Online GIS and Spatial Metadata
"Online GIS and Spatial Metadata" by David Green and Terry Bossomaier is a comprehensive book that explores the intersection of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the Internet. The book delves into various aspects of online GIS, discussing its advantages, challenges, and applications in today's digital world.
In Chapter 1, the authors provide an introduction to GIS and its fundamental nature. They also highlight the rise of the Internet and distributed information systems, emphasizing the advantages of such systems and presenting examples of distributed information.
Chapter 2 focuses specifically on the relationship between GIS and the Internet. It explores the benefits of online GIS and addresses the issues that arise in this new medium. The chapter also provides examples of online GIS applications and discusses large-scale spatial data collection projects. Additionally, it compares stand-alone GIS with online GIS and presents different options for implementing online GIS.
The authors shift their focus to server-side GIS operations in Chapter 3. They discuss web servers, server processing, and online map building. The use of high-level scripting languages and implementing geographic queries is also covered in this chapter.
Chapter 4 explores client-side GIS operations. It explains image maps, the use of JavaScript in client-side operations, and the use of Java applets. The authors provide examples and conclude the chapter by summarizing the discussed concepts.
In Chapter 5, the authors introduce markup languages and specifically focus on XML (eXtensible Markup Language). They explain the structural ideas behind XML, the Document Type Definition (DTD), XML namespaces, XML schema, and the XML query language (XQL). The chapter concludes with references to further reading materials.
Chapter 6 delves into information networks. The authors define information networks, discuss their capabilities, explore their organization, and address associated issues. They provide practical examples of information networks in action.
In Chapter 7, the authors explore distributed objects and OpenGIS. They introduce the standards organizations involved in defining online objects and their metadata, including CORBA (Common Object Request Broker Architecture) and the Geographic Markup Language.
Chapter 8 focuses on metadata on the web. The authors introduce the Dublin Core, PICS (Platform for Internet Content Selection), and the Resource Description Framework (RDF). They discuss the importance of metadata in online GIS and its role in organizing and describing spatial information.
In Chapter 9, the authors discuss metadata standards. They explore Australasian, US, and European metadata standards and provide an overview of their respective situations.
Chapter 10 delves into data warehouses. The authors explain the concept of data warehouses and how they apply to geographic data. They discuss the structure, challenges, and operation of data warehouses, as well as data mining and standards for online GIS warehouses. The chapter concludes by contemplating the future of geographic data warehouses.
In the final chapter, Chapter 11, the authors explore new technologies for spatial information. They present visions of a global GIS and discuss intelligent systems, mobile computing, and the transition from online GIS to virtual worlds.
"Online GIS and Spatial Metadata" serves as a valuable resource for readers interested in the integration of GIS and the Internet. It provides insights into the technical aspects, challenges, and possibilities of online GIS, along with discussions on metadata, data warehouses, and emerging technologies.
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