SHARE - I.T. - Web Mapping
This component of the project dealt with the technical preparation for the successful development of the web mapping application pilot. Included were reviews of current state of the art web mapping applications and associated technologies and an associated system design specification (SDS) for the development of a web mapping application. Key findings included:
- The development of a suitable spatial data infrastructure (SDI) is required to enable spatial data to be authored, served, discovered and finally used.
- Service orientated approach (SOA) lies at the centre of efficient distribution and reuse of spatial data. The implementation and promotion of web services, e.g. web mapping services (WMS) is vital to the interoperability of spatial data.
- The development of a metadata catalogue (service and portal) is required to enable the public and researchers to find and reuse archaeological data, releasing their full potential.
- The ability for users to consume this data by several methods including desktop GIS, thin client systems (Google Earth) and tailored web mapping applications democratizes both the spatial data and the technology to view it.
A sample web mapping application was developed using ESRI ArcGIS Sever software which enabled the viewing and searching of LiDAR, othoimagery and geophysics data for several archaeological sites across Ireland.