Web GIS

Definition

Web GIS is an advancement of traditional geographic information systems (GIS) that allows users to access, analyze, and share geographical information over the internet. Utilizing web protocols and interfacing with web browsers, Web GIS provides a platform for spatio-temporal data analysis, visualization, and dissemination. It integrates several client-side and server-side software components, including map servers, data servers, application servers, and databases.

What is Web GIS?

Web GIS is a type of distributed information system that comprises at least a server and a client, where the server is a GIS server and the client is a web client. In other words, it's a GIS on the World Wide Web. With the progression of internet technologies, GIS applications have been extended to the web for superior accessibility, efficiency, and collaboration.

A Web GIS allows users to create, view, update, and analyze geospatial data and maps on the internet. It can handle multiple forms of spatial and geographic data including vector, raster, and thematic data types. Web GIS applications are generally developed using JavaScript, HTML, and CSS for the client-side, and programming languages like Python and Java for the server-side.

Among the strengths of Web GIS is its capabilities towards real-time data processing, spatial analysis, map making, geodatabase management, and connections with large-scale geospatial data. The application of Web GIS is found in numerous fields including urban planning, environment monitoring, disaster management, transportation, and public health.

FAQs

What is the difference between GIS and Web GIS?

The primary difference between GIS and Web GIS is that the former typically requires specialized software and data stored on local machines, while the latter uses the internet to share, access, and analyze geospatial data from anywhere, anytime.

What are some examples of Web GIS applications?

Examples of Web GIS applications include Atlas.co, Google Maps, Bing Maps, OpenStreetMap, and ESRI's ArcGIS Online. These applications utilize Web GIS to provide users with geospatial data, interactive mapping, and spatial analysis tools.

What are the benefits of using Web GIS?

The benefits of using Web GIS include greater accessibility to geographical data, real-time data updates, collaborative environment, cost-effectiveness, and the capacity to handle and analyze substantial amounts of spatial data.

How does Web GIS work?

Web GIS works by utilizing web servers and GIS software to process and visualize geographic data. The data is then distributed to users over the internet, which can be viewed and analyzed using web browsers or specialized client-side applications.