Putting maps online: Exploring a Web-based geospatial information system by a case study of the Online Ottawa Housing Atlas

This study provides a vision of the opportunities and challenges offered by the Internet technologies to the mapping and GIS industry through an exploration of the different strategies in putting geo-spatial data online. A simulation process of distributing geospatial data via the Web has been established through a case study of the Online Ottawa Housing Atlas (DOHA).; The OOHA has been developed based on an open source Web mapping system, MapServer, and resides on the Carleton University Website. This case study examines the proposed fundamental approaches to the Web mapping application and demonstrates the basic interactive spatial manipulations via the Internet. Evidence demonstrates that considerable socio-economic value has been created through the OOHA. The OOHA provides information on housing conditions and housing needs within the Ottawa region to the public and government organizations by portraying the patterns of geographic variation of housing related demographic, economic and market factors in Ottawa. This research also aims to advance the roles that web mapping and WebGIS technology play in society through the case study of DOHA.; In conclusion, this study has presented a discussion of the advantages and limitations of integrating the Internet with GIS technologies, the approaches of implementing an online geospatial information application and the potential of Web mapping/WebGIS technology in society.