, a more immersive exploration of CH and its surrounding environment. In particular, it also gives complementary text and multimedia information on the history, architectural features of each cultural good, based on querying of semantic information. The test field of the research is the construction of the 3D GIS virtual globe model of the Manfredonic Castle of Mussomeli (Sicily-Italy), developed for PON-NEPTIS EU Project, to compare open-source technologies and commercial proprietary applications.

A GIS-based multi-criteria decision analysis approach for public school site selection in Surabaya, Indonesia

Surabaya is one of the old cities of Indonesia and has been inhabited since the Colonial era. It has been continuously growing until today leading to expansion of its area to the south, east, and west. Unfortunately, it has not been supported by the addition of new public schools, particularly at the secondary and high school levels. This research aimed to help the government by determining the suitability level of the whole area of the city for locating a new school and for evaluating current school locations. This research proposed six spatial factors: administration, population, transportation, land-use, student flow, and public preferences. Each factor was represented as raster file built from primary and secondary tabular and spatial data. Each factor then was weighted from the multi-criteria decision analysis step using the analytical hierarchy process method. The results show recommended and non-recommended areas in Surabaya for locating a new school building. This research integrated GIS analysis, web-GIS application, public participation, and MCDA to identify the best solution for this case.

Development of a spatial database and web-GIS for the climate of Greece

Climate information is important for scientific research and decision making. Nowadays web-based cartography technologies provide the means for wide dissemination of such information. This paper describes the design and implementation of a spatial database and a web-GIS application that allow the management, visualization and analysis of data that are directly or indirectly related to climate and its future projections in Greece. Emphasis is given to the design decisions made in order to fulfill the requirements of flexible data querying and reporting, and of maintenance cost minimization. Cartographic layers for climatic and other parameters are dynamically produced through database views and geographic web services. The web-GIS provides user-friendly cartographic operations for visualizing and manipulating thematic maps, as well as reporting services for selecting, displaying and downloading climatic values for selected areas.

ESDM One Map Indonesia Indonesia: Opportunities and Challenges to Support One Map Policy based on Applied Web-GIS

The law number 4 : 2011 and Presidential Decree number 9 : 2016 policy in Indonesia regulates the management of standardization and unification of geospatial data called One Map Policy to achieved one geospatial information which is needed across the institution and ministries. Ministry of Energy and Minerals Resources (MEMR) of Republic Indonesia have managed diverse data which are dynamic and periodically changing, completed with their spatial aspect. To manage those datasets to follow the one map policy, Center of Data and Information Technology unit with task is managing data and information technology developed a Web-GIS platform called ESDM One Map Indonesia that can be used for displaying, analyzing, and monitoring energy and mineral resources. ESDM One Map Indonesia is expected to support various stakeholders in their decision and policy making process, especially in the case of territorial issues. The data in this system is stored in PostgreSQL that exist in an enterprise geodatabase which then published as map services in WMS, WFS, or KML format using Enterprise GIS. Overall, this Web-GIS application could help in monitoring the data development and performing spatial analysis which are can be used for supporting the decision maker. ESDM One Map Indonesia is strong efforts -from MEMR of Republic Indonesia in the form of Web-GIS application for supporting the Indonesian One Map Policy which requires- support and data collaboration from another Ministry/Organization. The willingness from MEMR still needs a support especially keep up with the advancement of Web-GIS based application so that the service provided by ESDM One Map Indonesia can be continuously maintained.

The Telecoupling GeoApp: A Web-GIS application to systematically analyze telecouplings and sustainable development

Global challenges, such as chronic hunger in developing and developed regions, loss of wildlife habitat, and the continuing rise of greenhouse gas emissions from human activities, can be addressed only through an integrated approach. The telecoupling concept is one such approach: it explores socioeconomic and environmental interactions among coupled human-natural systems over distances. The telecoupling framework is therefore well-positioned to provide new insights to persistent global sustainability challenges. To operationalize the framework, we have developed the Telecoupling GeoApp, a new web-based component of the Telecoupling Toolbox that provides researchers and practitioners with a useful platform to address globally important issues such as international trade, species invasion, biodiversity conservation, and land-use change. The GeoApp features mapping and geospatial analysis tools to visualize and quantify the five major interrelated components of the telecoupling framework (systems, flows, agents, causes, and effects). In this paper, we demonstrate the GeoApp's functionality by applying it to a case study in which distant systems interact across space and time: the Brazil-China soybean telecoupling. We conclude by highlighting the advantages of the Telecoupling GeoApp in addressing global sustainability challenges. It is our hope that this web application will be valuable to a range of users exploring telecouplings and outcomes across distant coupled human-natural systems for achieving sustainable development goals.

Transferring Cultural Geo-History Datasets of Artifacts Using GIS Geodatabase for Archiving in Dodoma Capital City, Tanzania

The study aimed to create a historical geographic information system (HGIS), including a geodatabase and simple web application for Dodoma Capital City (DCC) in Tanzania. A web GIS application based is an outcome of the study that can improves research on, and knowledge of, the rare artifacts of cultural and historical heritage in Dodoma Capital City (DCC) for historians and the wider academic community. Likewise, spatial data incorporated allows for visualization of the relationship between people, and their geographic and cultural surroundings. Therefore, the cultural geo-history in this paper describes the specific connection of the cultural artifacts and historical site in a given area to their environment and geographic space. For that purpose, the Dodoma Capital City (DCC) historical artifacts as a case study were cataloged based on GIS techniques, geocoding protocols, and describing the artifacts to create an intuitive and familiar tool for historical researchers and archivists to better understand the cultural geo-history of Dodoma Capital City (DCC). The resulting tool, the Dodoma Capital City Historical Geographical Information System (DCCHGIS), combines a geodatabase and a web application to provide access to a small portion of the geospatial cultural history of Dodoma Capital City (DCC). The DCCHGIS demonstrates that archiving are useful in creating an accurate, informative, and usable Historical Geographic Information System (HGIS) tool that increase the knowledge of and access to cultural geo-history.

New Ways to Enrich Web GIS Applications [Leading Edge

New Ways to Enrich Web GIS Applications [Leading Edge

Elektroniczna edycja rejestrów poborowych województwa kaliskiego z drugiej połowy XVI w.

The paper describes how GIS was used to prepare the electronic edition of historical sources of tax registers of the Kalisz voivodeship in the second half of 16th century. Source data from the tax registers were typed out into spreadsheets. Different sources, like parochial visitations, king’s domain’s inspections and others, were used to obtain information about the settlements that was omitted in tax registers. Simultaneously, topographical and physiographical layers (forests, swamps, rivers, lakes, borders of voivodeships and districts, later – borders of parishes) were prepared in GIS. By using the data from tax registers and old maps the map of settlements was developed. Connecting the GIS layers with the data from the tax registers we created a spatial database. Th is database is available for all persons interested at the „Atlas of sources and materials for history of old Poland” website. The users can work with it on the Internet, using the WebGIS application, or download all data on their computers. After that the data can be used by the user freely. Furthermore, the users have access to the scan of original manuscripts and, if they find an error in the edition, they can report it to the administrators. If the mistake is confirmed by one of the scientists, it will be corrected. Th e described way of editing the historical sources is a new method for presenting the results of historical inquiries and editions of historical sources. Th e data from this edition can be related with the data from other projects. Those relations can make a database of historical data with a very high information potential that can be used in historical research.