embracing the online platform: web applications for gis

Embracing the Online PlatformUSING WEB APPLICATIONS FOR A PERSONALIZED

DATA EXPERIENCE IN A CORPORATE ENVIRONMENT

Outline

Letting Go of the Paper WorldKey Considerations for the Online Platform

LETTING GO OF THE PAPER WORLD

VS

Web Apps: The New Hero

• Require the end-user to have only a Web Browser and Internet Access.

• Accessible on smart phones and tablets.

Web Applications offer Cross Platform Compatibility.

Web Applications are more manageable.

Web Applications are highly deployable.

• Only need to be installed on the server.

• Simpler updating and maintenance process.

• Choose what the end-user can see and modify.

• Secure live data.

KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE ONLINE PLATFORM

WHAT ASPECTS TO ADDRESS IN YOUR APPS:

CustomizableInterface

DataInclusion Analytics Reporting Content

Management

Key PlayersTwo web applications will be used to illustrate the concerns mentioned.• NCC’s Newfoundland and Labrador Nature Atlas• Integrated Guardian

Newfoundland and Labrador Nature AtlasApplication developed

for the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC).

NL Nature Atlas is an online resource for 30+ maps on a variety of topics:• Protected Areas, Rare and

Special Plants, Human Footprint, etc.

Each map is embedded on the NL Nature Atlas website.• No additional plug-ins

required to open.

Integrated GuardianCode Name:

Environmental Effects Data Management System

Allows easy access to large volumes of past and current data collected for EEM programs.

Accessible via a web browser; no plug-in required.

Customizable Interface

Ensure basic map operations tools are available.NL Nature Atlas’ maps include basic tools, like:• Zoom In/Out• Navigate Extent(s)• Measure Areas/Distances• Identify Features

Customizable Interface

Consider including more advanced tools.NL Nature Atlas’ maps also include more specialized tools, like:• Clip and Ship• Export Map (JPEG, PNG, PDF)• Download Datasets• Hide/Show Overview Maps

Customizable Interface

Consider including more advanced functionality.NL Nature Atlas’ maps include more specialized capabilities as well.• For instance, adjusting the

transparency of a layer using scaling bars.

Customizable Interface

Consider including more advanced functionality.What about markup options?• Guardian features

full text entry, including font-size, line width, etc.

Customizable Interface

Allow the user to save their settings.The NL Nature Atlas allows logged-in clients to save their current map settings.• This includes visible layers,

extent, transparency, etc.• Once saved, it can then be

shared with other advanced users as a group.

Data Inclusion Employ your data alongside outside resources.

Additional basemaps are included in the more basic features of the NL Nature Atlas.

Integrated Guardian offers the end-user different basemaps as well as WMS support.

Data Inclusion Employ your data alongside outside resources.

Public Web Mapping Services can be used for weather layers and the like to supplement your data.• Mapping services

are exposed by government agencies, like NOAA and Environment Canada.

• All sources include display options and metadata.

Analytics Allow clients to perform analyses within the application.Analytical features can be as simple as:• Searching within

the available data

Analytics Allow clients to perform analyses within the application.Analytical features can be as simple as:• Searching within

the available data• Searching by

radius

Analytics Allow clients to perform analyses within the application.Analytical features can be as simple as:• Searching within

the available data• Searching by

radius

Analytics Allow clients to perform analyses within the application.Analytical features can be as simple as:• Searching within

the available data• Searching by

radius

Analytics Allow clients to perform analyses within the application.Available features can even be as involved as:• Kriging Surface• Inverse Distance

Weighted (IDW) Surface

Reporting Produce technical reports from available data.

In addition to the geostatistical analysis options, consider including charts and plots to generate reports.• Guardian utilizes third-party plotting

technology to display interactive graphs on the map.

Exporting functions in your more advanced tools can also benefit your overall product.• Integrated Guardian allows the user to

export geostatistical parameters and results, plots, attribute tables, and templates – in addition to the map view.

Content Management

Keep the illusion of control when accessing data.

You can regulate your data and provide the user with a little power at the same time.

Content Management

Keep the illusion of control when accessing data.

The NL Nature Atlas takes advantage of the customized sharing culture in several ways:

Group Development• Users can create groups for

sharing personalized content.• Maps or users can be

added/removed from groups.• Groups can be deleted

altogether.

Individualized Map Creation• Users can create maps based on

published map services.• Admins have complete control

over written/graphic content of the pages.

Same Map Service, Different Behavior• Admins can publish a map

service multiple times with varying behavior (i.e., language preference).

WHAT DOES YOUR END-USER VALUE?

CustomizableInterface

DataInclusion Analytics Reporting Content

Management