Summary
Geographic information systems (GIS) in general,
and Web-based GIS in particular, are changing very rapidly because
of the simultaneous increases in and sophistication of software, processing
power, data storage capacity and available bandwidth. The spread of
globalisation, with its consequent impact on trade, information exchange
networks and emerging diseases, has meant that the demand for Web-based
GIS is exploding. This has been compounded by the comparative speed
with which basic sites can now be constructed. An active data site
with a GIS element is a must-have for all self-respecting data-rich
projects. There is a wide range of issues which should be considered
before a GIS website can be launched its function and appearance,
its content and audience, its maintenance and stability and the implementation.
There are also issues of technical complexity and data formats, levels
of access, confidentiality and accreditation, or quality control and
data validation, all of which must be addressed if a site is to be
both reliable and effective. These and other topics are considered
in some detail, with examples from around the Net.
Keywords
Animal
health, Archives, Geographic information system, Spatial data, Website.
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