Advances in Web-based GIS, Mapping Services and Applications

A detailed look at the field of web-based GIS and mapping services and applications, this book reviews current progress and achievements, while looking forward to future developments. It addresses issues involved in constant updating of related web and geospatial technologies as well as the revolution of web mapping caused by mainstream IT vendors. The book includes coverage of increased interest in geo-spatial information technologies and increasing demand for prompt and effective spatial information services, and highlights applications in business, government services, enterprise computing, and social networking.

Advances in Web-based GIS, Mapping Services and Applications is published as part of ISPRS WG IV/5 effort, and aims at presenting (1) Recent technological advancements, e.g., new developments under Web 2.0, map mashups, neogeography and the like; (2) Balanced theoretical discussions and technical implementations; (3) Commentary on the current stages of development; and (4) Prediction of developments over the next decade. Containing 21 contributions from 60 researchers active within ISPRS communities, most of them from academia and some from governments, the book covers a wide range of topics related to the state-of-the-art in web mapping/GIS and geographic information services. The volume is organized in five sections:

1. Analytical and Geospatial Services;

2. Performance;

3. Augmentation and LBS;

4. Collaboration and Decision Making, and 5. Open Standards for Geospatial Services.

Supported by a considerable number of technical details and examples, an overall view of the current achievements and progress made in the field of web-based GIS and mapping services is given. The chapters reflect timely and future developments addressing: constant updating of related web and geospatial technologies as well as the revolution of web mapping caused by mainstream IT vendors such as Google, Yahoo and Microsoft; increased interest from industry on geo-spatial information technologies; and increasing demand from the general public for prompt and effective spatial information services. Advances in Web-based GIS, Mapping Services and Applications will appeal to academia and researchers, application specialists and developers, practitioners, and undergraduate and graduate students interested in distributed and web-based geoinformation systems and applications, geodatabases, and digital mapping.