Web GIS in Practice: Creating Interactive Maps in Taiwan



3.1. Techniques of Map Development
EasyMap provides a simple web interface using which searching location on map becomes a facile task. The front-end interface connects to the back-end map server and obtains spatial data from databases. So the location searched for is displayed on the internet along with the map image. The map interface adopts AJAX techniques which integrate asynchronous techniques like JavaScript and XML. The features of AJAX include swift response, effective system operations, and quick loading of web pages. For example, using AJAX, a web page updates information without loading the whole page. In addition, the research team also developed GIS objects which offer more GIS functions on a map display through techniques like COM or web services.

3.2. Map Functions and Features

3.2.1 Map Control
Display map, scale, zoom in, zoom out, pan, print, and email maps.

3.2.2 Map Search
EasyMap offers key words to find specific locations, such as, address, intersections, landmarks, and shop names.

3.2.3 Advanced API Functions
The research team created advanced API functions to adjust functions.

These include:

  • Point: add a landmark on a map
  • Line: provide a route direction on a map
  • Polygon: draw a polygon on a map
  • Dialogue: add dialogue on a map. Web users can write down descriptions.
  • Upload: after posting a landmark, users can also upload pictures or videos to a map display.
  • Mashup: provide value added services and integrate videos watching from YouTube or other websites. (Figure 2)
  • Print: print a specific location on the map with attached information or photos.
  • Coordinate: double click a map and obtain X, Y coordinate.

Figure 2 Mashup Services

4. Value Added Services on EasyMap

EasyMap provides an interactive map that can be used to search locations and look up information. In addition, EasyMap adopts GeoWeb 2.0 techniques to create a series of map services, including point of interest, map blogs, wedding maps, map postcards, invitation cards, and theme maps of aerial photos etc.

4.1 Local Search

Local search operations meet users’ needs. Most users will see their homes or offices as the origin to extend their circles to look for other useful information. EasyMap thus overcomes the stereotype use of a map as a basic tool to find places. EasyMap offers abundant information such as those pertaining to places of interests including restaurants, parking lots, gas stations, hotels, etc.

4.2 Point of Interest

Following Web 2.0 trend, web users can create POI (Point of Interest) on an electronic map, and then add up some description and photos sharing personal experiences. This way people can a create variety of theme maps adding up pictures, experiences, memories, and comments.
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