THE FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY AKURE

SCHOOL OF EARTH AND MINERAL SCIENCE

DEPARTMENT OF REMOTE SENSING AND GEOSCIENCE INFORMATION

SYSTEMS (RSG)

GEOINFORMATION SCIENCE OPTION (M.TECH)

COURSE TITLE: GEOVISUALISATION AND WEB GIS

COURSE CODE: RSG 824

(ASSIGNMENT)

BY

ADESAYO TITUS ODUYEMI

RSG/23/7667

PROF. F.O AKINLUYI

AUGUST, 2024.

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1. What do you understand by GeoVisualization?
GeoVisualization (Geographical Visualization) is the process of representing,
analyzing, and interacting with spatial data through visual tools and techniques. It
involves the creation of maps, 3D models, graphs, and charts to explore geographic
data, identify patterns, relationships, and trends.
Key aspects and examples:
a) Visualization Techniques: Using methods like 2D and 3D mapping, thematic
mapping, and graphing. For example, a heat map showing population density
or a 3D model of urban infrastructure.
b) Interactivity: Allowing users to interact with visual data through zooming,
panning, querying, and filtering. For example, an interactive map on a website
where users can click on different regions to get demographic information.
c) Data Integration: Combining data from various sources like satellite
imagery, sensor data, and survey data. For example, integrating weather data
with crop health information to visualize the impact of weather on agriculture.
d) Analysis: Applying spatial analysis techniques to visualize significant
patterns, such as clustering analysis to identify disease outbreak hotspots.
e) Communication: Effectively presenting complex spatial information to
different audiences to support decision-making. For example, visualizing
election results geographically to communicate voting patterns.
2. What is WebGIS?
WebGIS (Web Geographic Information System) utilizes web technology to deliver
GIS functionalities and geospatial data over the internet. It allows users to access,
analyze, and interact with spatial data via web browsers, eliminating the need for
specialized software.
Key components include:
Client-Side: The user interface for interacting with GIS applications through
a web browser. For example, a web map viewer where users can view and
interact with map layers.
Server-Side: Hosts GIS software and databases, processing requests from
clients. For example, a server running GeoServer to provide geospatial data
services.

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 Web Services: APIs and web services that facilitate communication
between the client and server. For example, using REST APIs to fetch map
tiles from a server.
2b. What are the characteristics of WebGIS?

• Accessibility and Usability: Accessible via web browsers with user-friendly

interfaces, allowing users to interact with maps and data without installing
specialized software.
• Interactivity: Supports real-time interaction with maps and data, such as
zooming, panning, querying, and editing features on a map.
• Scalability and Performance: Designed to handle large datasets and
multiple users simultaneously, often through cloud-based infrastructure.
• Data Integration and Management: Capable of integrating data from
various sources, such as remote sensors, databases, and APIs, with
centralized data management.
• Interoperability: Complies with geospatial standards (e.g., OGC standards)
to ensure seamless data exchange between different systems.
• Collaboration and Sharing: Facilitates collaboration by allowing multiple
users to access and work on the same data and maps, and easily share maps
and analysis results.
• Cost Efficiency: Reduces the need for expensive GIS software licenses and
simplifies maintenance by leveraging cloud services.
• Security: Implements data security measures, including user authentication,
data encryption, and access control.
• Integration with Other Technologies: Extends GIS functionalities to
mobile devices and integrates with IoT, enabling real-time data collection
and analysis.

3. Give types of WebGIS with 5 examples for Open WebGIS and 5 examples
for proprietary WebGIS
Types of WebGIS:
a) Open WebGIS: These platforms are based on open-source technologies,
allowing users to freely use, modify, and distribute the software.
b) Proprietary WebGIS: These platforms are commercial products developed
and maintained by private companies, often requiring a license for use.

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a). Open WebGIS Examples:
1. OpenStreetMap (OSM): A collaborative project creating a free, editable map
of the world, widely used for various mapping applications.
2. QGIS Cloud: An extension of QGIS that allows users to publish their maps and
data to the web, making them accessible online.
3. GeoServer: An open-source server for sharing geospatial data, enabling users to
publish data from any major spatial data source using open standards.
4. MapServer: An open-source platform for creating interactive web maps, known
for its robustness and performance.
5. Leaflet: A lightweight JavaScript library for mobile-friendly interactive maps,
widely used for embedding maps in web pages.

b). Proprietary WebGIS Examples:

1. ArcGIS Online (Esri): A comprehensive cloud-based mapping and analysis
platform that offers a wide range of GIS tools and data services.
2. Google Maps: A popular web mapping service providing satellite imagery,
street maps, and real-time traffic conditions.
3. Mapbox: A platform for creating custom maps and applications, known for its
high-quality map rendering and customization options.
4. HERE Technologies: Provides mapping and navigation services, offering
detailed map data and location-based services.
5. Carto: A cloud-based platform that allows users to create spatial data
applications, focusing on data visualization and spatial analysis.

4. Develop short notes on Geographical Information Science and differentiate

it from Geographic Information Systems.
a). Geographical Information Science (GIScience):
Geographical Information Science (GIScience) is the academic discipline that
studies the principles, methodologies, and technologies underlying the use of
geographic data. It involves research and development in areas such as spatial data
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representation, spatial analysis techniques, and the integration of geographic data
from different sources. GIScience also addresses theoretical issues related to the
nature of spatial data, spatial cognition, and the societal implications of geographic
information.
Geographical Information Science focuses on:
➢ Theoretical Foundations: Exploring spatial data representation and
analysis theories.
➢ Methodological Development: Creating new methods for spatial data
collection, processing, and analysis.
➢ Technological Innovation: Advancing GIS software and hardware
capabilities.
➢ Interdisciplinary Nature: Integrating knowledge from fields like
computer science, statistics, and geography.
➢ Ethics and Society: Addressing ethical and societal issues in
geospatial data use.

Examples of GIScience:
➢ Researching new algorithms for spatial data analysis.
➢ Developing improved methods for visualizing spatial data.
➢ Studying the impact of spatial data privacy and ethics.

b). Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Geographic Information Systems

(GIS) are practical tools and technologies used for capturing, storing, managing,
analyzing, and visualizing spatial data. GIS provides the functionalities needed to
create interactive maps, perform spatial analysis, and manage geospatial databases.
It is used in various applications such as urban planning, environmental
monitoring, and disaster management.

Key components include:

- Data Collection: Gathering spatial data from various sources.
- Data Management: Organizing spatial data in databases.
- Data Analysis: Providing tools for spatial analysis and deriving insights.
- Visualization: Creating maps and visual representations of spatial data.

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- Applications: Used in fields like urban planning, environmental management,
and disaster response.

Examples of GIS:

• Creating a map of land use changes in a city.

• Analyzing the spatial distribution of a disease outbreak.
• Managing a database of natural resources.

Differences between GIScience and GIS:

1 Aspect
GIScience (Geographical Information GIS (Geographic
Science) Information Systems)
2 Focus Theoretical and methodological research Practical application of spatial
on spatial data data tools and technologies
3 Nature Interdisciplinary scientific discipline Applied technology and tools
4 Key Theoretical foundations, methodological Data collection, management,
Aspects development, technological innovation, analysis, and visualization
ethics, and societal impact
5 Goal Advance the understanding and Solve real-world spatial
capabilities of spatial data usage problems using existing tools
and methods
6 Research on spatial data models, Creating maps, performing
Exampl developing new analysis algorithms, spatial analysis, managing
e studying spatial cognition geospatial databases
Activiti
es
7 Strong emphasis on integrating knowledge Primarily focused on the
Interdis from various fields application within specific
ciplinar domains
ity

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References
1. Goodchild, M. F. (1992). Geographical information science. *International
Journal of Geographical Information Systems*, 6(1), 31-45.
2. Longley, P. A., Goodchild, M. F., Maguire, D. J., & Rhind, D. W. (2015).
*Geographical Information Science and Systems*. John Wiley & Sons.
3. Wright, D. J., Goodchild, M. F., & Proctor, J. D. (1997). GIS: Tool or science?
*Annals of the Association of American Geographers*, 87(2), 346-362.
4. Heywood, I., Cornelius, S., & Carver, S. (2011). *An Introduction to
Geographical Information Systems*. Pearson Education.
5. Fotheringham, A. S., & Rogerson, P. A. (2008). *The SAGE Handbook of
Spatial Analysis*. SAGE Publications.