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{{short description|Process of using the maps delivered by geographic information systems (GIS) in World Wide Web}}
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{{more footnotes needed|date = February 2011}}
{{Tone|date=July 2024}}
[[File:Smartphone with navigation map app.jpg|thumb|right|A web map app in a [[smart phone]]]]
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'''Web mapping''' or an '''online mapping''' is the process of using, creating, and distributing [[map]]s on the [[World Wide Web]] (the Web), usually through the use of [[Web GIS|Web geographic information systems]] (Web GIS).<ref name=Fu1>{{cite book |last1=Fu |first1=Pinde |last2=Sun |first2=Jiulin |title=Web GIS: Principles and Applications |year=2011 |___location=Redlands, Calif. |publisher=ESRI Press |isbn=978-1-58948-245-6 |oclc=587219650 |url=https://archive.org/details/webgisprinciples0000fupi |url-access=registration}}</ref><ref name=Fu2>{{cite book |last1=Fu |first1=Pinde |title=Getting to Know Web GIS |year=2016 |___location=Redlands, Calif. |publisher=ESRI Press |edition=2 |isbn=9781589484634 |oclc=928643136 |url=https://archive.org/details/gettingtoknowweb0000fupi |url-access=registration}}</ref><ref name=Zhang1>{{cite book |last1=Zhang |first1=Chuanrong |last2=Zhao |first2=Tian |last3=Li |first3=Weidong |title=Geospatial Semantic Web |year=2015 |___location=Cham |publisher=Springer |isbn=978-3-319-17800-4 |oclc=911032733 |doi=10.1007/978-3-319-17801-1|s2cid=63154455 }}</ref> A web map or an online map is both served and consumed, thus, web mapping is more than just web [[cartography]], it is a service where consumers may choose what the map will show.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Web maps—ArcGIS Online Help {{!}} Documentation |url=https://doc.arcgis.com/en/arcgis-online/reference/what-is-web-map.htm |access-date=2023-12-04 |website=doc.arcgis.com}}</ref>
[[File:Smartphone with navigation map app.jpg|thumb|right|A web map app inon a [[smart phone]] displaying [[Lake Lappajärvi]] in Finland]]
'''Web mapping''' or an '''online mapping''' is the process of using, creating, and distributing [[map]]s on the [[World Wide Web]] (the Web), usually through the use of [[Web GIS|Web geographic information systems]] (Web GIS).<ref name=Fu1>{{cite book |last1=Fu |first1=Pinde |last2=Sun |first2=Jiulin |title=Web GIS: Principles and Applications |year=2011 |___location=Redlands, CalifCalifadfd. |publisher=ESRI Press |isbn=978-1-58948-245-6 |oclc=5872196501336448374 |url=https://archive.org/details/webgisprinciples0000fupi |url-access=registration}}</ref><ref name=Fu2>{{cite book |last1=Fu |first1=Pinde |title=Getting to Know Web GIS |year=2016 |___location=Redlands, Calif. |publisher=ESRI Press |edition=2 |isbn=9781589484634 |oclc=928643136 |url=https://archive.org/details/gettingtoknowweb0000fupi |url-access=registration}}</ref><ref name=Zhang1>{{cite book |last1=Zhang |first1=ChuanrongCharanga |last2=Zhao |first2=Tian |last3=Li |first3=Weidong |title=Geospatial Semantic Web |year=2015 |___location=Cham |publisher=Springer |isbn=978-3-319-17800-4 |oclc=911032733 |doi=10.1007/978-3-319-17801-1|s2cid=63154455 }}</ref> A web map or an online map is both served and consumed, thus, web mapping is more than just web [[cartography]], it is aan interactive service where consumers may choose what the map will show.<ref>{{Citecite web|access-date=2023-12-04 |title=Web maps—ArcGIS Online Help {{!}} Documentation |url=https://doc.arcgis.com/en/arcgis-online/reference/what-is-web-map.htm |access-date=2023-12-04 |website=doc.arcgis.com}}</ref>
 
== Introduction ==
 
The advent of web mapping can be regarded as a major new trend in cartography. Until recently, cartography was restricted to a few [[:Category:Map companies|companies]], institutes and [[:Category:National cartographic agencies|mapping agencies]], requiring relatively expensive and complex hardware and software as well as skilled cartographers and [[geomatics]] engineers.<ref name=":0">{{Citation |last=Neumann |first=Andreas |title=Web Mapping and Web Cartography |date=2008 |url=https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-35973-1_1485 |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia of GIS |pages=1261–1269 |editor-last=Shekhar |editor-first=Shashi |access-date=2023-12-04 |place=Boston, MA |publisher=Springer US |language=en |doi=10.1007/978-0-387-35973-1_1485 |isbn=978-0-387-35973-1 |editor2-last=Xiong |editor2-first=Hui|url-access=subscription }}</ref>
 
Web mapping has brought many geographical datasets, including free ones generated by [[OpenStreetMap]] and proprietary datasets owned by [[Here (company)|HEREBaidu]], [[Petal Maps|HuaweiGoogle]], [[Google]],Here [[Tencent(company)|HERE]], [[TomTom]], and others.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Web Mapping with Free Software Tools · Richard A. Lent, Ph.D. |url=https://richardlent.github.io/post/web-mapping/ |access-date=2023-12-04 |website=richardlent.github.io}}</ref> A range of [[:category:Free GIS software|free software to generate maps]] has also been conceived and implemented alongside proprietary tools like [[ArcGIS]]. As a result, the [[barrier to entry]] for serving maps on the web has been lowered.<ref name=":0" />
 
The terms ''[[web GIS]]'' and ''web mapping'' are often used interchangeably, but the terms are distinct.<ref name=Fu1/><ref name=Fu2/><ref name=Zhang1/><ref name=Peterson1>{{cite book |last1=Peterson |first1=Michael P. |title=Mapping in the Cloud |year=2014 |publisher=The Guiford Press |___location=New York |isbn=978-1-4625-1041-2 |oclc=855580732 |url=https://archive.org/details/mappingincloud0000pete |url-access=registration}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Web GIS, Simply |url=https://www.esri.com/about/newsroom/insider/web-gis-simply/ |website=ESRI Newsroom Insider |date=10 June 2016 |publisher=ESRI |access-date=21 December 2022}}</ref><ref name=Ezekiel1>{{cite journal |last1=Ezekiel |first1=Kuria |last2=Kimani |first2=Stephen |last3=Mindila |first3=Agnes |title=A Framework for Web GIS Development: A Review |journal=International Journal of Computer Applications |date=June 2019 |volume=178 |issue=16 |pages=6–10 |doi=10.5120/ijca2019918863|doi-access=free }}</ref><ref name= Rowland1>{{cite journal |last1=Rowland |first1=Alexandra |last2=Folmer |first2=Erwin |last3=Beek |first3=Wouter |title=Towards Self-Service GIS—Combining the Best of the Semantic Web and Web GIS |journal=ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information |date=2020 |volume=9 |issue=12 |page=753 |doi=10.3390/ijgi9120753|bibcode=2020IJGI....9..753R |doi-access=free }}</ref> Web GIS uses and enables web maps, and end users who are ''web mapping'' are gaining analytical capabilities from Web GIS, however Web GIS has more applications than web mapping, and web mapping can be accomplished without Web GIS. Web GIS emphasizes [[geodata]] processing aspects more involved with design aspects such as data acquisition and server software architecture such as data storage and algorithms, than it does the end-user reports themselves.<ref name="KraakSettingsAndNeeds"/> The term ''[[___location-based service]]s'' refers to ''web mapping'' consumer goods and services.<ref>Parker, C.J., May, A., Mitchell, V. and Burrows, A. (2013), “[https://dspace.lboro.ac.uk/dspace-jspui/bitstream/2134/11589/15/Parker%20et%20al.%20(Capturing%20VGI%20For%20Inclusive%20Service_Design).pdf Capturing Volunteered Information for Inclusive Service Design: Potential Benefits and Challenges]”, The Design Journal, Vol. 16 No. 2, pp. 197–218.</ref> Web mapping usually involves a [[web browser]] or other user agent capable of client-server interactions.<ref name="web_hist"/> Questions of quality, usability, social benefits, and legal constraints are driving its evolution.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Brown|first1=M.|last2=Sharples|first2=Sarah|last3=Harding|first3=Jenny|last4=Parker|first4=Christopher J.|last5=Bearman|first5=N.|last6=Maguire|first6=M.|last7=Forrest|first7=D.|last8=Haklay|first8=M.|last9=Jackson|first9=M.|title=Usability of Geographic Information: Current challenges and future directions|journal=Applied Ergonomics|date=2013|volume=44|issue=6|pages=855–865|doi=10.1016/j.apergo.2012.10.013|pmid=23177775|s2cid=26412254|url=http://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/2809/1/Brown_et_al_2013_Usabilty_of_Geographic_Information.pdf|access-date=2019-07-12|archive-date=2018-07-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719082903/http://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/2809/1/Brown_et_al_2013_Usabilty_of_Geographic_Information.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last1=Parker|first1=Christopher J.|title=User-centred design of neogeography: the impact of volunteered geographic information on users' perceptions of online map 'mashups'|journal=Ergonomics|date=2014|volume=57|issue=7|pages=987–997|doi=10.1080/00140139.2014.909950|pmid=24827070|s2cid=13458260|url=https://dspace.lboro.ac.uk/2134/23845}}</ref>
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===Animated and realtime===
 
Realtime maps show the situation of a phenomenon in close to [[Real-time computing|realtime]] (only a few seconds or minutes delay).<ref>{{Cite book|title=Painting the Web|last=Powers, Shelley.|date=2008|publisher=O'Reilly|isbn=9780596515096|oclc=191753336|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/paintingweb00shel}}</ref> They are usually animated. Data is collected by sensors and the maps are generated or updated at regular intervals or on demand.
 
[[Animated mapping|Animated maps]] show changes in the map over time by animating one of the graphical or temporal variables.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Web cartography : map design for interactive and mobile devices|last=Muehlenhaus, |first=Ian, 1976-|isbn=9781439876220 |oclc=706022809 |date = 2013-12-10 |publisher=CRC Press }}</ref> Technologies enabling client-side display of animated web maps include [[Scalable Vector Graphics|scalable vector graphics]] (SVG), Adobe Flash, Java, QuickTime, and others. Web maps with real-time animation include weather maps, [[traffic congestion map]]s and vehicle monitoring systems.<ref name="Temporal Animated Maps"/>
 
[[CartoDB]] launched an open source library, Torque,<ref>{{citeCite web |url=https://github.com/cartodb/torque|title=GitHub - CartoDB/torque: Temporal mapping for CartoDB |websitepublisher=[[GitHub]] |date=2019-02-13}}</ref> which enables the creation of dynamic animated maps with millions of records. Twitter uses this technology to create maps to reflect how users reacted to news and events worldwide.
 
===Collaborative web maps===
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Various companies now offer web mapping as a cloud based [[software as a service]]. These service providers allow users to create and share maps by uploading data to their servers (cloud storage). The maps are created either by using an in browser editor or writing scripts that leverage the service providers API's.
 
== Advantages of Mappingmapping Softwaresoftware ==
{{synthesisSynthesis|date=January 2020}}
[[File:Surface analysis.gif|thumb|right|300px|A surface weather analysis for the [[United States]] on October 21, 2006]]
 
Compared to traditional techniques, mapping software has many advantages. The disadvantages are also stated.
 
* Web maps can easily ''deliver up to date information''. If maps are generated automatically from [[database]]s, they can display information in almost [[Real-time computing|realtime]]. They don'tdo not need to be [[Printing|printed]], mastered and distributed. Examples:
** A map displaying [[election]] results, as soon as the election results become available.
** A [[traffic congestion map]] using traffic data collected by sensor networks.
** A map showing the current locations of [[mass transit]] vehicles such as [[bus]]es or [[Light rail|train]]s, allowing patrons to minimize their waiting time at stops or stations, or be aware of delays in service.
** [[Surface weather analysis|Weather maps]], such as [[NEXRAD]].
* ''[[Software]] and [[Computer hardware|hardware]] [[infrastructure]] for web maps is cheap.'' [[Web server]] [[Server farm|hardware]] is cheaply available and many [[Open-source software|open source]] tools exist for producing web maps. [[Geodata]], on the other hand, is not; satellites and fleets of automobiles use expensive equipment to collect the information on an ongoing basis. Perhaps owing to this, many people are still reluctant to publish geodata, especially in places where geodata are expensive. They fear [[copyright infringement]]s by other people using their data without proper requests for permission.
* ''Product updates can easily be distributed''. Because web maps distribute both logic and data with each request or loading, [[product update]]s can happen every time the web user reloads the application. In traditional [[cartography]], when dealing with printed maps or interactive maps distributed on [[On-line and off-line|offline]] media ([[CD]], [[DVD]], etc.), a map update takes serious efforts, triggering a reprint or remastering as well as a redistribution of the media. With web maps, data and product updates are easier, cheaper, and faster, and occur more often. Perhaps owing to this, many web maps are of poor quality, both in symbolization, content and data accuracy.
* ''Web maps can combine distributed data sources''. Using open standards and documented [[Application programming interface|APIAPIs]]s one can integrate (''[[Mashup (web application hybrid)|mash up]]'') different data sources, if the [[Map projection|projection system]], map scale and data quality match. The use of centralized data sources removes the burden for individual organizations to maintain copies of the same data sets. The downside is that one has to rely on and trust the external data sources. In addition, with detailed information available and the combination of distributed data sources, it is possible to find out and combine a lot of private and personal information of individual persons. Properties and estates of individuals are now accessible through high resolution aerial and satellite images throughout the world to anyone.
* ''Web maps allow for personalization''. By using [[Configuration file|user profiles]], personal filters and personal styling and [[map symbol|symbolization]], users can configure and design their own maps, if the web mapping systems supports personalization. [[Accessibility#Disability, information technology (IT) and telecommunications|Accessibility]] issues can be treated in the same way. If users can store their favourite colors and patterns they can avoid color combinations they can'tcannot easily distinguish (e.g. due to [[color blindness]]). Despite this, as with paper, web maps have the problem of limited screen space, but more so. This is in particular a problem for mobile web maps; the equipment carried usually has a very small screen, making it less likely that there is room for personalisation.
* ''Web maps enable collaborative mapping'' similar to web mapping technologies such as [[DHTML]]/[[Ajax (programming)|Ajax]], [[Scalable Vector Graphics|SVG]], [[Java (programming language)|Java]], [[Adobe Flash]], etc. enable distributed data acquisition and collaborative efforts. Examples for such projects are the [[OpenStreetMap]] project or the [[Google Earth]] community. As with other open projects, quality assurance is very important, however, and the reliability of the internet and web server infrastructure is not yet good enough. Especially if a web map relies on external, distributed data sources, the original author often cannot guarantee the availability of the information.
* ''Web maps support [[hyperlink]]ing to other information on the web''. Just like any other [[web page]] or a [[wiki]], web maps can act like an index to other information on the web. Any [[Image map|sensitive area]] in a map, a label text, etc. can provide hyperlinks to additional information. As an example a map showing public transport options can directly link to the corresponding section in the online train time table. However, development of web maps is complicated enough as it is: Despite the increasing availability of free and commercial tools to create web mapping and web GIS applications, it is still a more complex task to create interactive web maps than to typeset and print images. Many technologies, modules, services and data sources have to be mastered and integrated. The development and debugging environments of a conglomerate of different web technologies is still awkward and uncomfortable.
 
==History==
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* 1989: ''Birth of the WWW'', [[WWW]] invented at [[CERN]] for the exchange of research documents.<ref name="web_birth">More details are in: [[History of the World Wide Web#1980–1991: Invention and implementation]].</ref>
* 1993: '''''[[Xerox PARC Map Viewer]]''''', The first mapserver based on [[Common Gateway Interface|CGI]]/[[Perl]], allowed reprojection styling and definition of map extent.<ref name=Plew2>{{cite journal |last1=Plew |first1=Brandon |title=Web Cartography in the United States |journal=Cartography and Geographic Information Science |date=2007 |volume=34 |issue=2 |pages=133–136 |doi=10.1559/152304007781002235 |bibcode=2007CGISc..34..133P |s2cid=140717290 |url=https://doi.org/10.1559/152304007781002235 |access-date=6 January 2023|url-access=subscription }}</ref>
* 1994: '''''The National Atlas of Canada''''', The first version of the National Atlas of Canada was released. Can be regarded as the first [[atlas|online atlas]].
* 1995: '''''The Gazetteer for Scotland''''', The prototype version of the Gazetteer for Scotland was released. The first geographical database with interactive mapping.
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* 2009: '''[[MapTiler]]''' released as open source software for tiling of geographic data for web maps.<ref>{{cite web |title=Using MapTiler to Create a Tileset |url=https://maps.nls.uk/projects/urbhist/guides_maptiler.html |website=Visualising Urban Geographies |publisher=National Library of Scotland |access-date=23 April 2024 |date=2009}}</ref>
* 2009: [[Nokia]] made '''''[[Ovi Maps]]''''' free on its smartphones.
* 2012: '''''[[Apple Maps]]''''', the first vector-tile based mapping app,<ref>{{Cite web|title=How Apple's new vector-based Maps leave Google Maps looking jittery|url=https://appleinsider.com/articles/12/08/03/inside_apples_new_vector_based_maps_in_ios_6|access-date=2021-08-18|website=AppleInsider|date=3 August 2012 |language=en}}</ref> is launched, replacing [[Apple Inc.|Apple]]'s own Google Maps client as the default mapping app for its platforms.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/nov/26/apple-maps-europe-google|title=How Apple Maps won on UK iPhones over Google Maps - despite Waze|last=Arthur|first=Charles|date=2013-11-26|website=the Guardian|language=en|access-date=2019-07-30}}</ref>
* 2020: '''''[[Petal Maps]]''''' is released.
 
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==Impact on society==
Web maps have become an essential tool for many,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://themanifest.com/app-development/trends-navigation-apps|title = The Popularity of Google Maps: Trends in Navigation Apps in 2018 &#124; August 2021}}</ref> as illustrated by a 2021 [[labor strike]] demanding (among other things) a certain type of map.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2021/11/16/hong-kong-police-warn-striking-foodpanda-workers-to-disperse-or-face-possible-force/|title = Hong Kong police warn striking Foodpanda workers to disperse or face possible force|date = 16 November 2021}}</ref> Web mapping has allowed for a more environmentally conscious way of navigating ___location. With the creation of web mapping, people do not have to use paper maps anymore, as it is accessible through the internet, benefiting our environment.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |url=http://www.nap.edu/catalog/12860 |title=Understanding the Changing Planet: Strategic Directions for the Geographical Sciences |date=2010-06-23 |publisher=National Academies Press |isbn=978-0-309-15075-0 |___location=Washington, D.C.|doi=10.17226/12860 }}</ref> Also, atlases or paper maps that were accessed could have been outdated. With web mapping, in real time, users are able to get step by step directions to a ___location based on where they currently are located with the most current geographical information. It also allows you to choose routes with distances and estimated times of travel for each. You can even choose your mode of transportation like driving or walking.
 
Another benefit is that web mapping has allowed more of the general population to access this technology because it is free and accessible to anyone with an internet connection. It also gives us real-time updates about traffic and road conditions which can lead to safer travels. Although not a common use, web mapping can be used to learn more about culture and history. You can explore historical maps, cultural landmarks, natural features, parks, trails, report issues, natural hazards, pollution, and much more.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=How does GIS web mapping affect you and your community? |url=https://www.linkedin.com/advice/1/how-does-gis-web-mapping-affect-you |access-date=2023-11-30 |website=www.linkedin.com |language=en}}</ref> By doing this, we are able to create a safer and more welcoming community to live in.
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As much as web mapping has helped simplify our lives, there are also negative social consequences to the use of web mapping. There have been concerns raised about the privacy of personal information while using web mapping. It allows government agencies to create massive databases on individuals and their behaviors while the private sector keeps records of personal information.<ref name=":1"/> This issue continues to be challenged and negotiated as web mapping has become more relevant. As the use of web mapping has increased, so has the amount of distractions while driving.<ref name=":2"/> Drivers can alter their focus away from the road to their device very easily, which could result in a multitude of  negative social consequences and safety concerns.
 
While there are many benefits to web mapping allowing anyone to access, create, and distribute maps, many have raised ethical concerns.<ref name="Peterson2">{{cite journal |last1=Peterson |first1=Michael P. |title=Maps on Stone: The Web and Ethics in Cartography |journal=Cartographic Perspectives |date=1999 |volume=34 |url=https://cartographicperspectives.org/index.php/journal/article/view/cp34-peterson/pdf |access-date=27 May 2023}}</ref><ref name="Mooney_Juhász_202007">{{cite journal |last1=Mooney |first1=Peter |last2=Juhász |first2=Levente |title=Mapping COVID-19: How web-based maps contribute to the infodemic |journal=Dialogues in Human Geography |date=July 2020 |volume=10 |issue=2 |pages=265–270 |doi=10.1177/2043820620934926 |s2cid=220415906 |doi-access=free }}</ref> The web facilitates the spread of misinformation, and people without strong understanding of cartography can publish seemingly authoritative products that may mislead the public.<ref name="Peterson2" /><ref name="Mooney_Juhász_202007" /><ref name="Adams2">{{cite journal |last1=Adams |first1=Aaron M. |last2=Chen |first2=Xiang |last3=Li |first3=Weidong |last4=Chuanrong |first4=Zhang |title=Normalizing the pandemic: exploring thecartographic issues in state government COVID-19 dashboards |journal=Journal of Maps |date=27 July 2023 |volume=19 |issue=5 |pages=1–9 |doi=10.1080/17445647.2023.2235385|s2cid=260269080 |doi-access=free |bibcode=2023JMaps..19Q...1A }}</ref> This saw significant attention during the COVID-19 pandemic, where the prevalence of improper maps on dashboards contributed to the [[infodemic]].<ref name="Mooney_Juhász_202007" /><ref name="Adams2" /><ref name=Everts1>{{cite journal |last1=Everts |first1=Jonathan |title=The dashboard pandemic |journal=Dialogues in Human Geography |year=2020 |volume=10 |issue=2 |pages=260–264 |doi=10.1177/2043820620935355 |s2cid=220418162 |doi-access=free }}</ref>
 
Web maps require the internet to host, so they are subject to [[link rot]], making information inaccessible.<ref name="Adams2" /> Unlike physical maps, this can have major impacts on the historical record if the web map is the only source for the data it presents.
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Retrieved 28 Dec. 2023.</ref>
 
== <small>=How Web Maps Interact With Human Variation</small> ===
Web mapping allows you to choose a route of travel with provided directions and real time traffic and road condition updates.<ref name=":4"/> Of course, this is only possible with an internet connection. Populations that are associated with lower incomes may not have access to a mobile device with internet as they may not be able to afford it, limiting them of this resource.
 
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* [[List of online map services]]
* [[Neogeography]]
* [[Geobrowsing]]
* [[Geoweb]]
* [[PPGIS|Public Participation GIS (PPGIS)]]
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Web Mapping}}
[[Category:Web mapping| ]]
[[Category:Collaborative mapping]]