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===Online atlases===
'''Online atlases are collections of maps in a specific period of time like general reference maps, thematic maps, and geographical information.'''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Web Maps Explained {{!}} Mapbox |url=https://www.mapbox.com/insights/web-maps#:~:text=Web%20maps%20are%20a%20visual,are%20the%20way%20to%20go. |access-date=2023-11-30 |website=www.mapbox.com |language=en}}</ref> The traditional [[atlas]] goes through a remarkably large transition when hosted on the web. Atlases can cease their printed editions or offer printing on demand. Some atlases also offer raw data downloads of the underlying geospatial data sources.
===Static web maps===
[[File:Topographic map example.png|thumb|A [[USGS]] [[Digital raster graphic|DRG]] - a static map]]
Static [[web page]]s are ''[[file system permissions|view only]]'' without [[animation]] or [[interactivity]]. '''These maps were often used before technological advancements allowed the user to interact. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Web Maps Explained {{!}} Mapbox |url=https://www.mapbox.com/insights/web-maps#:~:text=Web%20maps%20are%20a%20visual,are%20the%20way%20to%20go. |access-date=2023-11-30 |website=www.mapbox.com |language=en}}</ref>'''These files are created once, often manually, and infrequently updated. Typical [[Graphics file format|graphics formats]] for static web maps are [[Portable Network Graphics|PNG]], [[JPEG]], [[GIF]], or [[TIFF]] (e.g., [[Digital raster graphic|drg]]) for [[raster graphics|raster]] files, [[Scalable Vector Graphics|SVG]], [[PDF]] or [[SWF]] for [[Vector graphics|vector]] files. These include [[Image scanner|scanned]] paper maps not designed as screen maps. Paper maps have a much higher [[Dots per inch|resolution]] and information density than typical [[computer displays]] of the same physical size, and might be unreadable when displayed on screens at the wrong [[Display resolution|resolution]].<ref name="KraakSettingsAndNeeds"/>
== Web GIS in the cloud ==
==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 | 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.}}</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.'''
'''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>{{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.}}</ref> '''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>{{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> '''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 }}</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 |url=https://journals.sagepub.com/eprint/9YTSZSDCXKMR3IININZ7/full |access-date=12 September 2022|doi-access=free }}</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>{{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=2023-12-04 |website=www.linkedin.com |language=en}}</ref> '''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.'''
'''This technology might also be limiting to certain generations, as well. Younger generations have been cultured in technology for the majority of their lives, so web mapping is an easy resource for them to use. However, older generations tend to be less efficient with technology, as it was not around for the majority of their lifetimes.''' <ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Forrest |first=Matt |date=March 24, 2023 |title=A Brief History of Web Maps |url=https://forrest.nyc/a-brief-history-of-web-maps/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 4, 2023 |access-date=December 4, 2023 |website=Modern GIS and Geospatial Ideas and Guides}}</ref> '''This can make it difficult for the older generation to understand how to use web mapping when planning their travels. They will often resort to paper maps or a GPS, as that is what is comfortable to them, even though those resources are less efficient and are more outdated than web mapping.'''
'''As web mapping has become more advanced, they have added a walking feature. This has created an opportunity for the population who might not have access to and/or afford to have a car.''' <ref name=":3" /> '''They are still able to take advantage of this technology to get to a destination by foot. Web mapping has also opened up new possibilities to those who might struggle with a vision disorder. More than a quarter of the world’s population (about 2.2 billion people) suffer from vision impairment.''' <ref>{{Cite web |title=Vision impairment and blindness |url=https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/blindness-and-visual-impairment |access-date=2023-12-04 |website=www.who.int |language=en}}</ref> '''Web mapping has accommodated this large population by adding a speaking feature. When you enter a destination, you can turn your volume on and the maps will speak your directions to you. This is not only convenient for visually impaired people, but also helps limit distractions while navigating.'''
== Web Mapping Barriers ==
'''There have been concerns raised about the privacy and confidentiality of personal information while using web mapping. Web maps contain personal information such as locations, identities, or attributes of people, places, or things. If not properly secured, your information can be accessed, copied, or manipulated by unauthorized parties.''' <ref name=":4">{{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=2023-12-04 |website=www.linkedin.com |language=en}}</ref> '''This allows government agencies to create massive databases on individuals and their behaviors while the private sector keeps records of personal information.''' <ref name=":1" /> '''It can also lead to privacy breaches, data loss, or legal liabilities.''' <ref name=":2" />
'''To prevent these issues from happening, mostly in a work setting, you need to encrypt your data, use secure protocols and servers, and apply access control and authentication mechanisms.''' <ref name=":4" /> '''Another possible barrier created by web mapping that may challenge web map security is data integrity and quality.'''
'''Web maps rely entirely on data sources that could potentially be inaccurate, outdated, or corrupted. If the data is not verified and updated regularly, it can affect the reliability of the web maps.''' <ref name=":2" /> '''Web mapping can also be vulnerable to data tempering, spoofing, or injection attacks, where false or harmful data can be inserted into web maps. There may also be less threatening situations like when web maps may not be updated on a crash or traffic conditions, or may not take you on the most efficient route. To prevent more of these issues from happening, it is important to report unsafe road conditions or any limitations or uncertainties of any web mapping features.'''
==See also==
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