Web GIS

Web GIS refers to the use of geographic information systems (GIS) through
web technologies. It allows users to access, share, and analyze geospatial data
online, making GIS accessible without specialized desktop software. Web GIS
combines the functionalities of traditional GIS with the connectivity of the web,
allowing users to interact with maps and spatial data in real time through web
browsers or mobile applications.

Key Components of Web GIS

1. Client Interface
o Description: Users access Web GIS through a client, typically a
web browser or mobile app. This interface is where users interact
with maps, layers, and tools for spatial analysis.
o Examples: ArcGIS Online, Google Earth, and custom Web GIS
applications built with libraries like Leaflet or Mapbox.
2. Web Server
o Description: Hosts the Web GIS application, serving pages and
responding to user interactions by retrieving data, rendering maps,
and performing operations.
o Functionality: Manages requests between the client and the GIS
server, enabling features like map navigation, data editing, and
querying.
3. GIS Server
o Description: The core of Web GIS, where spatial data storage,
processing, and analysis happen. It manages spatial databases,
performs spatial queries, and renders data layers for the client.
o Examples: ArcGIS Server, GeoServer, and QGIS Server.
4. Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI)
o Description: The spatial databases and data services form the SDI,
where geospatial datasets are stored, maintained, and accessed.
o Data Formats: Stores vector (e.g., shapefiles, GeoJSON) and
raster data (e.g., satellite images, elevation grids), along with
attribute data that describes spatial features.
5. Web Services
 oDescription: Web services enable data exchange between the GIS
server and the client, often in standard formats. These services
make spatial data accessible via web protocols.
o Common Services:
 WMS (Web Map Service): Serves maps as images.
 WFS (Web Feature Service): Shares vector data allowing
real-time querying and editing.
 WCS (Web Coverage Service): Shares raster data for
analysis and visualization.
6. Data Sources and APIs
o Description: External data sources and APIs provide additional
data layers, like weather, traffic, and demographic information.
They expand Web GIS functionality by integrating third-party data.
o Examples: OpenStreetMap, Google Maps API, and weather APIs.

Applications of Web GIS

1. Urban Planning and Development: Enables city planners to share

zoning maps, analyze land use, and engage with the public through
interactive platforms.
2. Disaster Management: Provides real-time data on natural hazards,
allowing emergency responders to track areas affected by floods,
earthquakes, or fires.
3. Environmental Monitoring: Enables real-time monitoring and sharing
of data related to pollution, water quality, and deforestation, often with
interactive visualization.
4. Public Health: Assists in tracking disease outbreaks, vaccination
coverage, and healthcare access.
5. Transportation and Logistics: Helps optimize routes, monitor traffic,
and manage assets like public transit or delivery vehicles.

Advantages of Web GIS

 Accessibility: Provides GIS tools to users anywhere with internet access,

eliminating the need for specialized software.
 Real-Time Data: Offers live data sharing and updates, essential for
applications like emergency management.
  Scalability: Can be scaled easily by increasing server resources to
accommodate a large number of users.
 Interactivity: Allows users to interact with and analyze spatial data
through a user-friendly interface, making GIS accessible to non-experts.

Technologies Used in Web GIS

 JavaScript Libraries: Leaflet, OpenLayers, Mapbox GL

 Mapping Platforms: ArcGIS Online, Google Maps, Carto
 Server Software: GeoServer, ArcGIS Server, QGIS Server
 Database Management: PostGIS, MySQL, MongoDB (for spatial data)

Mobile GIS

Mobile GIS is the integration of geographic information system (GIS)

technology with mobile devices, enabling users to collect, access, analyze, and
share spatial data directly in the field. By leveraging the portability and
connectivity of smartphones, tablets, and GPS-enabled devices, Mobile GIS
allows for real-time, location-based data handling, which is essential for field-
based work in various sectors.

Key Components of Mobile GIS

1. Mobile Device:
o Description: Mobile GIS applications run on smartphones, tablets,
or ruggedized GPS devices that are used in various field
environments. These devices may also have GPS capabilities,
sensors, and cameras to support data collection.
o Examples: iOS and Android smartphones, tablets, and specialized
rugged GPS units.
2. Mobile GIS Software:
o Description: Mobile GIS apps provide tools for data collection,
mapping, and analysis directly in the field.
o Examples: Apps like ArcGIS Field Maps, QField for QGIS,
Survey123, and Google Earth allow users to create, edit, and
visualize spatial data.
o Features:
  Data collection forms
 Offline mapping (when internet access is limited)
 Data synchronization with centralized GIS databases
3. GPS and Location Services:
o Description: GPS technology provides accurate location data,
which is critical for positioning field-collected information.
o Purpose: Ensures that the spatial data collected is geo-referenced
to precise locations, essential for mapping and spatial analysis.
4. Remote Data Access and Storage:
o Description: Mobile GIS relies on cloud or centralized GIS servers
where spatial data is stored and updated. Field data can be
synchronized back to the central database in real-time or offline
mode.
o Data Integration: Mobile GIS connects with GIS servers like
ArcGIS Online, GeoServer, or PostGIS databases to access and
upload data.
5. Data Collection Tools:
o Description: Mobile GIS apps often include tools for collecting
spatial data, taking photos, recording field observations, and even
inputting sensor data.
o Example Tools: Point, line, and polygon collection, camera
integration for photo tagging, form-based data entry.

Applications of Mobile GIS

1. Environmental Monitoring: Used for mapping habitats, tracking

wildlife, monitoring pollution levels, and conducting environmental
assessments.
2. Utilities and Infrastructure: Assists in the maintenance of utilities
(electricity, water, telecommunications) by locating assets, inspecting
equipment, and reporting issues in real-time.
3. Agriculture: Supports precision farming by mapping crop health, soil
quality, and water resources, improving decision-making for crop
management.
4. Disaster Response and Emergency Management: Enables real-time
mapping and reporting of disaster zones, damage assessments, and
resource allocation for rescue operations.
 5. Urban Planning and Asset Management: Allows city planners and
surveyors to gather information on infrastructure, public facilities, and
other urban assets directly in the field.

Advantages of Mobile GIS

 Real-Time Data Collection: Field data is immediately accessible,

allowing for timely updates and decision-making.
 Enhanced Accuracy: With GPS integration, spatial data collected in the
field is accurate and can be instantly referenced.
 Portability: Users can work in remote areas without the need for bulky
equipment, as mobile devices are lightweight and compact.
 Increased Efficiency: Field personnel can perform tasks faster and with
fewer errors, as mobile GIS often reduces the need for paper-based data
collection.

Challenges of Mobile GIS

 Connectivity: Limited internet connectivity in remote areas can hinder

real-time data syncing, though many apps offer offline capabilities.
 Battery Life: Extended use in the field may drain device batteries, which
can be a limiting factor for prolonged field operations.
 Data Security: Sensitive field data needs secure storage and
transmission, especially when dealing with cloud-based data
synchronization.

Examples of Mobile GIS Software and Tools

 ArcGIS Field Maps: Used for collecting and updating data, tracking
locations, and navigating maps.
 QField for QGIS: An open-source mobile GIS tool that integrates with
QGIS, allowing data collection and editing in the field.
 Collector for ArcGIS: Allows for precise field data collection, especially
useful for asset inspection and incident reporting.
 Survey123: A form-centric mobile GIS app for collecting data using
customizable forms and surveys.