International Journal of Computer Applications (0975 – 8887)

Volume 178 – No. 16, June 2019

A Framework for Web GIS Development: A Review

Ezekiel Kuria Stephen Kimani Agnes Mindila

KCA University Jomo Keyatta University of Jomo Keyatta University of
P.O.Box 56808-00200, Nairobi- Agriculture and Technology Agriculture and Technology
Kenya P.O.Box Box 62000 P.O.Box Box 62000
Nairobi-Kenya Nairobi-Kenya

ABSTRACT 2.1 Web GIS Architecture

In this age of information where petabytes of data is generated The evolution of Web GIS has been steady, progressing in
every day, there is need to utilize this data to solve day-to-day tandem with the growth of the internet and the advancement
problems encountered in the modern society. For this reason, of hardware and software. The web provides the end user with
Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) have become the ability to interact with the data and make better decisions
ubiquitous. The curation, data visualization on maps, from it. The basic architecture of a web GIS application is the
geocoding of the same, and online deployment using web 2.0 client-server architecture; this is because the standard of geo-
technologies are user-generated content that are interactive data is very specific in the sense that it requires a map server
and geo-located. Collectively, when GIS is delivered via on top of the web server and a database compliant with geo-
internet technologies, it is termed web GIS. Over the years, data, while most other websites do not require these extra
Web GIS has evolved and gained prominence. This paper technologies to function properly [12].
explores the structure of Web GIS, evaluates various
methodologies currently employed by developers in the In their study, [12] stated that the web browser is the interface
design, development and implementation of Web GIS systems through which the user accesses the web GIS application.
and proposes a methodology for developing a standard Web Middleware facilitates the sending of requests and responses
GIS based on evaluation criteria. between the client and server. The web server receives user
requests and in turn sends back the requested files (HTML,
General Terms binary images) which includes the web pages the user views,
Web Development, Web Applications, GIS Applications. using the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). A map server
allows for the sharing, processing and editing of geospatial
Keywords data, which is then stored in a geodatabase (GIS database).
Geographic Information Systems, Web GIS, Web GIS software are programs that have the capabilities required
Development, Web mapping, Software Development Life for the processing of geospatial data through the process of
Cycle. spatial analysis. They [12] sated that the system architecture is
a blueprint for how the application should work once
1. INTRODUCTION completed and forms the basis upon which the design process
Geographic Information System (GIS) is a framework done. These formulate the key elements for the success of a
designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and web GIS system-which are implemented in the application
present spatial or geographic data. The pivotal components on through the five basic components expected of every web GIS
a GIS are Hardware, Software, data and users. A 3-tier application; they include a web application, digital base-maps,
perspective helped in the examination of GIS components operational layers, tasks and tools, and one or more
[16].It gave a detailed technological understanding of a GIS, geodatabases. The web application take a client–server status
comprising of; a geographic data collection component, and provides the client with the software interface through
database component, and presentation component. Web GIS which they visualize, interact, and manipulate the geo-data. A
is a type of distributed information system, comprising of at digital base map is essential in web GIS applications as it
least a server and a client, where the server is a GIS server and provides the geographic context for each application. The
the client is a web browser, desktop application, or mobile criteria for selection of a base map depends on the type of
application. Simply put, a Web GIS is a GIS system that uses application at hand (for example, hydrology, parcels,
web technologies for dissemination of information and electrical utilities, and conservation). For example, in a web
functionalities, as well as communication among different GIS application aimed at water flow conservation, high-
components of a system. resolution orthoimagery would be an appropriate base map for
digitizing wetlands. Base maps typically tend to be static and
Web GIS should not be confused with Internet GIS; in as updated on an infrequent basis.
much as they may be used interchangeably in some instances,
there is a slight difference between the two. The internet More elaborations indicated that operational layers are small
supports many services and Web is one of the services the set of layers that work directly with, or are the result of an
internet supports. A system can be termed as internet GIS if it operation (such as a query) in a web GIS application [12], and
uses more internet services as opposed to being singularly these layers consist of, but are not restricted to the following:
web based. Web GIS is also in some instances replaceable 1) Observations or sensor feeds; any information that
with geospatial Web or the GeoWeb. reflects status or situational awareness, say, crime
locations, traffic sensor feeds, real-time weather
2. PREVIEW OF THE LITERATURE readings et cetera.
This paper presents a review of the methodologies by various
researchers and developers in the development of Web GIS, 2) Operational layers; used as inputs into analytic
and gives future recommendations. operations that are computed on the server. They

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 International Journal of Computer Applications (0975 – 8887)
Volume 178 – No. 16, June 2019

consist editing and data access layers, which are the According to [15], the Waterfall model is the most commonly
map layers that users work with to edit features, used methodology, it is a linearly sequential model where the
perform queries, and select features for input to completion of each step is imperative to commencement of
analysis. the next, and the requirements for your application have to be
very clear before commencing the development. In summary,
3) Query results; applications make a query request to the steps involved in Waterfall methodology includes
the server and return a set of records as results to planning, analysis, design, implementation, testing and
said query. These include a set of individual maintenance. This method is very clear on requirements
features or attribute records. Users can display and before development commences. In Waterfall, each phase
work with these results as map graphics in their web completes before the next, and it requires minimal resources,
GIS applications. and thorough documentation [12]. They also found out that
4) Result layers; are derived from analytic models. this methodology is faulty because problems from one phase
is transferable to the next.
Most GIS applications and users work with operational
information (sometimes multiple operational layers) on top of The V-Shaped model (validation and verification) is an
their base map [12], this provides the geographic context, extension of the Waterfall model. In the V-Shaped model,
other times, the operational layer displayed underneath other steps bent upwards after the implementation and coding
layers that help provide locational context. For example, when phase, to form the typical V shape. The major advantage of
you classify and display ZIP or postal code areas by this model over the Waterfall model is that it verifies each
demographic information, you often overlay these results with step before progressing, reducing the transfer of error. The
transportation lines and place-names to provide locational testing happens in tandem with development. A big challenge
context. Operational layers are often dynamic. They mostly in this model is that, it is rigid and less flexible to change, and
work within a focused range of map scales and resolutions. it disregards risk analysis activities [14].
Some Web GIS applications provide tools that perform Prototyping is all activities that entails the initial stages of
processes beyond mapping. creating a software application; it is an incomplete version of
Every application is as good as its geospatial data software/application. It visualizes the main features and
management framework. It is comprised of a geodatabase components of the software and provide a deeper
(one or more), a collection of shape files, various tabular understanding of the application to be developed. Prototyping
databases and spreadsheets, CAD files, design files, imagery significantly reduces the number of unforeseen problems in
and HTML web pages. the future of the application development process. This
category has two models; throwaway prototyping and
Client Middle Server evolutionary prototyping. While evolutionary prototyping
Ware gradually evolves into the final system through iterative
incorporation of user feedback, the throwaway prototype does
Web Web
not evolve; or rather integrate into the final product [9].
Map
Browser Spatial Request Server Spiral Development Model (SDM) merges elements of design
Server
and prototyping-in-stages. Development following this SDLC
WWW begins with a few requirements; it then goes through each
development phase for those requirements. This will comprise
HTML, Image,
the first iteration. Based on this initial iteration, subsequent
Map...
iterations add more functionality and seal loopholes. This
increment in functionality takes place in “spirals” until the
end of the development process [10]. According to [10] the
SDM combines features of prototyping and Waterfall models.
It is most favorable for large, expensive, and complicated
projects as it mitigates risk and involves developers
GIS GIS throughout the process. It is however very costly and time
Software Database consuming and requires special skills to evaluate risks and
assumptions.
base
The iterative model filled loopholes in Waterfall model. The
system allows for repeated cycles (iterative), in smaller
portions each time (incremental), this allows software
Figure 1: Standard Web GIS Architecture [12] developers to take advantage of knowledge from development
of the earlier versions of the applications. More often than not
2.2 Software Development Methodologies SDM consists of several mini Waterfalls or mini V-Shaped
Several software development models and methodologies model [10].
exist for the development of web applications, case in point,
web GIS applications. Models and methodologies describe the Agile is an English word with a meaning, “to move quickly or
whole cycle of development stages including, achievement of progress rapidly.” Naturally, Agile development is a model
functionality, release and maintenance. Some of these models based on the iterative and incremental development model,
are; the Waterfall Model, V-Shaped Model, Prototyping where a skilled adaptive team responds to frequently changing
Model, Spiral Method (SDM), Iterative & Incremental requirements. This model ascertains rapid progress from start
Method, RAD (Rapid Application Development) model and to finish. Its main advantage is its ability to respond to the
Agile development. changing requirements and the reduced time to delivery. This
model is however very inefficient and difficult to employ for
large projects [11].

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Volume 178 – No. 16, June 2019

In their study, The RAD (Rapid Application Development) the use of its camera, GPS and file system. As several
model based on prototyping and iterative development with Mozambican areas faced constant network limitations at the
no specific planning involved. It employs minimal planning time, the development also considered the offline usability of
instead of rapid prototyping as in Agile development. RAD the resulting application; this warranted the use of a tile
gathers customer requirements via workshops or focus groups, caching method in addition to the Web Map Service (WMS).
early testing of the prototypes by the customer using iterative To achieve this, researchers employed an adaptation of the
concept, reuse of the existing prototypes (components), prototyping and Agile SDLC methodology. According to [6]
continuous integration and rapid delivery [2]. the methodology does not capture all trivial requirements;
hence, contingencies are unavoidable. This methodology is
2.3 Previous Development Methodologies also faster, however it is very tedious for the developers [6].
Web-GIS systems exhibit the characteristics of both GIS and
the web. Developers are thus at liberty to employ any of these A research on Web-GIS applicability was conducted [5]. They
models in their development process based on the criteria carried out a research on the applicability of a web-GIS
aforementioned [16]. enabled soil information system in agricultural land use
planning in the United Arab Emirates. The development of
A design process of Web-GIS was tested by [1] for Iran this system followed a classic procedural SDLC. This
during the development of a rudimentary road information methodology is systematic; from this, we can infer that a
system. Their development cycle took eight major activities Waterfall model can develop the system. Their study
starting with the requirement analysis and ending with on- explained that this methodology increased the probability of
going use and maintenance of the Web GIS system. They completing the project within the prescribed time, whilst
followed the procedural Waterfall SDLC model. The steps maintaining the quality of the system by the technological
involved in the Waterfall model employed for the Iranian road standards of the time.
information system included, determination of system
requirements, conceptual design, hardware and software 3. METHODOLOGY
survey, database design and construction, acquisition of GIS This study adopted the most appropriate method for
hardware and software, web GIS system integration, prioritizing elements of Web-GIS usability as depicted by [8].
application development, and finally, web GIS use and The creative process from [8] demands that problem analysis
maintenance. According to [1] the Waterfall model wins task comes first, and it involves reviewing existing literature
when it comes to its simplicity, however it has the looking for information that could enhance understanding of
shortcomings of not being practical for large projects as it the methods that can prioritize elements of the usability of
takes too long and places no emphasis on critical matters such Web-GIS. Relevancy of the topic formed an important criteria
as, testing and user involvement during the development used for analyzing all the articles and peer reviewed papers.
process. RAD-based methodology for GIS development Five key papers were of core interest in this paper, and
focused on the interoperability of the application with web evaluated as depicted in Table1.
database applications, and varied innovations such as, a
georeferenced abstraction, using SQL column data types to 4. FINDINGS
specify the user interface without warranting the need for a This section summarizes evaluation for different
script [2]. It followed the principles of code minimization, and methodologies used in the web-GIS projects aforementioned.
shares authentication of existing web applications, and the
Table 1: Evaluation Methodologies
ease of use of graphic editing functionalities. Nonetheless, the
approach is a very broad approach to web-GIS development. Project Yea Scope Complexit Methodolog
In addition, the order of precedence in which to apply the [Reference r y y
framework is not clearly defined [2]. ]
A web GIS Application for visualization and analysis of [1] 2002 Small Not Waterfall
health in a community for out of hospital cardiac arrest complex
patterns in the United States [3]. The Agile development
methodology was used as a development process; the five [2] 2010 Mediu Moderately RAD
stages of application development set forth in the model were m complex
identification and assessment of client and users’ needs, [3] 2013 Mediu Complex Agile
goal/task analysis, initial prototype design, evaluations and m
refining of prototypes and final stage application, and project
implementation and maintenance. Iterations solved the [4] 2014 Wide Complex Prototyping
usability problems associated with interactive web mapping and Agile
such us; poor design of user interface, misinterpretation of
published maps, and poor visualization of search results. All [5] 2014 Small Not Waterfall
feedback integrated into the design of the application in the complex
next iteration. The project sought to achieve both ‘usability’
and ‘usefulness’ in web map design [3]. Table1 depicts who did the project, the year of project, scope
A cost effective mobile mapping solution for collection of in terms of de-limits, complexity-in terms of the technology
spatial data using open - source technologies dubbed m-Sport used, and the methodology employed. A comparison between
GIS was developed [4]. This web-GIS application is currently the aforementioned methodologies and the criteria indicated
in use by the Mozambican government to manage all of its by virtue of mean that the Waterfall methodology ranks high
sports resources. The resulting solution utilized web and followed by RAD and Agile in equal measure as depicted in
mobile technologies. Some of the technologies and APIs used Figure2.
include Sencha Touch and Apache Cordova. The application
was designed to run on Android mobile phones; employing

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 International Journal of Computer Applications (0975 – 8887)
Volume 178 – No. 16, June 2019

Table 2: Comparing Waterfall, RAD, and Agile complex and wide projects such as that by [4] and [3] was the
Agile methodology.
Methodology
Each methodology has its own strengths and weaknesses thus
Criteria Waterfall RAD Agile the selection of any of one for a particular development
exercise is done based on the purpose of the project; its scope,
time constraint, budget and availability of skilled labor, as
Rules    elaborated by [16]. It comprised of the following:
Coverage    1) Rules: Selected methodology should provide clear
formal guideline to cover all the tasks and
Design  
deliverables of the projects.
Inter-stage  2) Coverage: Methodology should cover the entire
communication development processes.
Teachable  3) Design: Methodology should separate the physical
Design for   and logical design.
change 4) Inter-stage communication: Work in each stage
Simplicity and  passed to the next subsequent stage.
pragmatism 5) Teachable: Knowledge of technique easily shared.
Participation    6) Designing for change: Design should allow for
modification at a later stage.
Table 3: Descriptive Table Generated from Table2 7) Simplicity and pragmatism: Methodology should be
N Minimum Maximum Mean Std easy to use.
Deviation 8) Participation: Encourages involvement of users and
Waterfall 5 1.00 8.00 4.6000 3.04959 stakeholders.
RAD 5 1.00 8.00 4.0000 2.91548 6. CONCLUSION
Agile 6 1.00 8.00 4.0000 2.60768 With advancements in software and hardware, as well as the
growth of the internet, GIS has begun to adapt to the same as
Valid 5 well. Devices have become smaller, lighter and powerful, and
N(Listwise) can be used on the go. As such, all GIS development activities
should take place in a manner that lives up to the growth of
technology and the ever growing needs and demands of GIS
users. GIS applications need to be deployable, scalable and
Waterfall, RAD and Agile accessible, particularly Web-GIS which should be able
9 integrate remote content with that available locally. This is
best achieved by employing Agile development in the
8
development of web GIS. Even though Waterfall ranks high
7 in-terms of adoption, Agile methodology stands proposed to
6 be the most efficient development methodology for web GIS
5 applications. This is because Agile development ensures easy
4 collaboration, comprehensive design and testing, flexibility to
3 change as the solution evolves and timely delivery. The Agile
2 also has its fair share of shortcomings. Particularly for large
projects: it is intensive and highly demanding on developer
1
and is unpredictable to some extent, and as of the
0 quantification of effort taken to complete the project, this
N Minimum Maximum Mean Std. could not measure accurately at the start of the project.
Deviation
7. REFERENCES
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Figure 2: Graphical Representation of Waterfall, RAD,
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5. DISCUSSION "Rapid GIS Development: a model-based approach
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temporal requirements. The common denominator between Online Journal of Public Health Informatics, 2013.

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Volume 178 – No. 16, June 2019

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