Web GIS: Technologies and Its Applications

Abstract

Distributing geospatial information on the Internet is an enforcing factor for information providers. Internet allows all levels of society to access geospatial information, and provides a media for processing geo-related information with no location restrictions. Web-based GIS is evolved from different Web maps and client-server architecture to distributed ones. As such, Internet reshapes all functions of information systems including: gathering, storing, retrieving, analyzing, and visualizing data. The high cost of GIS system, the release of system specific databases, and the enormous software developer efforts on upgrading the system are fading with the introduction of web-based GIS. Moreover, disseminating spatial information on the Internet improves the decision-making processes. This paper examines the current Web GIS technologies with emphasis on architectures. Eight state-of–the-art Web GIS products from leading GIS companies have been scientifically assessed. This paper also proposes a web GIS development strategies starting from requirement analysis, and ending in GIS use and maintenance. Disseminating Iranian Road information on the Internet has been presented as a successful implementation of the strategy. It is concluded that the Internet based information delivery adds the margin of profitability of the Transportation and Terminal Organization. The proposed strategy has been tested successfully. Civilian can get to their destinations faster.