Mapping Spatial Data on the Web Using Free and Open-Source Tools: A Prototype Implementation

Abstract

There is a growing need for web-based geographic information systems for easy and fast dissemination, sharing, displaying and processing of spatial information. The tremendous growth in the use of web and open-source geospatial resources has sparked development of web-based spatial applications to address multidisciplinary issues with spatial dimensions. This paper presents the integration of open-source geospatial tools and web technology to visualize and interact with spatial data using web browser. The goal of this paper is to implement a prototype system for web-based mapping by providing step-by-step instructions in order to encourage the eager developers and interested readers to publish their maps on the web with no prior technical experience in map servers. The implementation of mapping prototype shows the utilization of open-source geospatial tools which results in a rapid implementation with minimal or no software input cost.