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The description and exchange of geospatial data using XML-based languages is currently a common practice. Two of the most widely adopted formats are the Geography Markup Language (GML) and Google's Keyhole Markup Language (KML). Google Earth has very quickly become a popular Web based mapping software. In this chapter, we consider and elaborate a three step approach to visualize and publish geospatial data. Firstly, geospatial data are modeled in GML; secondly GML data are converted to KML; and thirdly KML data are published on the Web and visualized with Google Earth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past ten years, the Center for Remote Sensing and Mapping Science (CRMS) at The University of Georgia has worked cooperatively with the National Park Service to create digital vegetation databases for 21 National Parks, Preserves, Home Sites and Battlefields in the southeastern United States. These databases were created from manually interpreted large-scale color infrared aerial photographs using a combination of Global Positioning System (GPS) surveys, softcopy photogrammetry and GIS modeling procedures. Throughout the process, geovisualization techniques have been used to aid in the extraction and assessment of vegetation patterns, quality control evaluation and communication of information to managers and users of park resources. In one example, three-dimensional (3D) drapes of orthorectified images and vegetation maps were used to aid in the interpretation process by providing the interpreter with multiple 3D perspective views and information on elevation range, slope and aspect. Upon completion of the databases, geovisualization techniques also were used to qualitatively identify and assess areas prone to errors in the geometric orthorectification. In this way, geovisualization contributed to improvements in both the thematic and geometric accuracy of the National Park Service vegetation data sets. In another example, animations of spatio-temporal data sets and 3D drapes were developed to assess the impacts of surrounding development and land use changes on resources within park boundaries. Geovisualizations provided to the National Park Service are being used to prioritize the acquisition of additional lands to help preserve water quality and habitats of ecological importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A variety of different projects makes it possible to develop fullfunctional web GIS-applications. Nowadays most of these projects focus on one specific part of a system (e.g. a map-engine, scripts for datavisualization etc). Although certain GIS projects concentrate on the development of web-interfaces, some problems arise (e.g. consistencyproblems) when these projects are compiled and modified to fit a certain context. Furthermore the development of a system according to Human Computer Interaction (HCI) guidelines involves the participation of the end-user at almost all stages of the process. This chapter describes the adaptation of HCI guidelines during the development of a specific web-GIS application, based on open source-GIS projects: an interactive system for wine cultivation in the Swiss canton of Vaud. Based on this work, some design suggestions for developers of web - GIS projects are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent developments in technology such as mobile computing devices, global positioning systems, and wireless networks provide avenues for the development of innovative educational alternatives to traditional computer laboratory exercises. We have created a mobile geographic education (MoGeo) system that places students in the environments they are studying while retaining access to network accessible knowledge repositories and the laboratory instructor. Students can simultaneously gain first-hand experience in the field coupled with planimetric and analytical views created by GIS software. This chapter demonstrates features of the MoGeo system and provides an example of how it is currently being used in the GIScience curriculum in the Department of Geography at The University of Iowa. The framework provided by this system is easily extensible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geographers can play an essential role in interpreting Earth and Biodiversity Science concepts to general audiences. Museums and informal science institutions have begun to use visualizations of geospatial data within high definition video (HDTV) programming to present complex science concepts to audiences of varying ages and varying scientific training. The diversity of experience and understanding among audiences imposes many demands on geographers working with HDTV, for they must simultaneously provide content of interest to novices and experts alike. This chapter introduces essential guidelines for producing HDTV geovisualizations while emphasizing the particular talents that geographers bring to bear on time series visualizations involving geospatial data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This chapter describes a project that has started in spring 2005 at the University of Twente (UT) in cooperation with the International Institute for Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC) to provide Location Based Services (LBS) for the UT campus. This LBS runs on the existing Wireless Campus system that provides the whole 140 hectare University grounds with WiFi based internet access. The project serves as a testbed for research activities as well as an infrastructure to develop practical use cases upon. The former includes research into wireless LAN positioning techniques, into context awareness of ubiquitous data management systems, and into data dissemination for LBS and mobile applications. A first use case was to provide the participants of SVGopen2005, the 4th Annual Conference on Scalable Vector Graphics (August 15-18, 2005) with a location system (called FLAVOUR) to help them navigate the conference locations and locate fellow attendants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) is a w3c recommended standard for xml representation of 2D graphics. As a graphic standard incorporating event listeners it provides an xml standardized approach to interactive web GIS services, accessible through client browsers. Geographic hypermedia is characterized by event driven interactive features. SVG provides a feature granularity not possible using older html image interfaces to GIS services. SVG interfaces connect well with other emerging web GIS services such as the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) Web Feature Service (WFS), and Web Map Service (WMS) standards. SVG is a flexible tool for building the gallery of interfaces illustrated in this chapter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid development of the mobile internet enforces the emergence of location based services. Beside car navigation systems, which are standard equipment to many drivers all over the world today, guiding systems for pedestrians gain more and more importance. While drivers are dependent on tight directions, pedestrians can be provided with more detailed information. Many different possibilities are imaginable in this respect, but not all of them are effective as guiding instructions. In this chapter general considerations about wayfinding tasks in urban environments are discussed and diverse communication methods are investigated regarding their potential as route finding aids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Safety concerns and economic, environmental, scientific, and sustainable development issues require the monitoring and assessment of the various changes that occur in the geographical space. For knowledgebased decision-making and management approaches, spatial change can be better understood through representations, which enhance the cognitive eye-brain process. Work conducted in multiple programs of the Earth Sciences Sector (ESS), Natural Resources Canada is presented. This work aims to develop effective visualization of time-dependent spatial information to assist in the communication and understanding of the various geographic phenomena. Initially, elements and approaches for the effective cartographic representation of spatial changes are discussed. Subsequently, principles for the visualization of change and various modes for change representation are given along with the current web-based technological developments and trends. The visualization concepts and techniques discussed are demonstrated using several examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decision makers need access to heterogeneous, interdependent and meaningful information to obtain an understanding of the geospatial conditions for informed decision making and analysis of various options for situation assessment. Hypermedia concepts and visualization can facilitate the integration of large amounts of multi-source datasets and provide customized representations of filtered georeferenced data to enable the decision makers to explore and understand various spatial solutions without requiring advanced knowledge of geospatial technologies and systems. A specific application of decision making is the collaborative geospatial decision making, which is based on real-time data sharing, coordinated data access and synchronization between multiple geographically dispersed participants. The roles of hypermedia, visualization and geocollaboration are explored and case studies are presented to support decisions for city planning via interactive mapping, urban planning scenarios, and understanding urban sprawl over time. Two systems are discussed. The in-house developed Dynamic Visualization System (DVS), which dynamically hyperlinks to web map servers, and the GeoConference, a commercial real-time Internet-based geospatial collaborative conference system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In geographic hypermedia, maps and other information displays are jointly used for the purpose of communicating information. We consider another role of maps: maps as instruments for data exploration and analysis. In this function, maps are also used in combination with other information displays. In order to establish links between multiple displays, various mechanisms have been developed. Some of these mechanisms might be useful in geographic hypermedia in addition to classical hyperlinks. We propose a taxonomy of generic mechanisms for linking complementary information displays and, in broader terms, complementary tools for data exploration and analysis involving maps and graphics as well as querying, data transformation, and computation-based analysis techniques. We give an example of exploration of geographically referenced data in which different mechanisms are used in cooperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many interactivity functions exist in explorative map applications. This chapter provides a typology of these functions with the aim to contribute towards a standardization of the variety of interactive visualization tools. The typology contains 8 types and around 70 particular interactivity functions and is based on an evaluation of existing divisions and categorizations of interactions. The standardization implies a facilitation of both the concept of interfaces and the assessment of realized interfaces. Using the developed structure, two existing applications are evaluated showing the usefulness of the typology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geographic hypermedia systems include geospatial information from diverse sources. Meaningful access and utilization of such information is materialized only with semantic integration and proper documentation through ontologies. The present work presents a unified view of important research subdomains tasks related to geosemantics and ontologies, (as formal representations of geographic knowledge), such as ontology engineering, extraction of semantic information and ontology integration. Although there is a great degree of recent literature in the field, differences in (a) perspective — purpose, (b) the primary information available and (c) the methodologies and tools used, compose unrelated approaches that have not been put in the overall context. Therefore, it is extremely difficult for the wider audience to understand the difference and the applicability of available approaches in a given context. An attempt is made to draw the overall picture in order to assist users in defining their problem, selecting an appropriate approach and successfully undertaking a geosemantics or ontology-based task. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purposes of standardization in information system are interoperability, interpretability, exchangeability, and sustainability of information. Standards in geographic and hypermedia information systems are the results of complex and tedious negotiation processes on an international scale. This chapter gives an overview of the existing standards in the both fields and tries to bridge the gap between the fields. These standards include OGC OpenGIS specifications for geographic information, as well as Dublin Core, MPEG-7 and MPEG-21 for hypermedia. Meanwhile MIDAS, CIDOC and Object ID for cultural heritage will be discussed, because cultural heritage standards work with geographic hypermedia standards closely. By combining the key concepts of these technologies in an open and generic metadata framework, comprehensive geographic hypermedia systems can be deployed in various areas of applications such as cultural heritage management, e-tourism, e-government, and e-learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the evolving technological developments that have influenced spatial information management and communication, digital cartography has to overcome a number of issues concerning cognition and usability. Hypermaps, integrating concepts from geographical information systems and hypermedia systems, have been proposed by many researchers as a promising solution. However, these systems are isolated, without making an attempt for information and services exchange. In this chapter, inspired by previous work on Open Hypermedia Systems, we propose a conceptual reference model for cartographic hypermedia services. As a prerequisite, a number of hypermap systems have been studied, resulting in a set of indispensable requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultural heritage management is an excellent application domain for geographical hypermedia information systems. Many people with different tasks and levels of profession like fieldworkers, researchers, project and campaign officers, cultural bureaucrats etc. collaboratively producing and consuming different media like photographs, video, drawings, books, etc. must deal with exact geographic information about moveable or unmovable objects of interest. Implemented information systems must obey all standards in the different domains to overcome classical failures of isolated solutions which do not scale beyond the scope of a single project. We present a conceptual approach which integrates geographic information, multimedia information, cultural heritage information and collaborative aspects in a single information model. This conceptual approach was used to design and implement a web-based information system on top of a single commercial database covering all mentioned aspects. This information system was deployed for a project in the conservation of cultural heritage in Afghanistan to prove the validity of the concepts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geographic Knowledge Discovery (GKD) requires systems that support interactive exploration of data without being slowed down by the intricacies of a SQL-type query language and cryptic data structures. GKD requires to compare maps of different phenomena or epochs, to dig into these maps to obtain detailed information, to roll-up data for more global information and to synchronize maps with tables and charts. This can be done by combining the capabilities of GIS with those of OLAP, leading to SOLAP (Spatial OLAP). To enrich the GKD process, we added hypermedia documents to SOLAP. Hypermedia SOLAP provides a more global perception of the situation without requiring the advanced knowledge typically required by Hypermedia GIS. This chapter presents hypermedia SOLAP concepts and gives an example dealing with the erosion of lands and roads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This chapter presents Cruiser, a geographically-oriented content management and delivery system, providing a platform for developing rich internet applications and services that make use of spatial data, maps and location-aware information. The chapter addresses the technological and business need behind it, and discusses Cruiser's unique feature, namely the channel, that allows for tuning, navigation, browsing, searching, enriching and sharing of geographic space, at a personal level. Finally, the target application domain as well as, the benefits of adopting this platform are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobile geographic hypermedia provides a means whereby geospatial data can be delivered to users as "rich" information via highly portable devices and wireless telecommunication networks. To operate successfully, systems based on mobile geographic hypermedia combine geospatial information perception, knowledge generation and communication. Each of these aspects may be largely ineffective, however, without in-depth consideration of the usefulness (utility + usability) of the representations and the methods of interaction involved. It is argued here that rather than being driven by the underlying technology, the design of mobile geographic hypermedia systems should be approached from a usefulness perspective. Not only will this ensure their use, but ultimately their commercial success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The highly-interactive, map-based multimedia presentation known as the hypermedia map has emerged along with the development of the interactive personal computer since the 1980s. Although combining maps with other forms of representation such as pictures is not new, this particular interactive type of map required an effective electronic form of distribution. The CD-ROM served that capacity briefly but was soon replaced by the Internet which emerged in the mid-1990s as the major form of information delivery. More maps are now distributed through the Internet than through any other medium. But, most of the maps that make their way to the Internet are simply static maps, often scanned from paper, not the highly-interactive hypermedia maps that were expected with this new medium. There are very few examples of hypermedia maps currently available through the Internet, and those that do exist are very difficult to find. The continued development of hypermedia is based on both the accessibility of hypermedia maps through the Internet and a system of remuneration so that the authors of these time-consuming products can be compensated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This chapter analyses the concept of digital atlas, analysing different definitions found in the literature. Additionally, the characteristics and different classifications of digital atlases are analysed. The lingering question about the difference between GIS (Geographical Information Systems) and digital atlases was also addressed in the chapter. It is believed that a better understanding of what a digital atlas can be will facilitate the development of future digital atlas projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need for designers to consider the wide range of user preferences and how they (the users) interact with contemporary map information packages is paramount when developing effective interfaces for information access, retrieval and use. It is argued that a suite of metaphors, allowing users to choose the most effective access method for their application makes for a more effective package. This chapter describes the theory of the Map Shop, which could be provisioned with maps, videos, books, guides, games and databases of facts and could provide expert tips. The Map Shop can be linked locally or internationally through the Internet and, more specifically, the World Wide Web. From the users' perspective the boundary between discrete and distributed multimedia would be transparent, presenting them with the most current and customised information possible. It also describes the use of the metaphor suite developed as part of the GeoExploratorium, a tool for the provision of geographic information in a manner that is complementary to the map metaphor. Finally, it describes the building of a prototype Virtual Map Shop, a discrete / World Wide Web tool for exploring its use as an innovative geographical information access (virtual) resource. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every day a suite of satellites in orbit about the Earth captures massive amounts of data in a vast spectrum of wavelengths. The Earth's systems are being measured more accurately, more frequently, and with higher resolution than ever before in our history. The amount of data generated is prodigious, pouring into data archive centers at over 1000 GBytes per day. This presents a challenge to those who wish to locate and use data for a specific application over a constrained geospatial area and time span. The vast majority of the data are free, or available at low cost. However, there remain barriers to its use because in many cases the data are not in a preferred format, it is difficult to locate, it is hard to extract a specific data item from the massive inventories, or simply because users are not aware that an important data set exists. In this chapter, you will learn how to find data, by using data catalog services, and how to order data, by using data search and order systems. You will also be presented with summary information on the data resources available from NASA's nine data archive centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advancement of computer technology enables the integration of geographic information system (GIS) and multimedia technologies that allow to incorporate not only spatial-temporal geographic information in image/vector format, but also multimedia geographic information in descriptive text, scanned ground photographs, graphics, digital video and sound. The concept of hypermedia GIS is defined in this chapter. Design issues on the development of hypermedia GIS for use on individual personal computers (PC) (i.e., discrete system) and on the Internet (i.e., distributed system) are discussed. Software requirement, file format and data structure used in each system are described. The discrete and distributed hypermedia GIS provide the essential concepts and techniques for many new GIS applications such as visualization, spatial decision support systems and spatial database management and exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New Media includes a range of new delivery and display platforms; among them are the World Wide Web, interactive digital television, mobile technologies, interactive hyperlinked mapping services, and enhanced mapping packages that are "linked" to large databases—national or global ([Cartwright et al. 2001]. New Media now provides a unique conglomerate media form for representing geospatial information in innovative ways. The many cartographic products developed and published using New Media illustrate the enthusiasm with which the geospatial science community has embraced it as a tool for representing geography. It is argued that this ‘new' method of access to and representation of geospatial information is different to aforeused methods and therefore, whilst New Media applications can be considered to be at a fairly immature stage of development (compared to paper maps — here paper maps have a 500 years or so ‘start' on electronic counterparts), much research has been undertaken to develop strategies for ‘best practice' so as to overcome any deficiencies. This chapter gives an overview of how multimedia / hypermedia mapping has developed using discrete, distributed, mobile and ubiquitous media and devices. It provides an overview of the applications of New Media tools and communications systems that cartography has adopted / adapted to deliver timely and appropriate geoinformation. It provides examples of the use of discrete interactive multimedia, distributed interactive multimedia, and delivered via the World Wide Web (Web) or via intranets and mobile information delivery applications. Finally, it looks at how the concept of ubiquitous computing might be used to facilitate a ‘different' paradigm for geographical information delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The convergence between Geographic Information Science and Hypermedia technology leads to the emergence of a new paradigm, named Geographic Hypermedia (GH). This chapter introduces GH by presenting the underlying concepts and tools; and highlighting the content and types of services that should be provided by a GH system. The chapter also explains the structure of the book and presents an overview of the twenty-four contributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays new applications ask for enriching the semantics associated to geographical information in order to support a wide variety of tasks including data integration, interoperability, knowledge reuse, knowledge acquisition, knowledge management, spatial reasoning and many others. Examples of such semantic issues are temporal and spatio-temporal data management, 3D manipulation, spatial granularity and multiple resolutions, multiple representations (providing different perspectives of the same information), vague and ambiguous geographic concepts, the relationship between geographic and physical concepts, and identity of geographic objects through time. At the same time the recent years brought many developments that radically changed how we understand information processing. Data warehouses and OLAP systems have evolved as a fundamental approach for developing advanced decision support systems. This lead to improved data mining techniques allowing to extract semantics from raw data. Further, the success of Internet has generated a paradigm shift in distributed information processing leading to the area of Semantic Web, in which semantics is the fundamental component for achieving communication both for humans and applications. At the same time, mobile and wireless computing have entered everyone.s life through dedicated devices leading to location-based services. Finally, Grid computing, a paradigm enabling applications to integrate computational and information resources managed by diverse organizations in widespread locations, pushes the frontier of global interoperability. The fact that all these recent developments are entering the geographic domain increases the importance of the elicitation of the semantics of geographical information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]