GIS Data Distribution & Visualization Methods

14 08 2006

I am attempting to put together a list of the various methods by which one can distribute GIS data AND the ability to visualize it to non-GIS users. Below is my 1st pass at making such a list. My main focus is the ability to distribute private data in a controlled manner. The end user for this system is typically someone with limited computer skills and no previous GIS use. They would need to search for & identify features, turn layers on/off, and print or export maps. Some users may also want to create their own custom layer by selecting a sub-set of an existing layer and applying different symbolization to it. They do not need a fully featured GIS, nor do they want to need much if any training to use the system.

I will be using this list in a presentation & proposal to help us decide the best method for distributing our multi-county project to outside of the 4 related companies that I developed it for.

I am further expanding on this list to include pros, cons, & costs related to each method along with links to the software & examples of implementations. The expanded list can be found at www.kestrelcomputer.com/GIS-Distribution.htm. I will post the fully expanded list on Friday Aug 18.

Please let me know if you think I have left any important method, software, or technology out.

GIS Data Visualization & Distribution Methods

Physical
Data & Viewer Reside on Client Computer or Removable Storage

  • DVD - Tatuk Viewer, ArcView Project, and Data & Imagery Files
  • DVD - ArcExplorer, ArcPress Document, and Data & Imagery Files
  • CD - Either of Above Options

Web
Data & Viewer Reside on Internet or Intranet

  • ArcIMS Viewer
  • ArcWeb Services Viewer
  • ArcWeb Explorer (ASP.Net or PHP Custom Version)
  • Google Maps (ASP.Net or PHP Custom Version)
  • SharpMap (ASP.Net Custom Implementation)
  • MapServer
  • MapBuilder
  • MapXtreme 2005 .NET
  • GeoServer
  • DEMIS WebMap Server

Hybrid
Viewer Resides on Client Computer & Data Is Served From Internet/Intranet

  • ArcGIS Explorer
  • Google Earth
  • WorldWind (with customizations)
  • uDig (with customizations)
  • SharpMap (Windows App Version)
  • WorldWind (with customizations)
  • MapDotNet Server 2007
  • MapWindow GIS
  • Dapple (based on WorldWind)

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Categories : .NET Windows App, ASP.NET app, ArcWeb Mapping, Google Earth, Web Mapping