This document provides an introduction to creating a basic web map. It discusses using tile caches to improve performance over rendering maps from a database on demand. There are two main methods for populating tile caches - directly generating all tiles from a desktop GIS or using a GIS server to generate tiles
Gis Geographical Information System FundamentalsUroosa Samman
Gis, Geographical Information System Fundamentals. This presentation includes a complete detail of GIS and GIS Softwares. It will help students of GIS and Environmental Science.
An introduction to GIS Data Types. Strengths and weaknesses of raster and vector data are discussed. Also covered is the importance of topology. Concludes with a discussion of the vector-based format of OpenStreetMap data.
Gis Geographical Information System FundamentalsUroosa Samman
Gis, Geographical Information System Fundamentals. This presentation includes a complete detail of GIS and GIS Softwares. It will help students of GIS and Environmental Science.
An introduction to GIS Data Types. Strengths and weaknesses of raster and vector data are discussed. Also covered is the importance of topology. Concludes with a discussion of the vector-based format of OpenStreetMap data.
In the context of remote sensing, change detection refers to the process of identifying differences in the state of land features by observing them at different times. This process can be accomplished either manually (i.e., by hand) or with the aid of remote sensing software. Manual interpretation of change from satellite images or aerial photos involves an observer or analyst defining areas of interest and comparing them between images from two dates. This may be accomplished either on-screen (such as in a GIS) or on paper. When analyzing aerial photographs, a stereoscope which allows for two spatially-overlapping photos to be displayed in 3D, can aid photo interpretation. Manual image interpretation works well when assessing change between discrete classes (forest openings, land use and land cover maps) or when changes are large (e.g., heavy mechanized maneuver damage, engineering training impacts). Manual image interpretation is also an option when trying to determine change using images or photos from different sources (comparing historic aerial photographs to current satellite imagery).
Automated methods of remote sensing change detection usually are of two forms: post-classification change detection and image differencing using band ratios. In post-classification change detection, the images from each time period are classified using the same classification scheme into a number of discrete categories like land cover types. The two (or more) classifications are compared and the area that is classified the same or different is tallied. With image differencing, a band ratio such as NDVI is constructed from each input image, and the difference is taken between the band ratios of different times. In the case of differencing NDVI images, positive output values may indicate an increase in vegetation, negative values a decrease in vegetation, and values near zero no change. With either post-classification or image differencing change detection, it is necessary to specify a threshold below which differences between the two images is considered to be non-significant. The specification of thresholds is critical to the results of change detection analysis and usually must be found through an iterative process.
THIS PRESENTATION IS TO HELP YOU PERFORM THE TASK STEP BY STEP.
Web GIS is a type of distributed information system, comprising at least a server and a client. Here I've discussed about different elements and components, characteristics of Web GIS, WMS, WFS, WPS. Lastly practical example of Web GIS using QGIS and Google Map.
Accuracy assessment is an important part of any classification project. It compares the classified image to another data source that is considered being accurate or ground truth data.
I prepared this presentation for the interactive class of the course "Arcgis and Remote Sensing" organized by the Research Society, Bangladesh.
Understanding Coordinate Systems and Projections for ArcGISJohn Schaeffer
Everything you need to know to work with coordinate systems and projecting data in ArcGIS. The presentation starts by explaining the terminology, and then discusses the details you need to know to actually work successfully with coordinate systems, use the proper projections, and geographic transformations. This is a very practical look at a complex subject.
A talk I gave at the 2014 MAC URISA Conference in Atlantic City. Often, GIS users have little exposure to SQL. This talk gives a brief overview to SQL from a GIS users' perspective, and provides some examples of how it can be used in place of common ArcGIS/desktop GIS tasks to improve efficiency.
In the context of remote sensing, change detection refers to the process of identifying differences in the state of land features by observing them at different times. This process can be accomplished either manually (i.e., by hand) or with the aid of remote sensing software. Manual interpretation of change from satellite images or aerial photos involves an observer or analyst defining areas of interest and comparing them between images from two dates. This may be accomplished either on-screen (such as in a GIS) or on paper. When analyzing aerial photographs, a stereoscope which allows for two spatially-overlapping photos to be displayed in 3D, can aid photo interpretation. Manual image interpretation works well when assessing change between discrete classes (forest openings, land use and land cover maps) or when changes are large (e.g., heavy mechanized maneuver damage, engineering training impacts). Manual image interpretation is also an option when trying to determine change using images or photos from different sources (comparing historic aerial photographs to current satellite imagery).
Automated methods of remote sensing change detection usually are of two forms: post-classification change detection and image differencing using band ratios. In post-classification change detection, the images from each time period are classified using the same classification scheme into a number of discrete categories like land cover types. The two (or more) classifications are compared and the area that is classified the same or different is tallied. With image differencing, a band ratio such as NDVI is constructed from each input image, and the difference is taken between the band ratios of different times. In the case of differencing NDVI images, positive output values may indicate an increase in vegetation, negative values a decrease in vegetation, and values near zero no change. With either post-classification or image differencing change detection, it is necessary to specify a threshold below which differences between the two images is considered to be non-significant. The specification of thresholds is critical to the results of change detection analysis and usually must be found through an iterative process.
THIS PRESENTATION IS TO HELP YOU PERFORM THE TASK STEP BY STEP.
Web GIS is a type of distributed information system, comprising at least a server and a client. Here I've discussed about different elements and components, characteristics of Web GIS, WMS, WFS, WPS. Lastly practical example of Web GIS using QGIS and Google Map.
Accuracy assessment is an important part of any classification project. It compares the classified image to another data source that is considered being accurate or ground truth data.
I prepared this presentation for the interactive class of the course "Arcgis and Remote Sensing" organized by the Research Society, Bangladesh.
Understanding Coordinate Systems and Projections for ArcGISJohn Schaeffer
Everything you need to know to work with coordinate systems and projecting data in ArcGIS. The presentation starts by explaining the terminology, and then discusses the details you need to know to actually work successfully with coordinate systems, use the proper projections, and geographic transformations. This is a very practical look at a complex subject.
A talk I gave at the 2014 MAC URISA Conference in Atlantic City. Often, GIS users have little exposure to SQL. This talk gives a brief overview to SQL from a GIS users' perspective, and provides some examples of how it can be used in place of common ArcGIS/desktop GIS tasks to improve efficiency.
International Underwater Explorations presents an integrated visualization system for hydrographic and oceanographic data for use as a dual use decision support system that can be applied to naval mission planning, alternative energy site selection, and harbor and coastal emergency response.
First unit lecture for John Reiser's GIS II course offered Spring 2011 at Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ.
Materials are released under a CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
A presentation and workshop presented at the 2009 Annual Conference of the American Planning Association, New Jersey Chapter. Originally presented at the Bloustein School, Rutgers-New Brunswick. Workshop materials available at http://njgeo.org/presentations/
Quickly, easily, and precisly remove red eye from your photos using Photoshop. You don't need to use a red eye removal tool to make your photo's eyes look great
Building a semantic-based decision support system to optimize the energy use ...Gonçal Costa Jutglar
The reduction of carbon emissions in cities is a systemic problem which involves multiple scales and domains and the collaboration of experts from various fields. The smart cities approach can contribute to improve the energy efficiency of urban areas provided that there is reliable data –from the different domains concerned with carbon emission reduction– to assess their energy performance and to make decisions to improve it. In the SEMANCO project, we applied Semantic Web technologies to solve the interoperability among data, systems, tools, and users in applications cases dealing with carbon emission reduction in urban areas. In the OPTIMUS project, the tools and methods developed in SEMANCO are being further enhanced and applied to the development of a decision support system (DSS) to help local administrations to optimize the energy use of public buildings.
2013 URISA Track, Deploying Web-GIS Apps on Multiple Platforms, Scott Staffor...GIS in the Rockies
Many organizations today are building mapping applications using ArcGIS Server and technologies such as Flex, Silverlight, and JavaScript/HTML5. Historically these mapping applications were viewed only on traditional desktop machines, however, there is increasing demand to deploy them in the field on mobile devices including smart phones and tablets that use iOS, Android, and Windows Phone operating systems. These devices consume a combination of browser-based and native applications, and are beginning to include cloud-based services such as ArcGIS Online.
With varying levels of support across these platforms for each client technology, what is the best way for GIS administrators to build applications that can be viewed cross-platform by the greatest number of people?
With growing sets of mobile users, administrators are forced to balance browser compatibility issues with limited resources to build and maintain applications from multiple software vendors. This presentation will introduce the Spatial Application Infrastructure (SAI) concept, a more efficient way of deploying mapping applications.
Web Mapping 101: What Is It and Making It Work For YouSafe Software
Web mapping is the process of using the internet to visualize, analyze, and share your geospatial data through a map. Web maps are an important tool for many organizations as they provide the ability to distribute critical information to anyone, anywhere, and at any time.
Web maps provide endless potential for visualizing valuable data that may otherwise go unused. But, not everyone knows how to get started with creating one. In this webinar, we’ll cover:
- An overview of web mapping and how it works
- How OpenLayers and Leaflet work with web mapping
- How to use web mapping tools, including Esri Leaflet and Mapbox with the HTMLReportGenerator
- How to create vector tilesets in FME to make web mapping easier than ever
Join our team of Support Specialists to learn how to get started using FME to create a web map of your own to visualize and share your data.
Stop wasting the value of your geospatial data by letting it sit unused. You’ll leave this webinar with the tools to get you started with creating a web map of your own so you can present your data in a way thats easy to understand and share with others.
These slides are from a series of presentations during Esri Ireland's "ArcGIS - The Platform Story" Road Shows that took place in Belfast and Dublin in March 2014.
The evolution of ArcGIS to the geospatial platform it is today is bringing about transformational change to organisations by helping to break down the barriers between workflows, processes departments, and disciplines. Sharing data and collaboration using geographic information have now become much quicker and simpler.
Hear from our CTO & Esri Evangelist Eamonn Doyle on how customers are using the Esri Platform in their organisations and Esri's plans for the future of the platform.
This is a class presentation on MapServer...
The facts and figures explained here are somebody else's work. The author has just accumulated and presented them.
Web Mapping 101: What Is It and Making It Work For YouSafe Software
Web mapping is the process of using the internet to visualize, analyze, and share your geospatial data through a map. Web maps are an important tool for many organizations as they provide the ability to distribute critical information to anyone, anywhere, and at any time.
Web maps provide endless potential for visualizing valuable data that may otherwise go unused. But, not everyone knows how to get started with creating one. In this webinar, we’ll cover:
- An overview of web mapping and how it works
- How OpenLayers and Leaflet work with web mapping
- How to use web mapping tools, including Esri Leaflet and Mapbox with the HTMLReportGenerator
- How to create vector tilesets in FME to make web mapping easier than ever
Join our team of Support Specialists to learn how to get started using FME to create a web map of your own to visualize and share your data.
Stop wasting the value of your geospatial data by letting it sit unused. You’ll leave this webinar with the tools to get you started with creating a web map of your own so you can present your data in a way that's easy to understand and share with others.
Python and GIS: Improving Your WorkflowJohn Reiser
A 40 minute talk on using Python with GIS software. Integration with ArcGIS and open source software is demonstrated. Includes links to several Python-based projects on Github. Presented at the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission's Information Resource Exchange Group on December 9th, 2015.
Presented by Patrick Woerner and John Reiser at the Northeast Arc Users Group, November 10, 2015.
Wildlife habitat change trend information is a necessary and fundamental component for successful assessment and management of wildlife species. Habitat loss and fragmentation continue to be the two most serious threats to wildlife populations. To effectively protect endangered and threatened species populations and to evaluate protection and management efforts, it is important for wildlife agencies to actively identify and monitor habitat for each listed species. New Jersey’s Division of Fish and Wildlife adopted a habitat change analysis approach to track wildlife habitat transition and fragmentation trends over time. The programmatic GIS analysis approach extracts potential habitat from available Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) data based on species habitat associations and range extents. The analysis spans four time periods between 1986 and 2012. Analysis outputs provide readily available, up-to-date, multi-level, species-specific habitat change information to support agency initiatives. Resulting maps and data serve as a guide to help prioritize work for particular species and their habitats and provide baseline information for the development of species status assessments and recovery plans. Outputs also provide a basis for additional analyses such as evaluating habitat change in regulated vs. unregulated areas, evaluating habitat conservation planning efforts, and other land-use planning, land management and preservation efforts.
A MAC URISA event. This talk is oriented to GIS users looking to learn more about the Python programming language. The Python language is incorporated into many GIS applications. Python also has a considerable installation base, with many freely available modules that help developers extend their software to do more.
The beginning third of the talk discusses the history and syntax of the language, along with why a GIS specialist would want to learn how to use the language. The middle of the talk discusses how Python is integrated with the ESRI ArcGIS Desktop suite. The final portion of the talk discusses two Python projects and how they can be used to extend your GIS capabilities and improve efficiency.
Recording of the talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1_FqvbXHb4
Elevating Tactical DDD Patterns Through Object CalisthenicsDorra BARTAGUIZ
After immersing yourself in the blue book and its red counterpart, attending DDD-focused conferences, and applying tactical patterns, you're left with a crucial question: How do I ensure my design is effective? Tactical patterns within Domain-Driven Design (DDD) serve as guiding principles for creating clear and manageable domain models. However, achieving success with these patterns requires additional guidance. Interestingly, we've observed that a set of constraints initially designed for training purposes remarkably aligns with effective pattern implementation, offering a more ‘mechanical’ approach. Let's explore together how Object Calisthenics can elevate the design of your tactical DDD patterns, offering concrete help for those venturing into DDD for the first time!
Accelerate your Kubernetes clusters with Varnish CachingThijs Feryn
A presentation about the usage and availability of Varnish on Kubernetes. This talk explores the capabilities of Varnish caching and shows how to use the Varnish Helm chart to deploy it to Kubernetes.
This presentation was delivered at K8SUG Singapore. See https://feryn.eu/presentations/accelerate-your-kubernetes-clusters-with-varnish-caching-k8sug-singapore-28-2024 for more details.
Epistemic Interaction - tuning interfaces to provide information for AI supportAlan Dix
Paper presented at SYNERGY workshop at AVI 2024, Genoa, Italy. 3rd June 2024
https://alandix.com/academic/papers/synergy2024-epistemic/
As machine learning integrates deeper into human-computer interactions, the concept of epistemic interaction emerges, aiming to refine these interactions to enhance system adaptability. This approach encourages minor, intentional adjustments in user behaviour to enrich the data available for system learning. This paper introduces epistemic interaction within the context of human-system communication, illustrating how deliberate interaction design can improve system understanding and adaptation. Through concrete examples, we demonstrate the potential of epistemic interaction to significantly advance human-computer interaction by leveraging intuitive human communication strategies to inform system design and functionality, offering a novel pathway for enriching user-system engagements.
The Art of the Pitch: WordPress Relationships and SalesLaura Byrne
Clients don’t know what they don’t know. What web solutions are right for them? How does WordPress come into the picture? How do you make sure you understand scope and timeline? What do you do if sometime changes?
All these questions and more will be explored as we talk about matching clients’ needs with what your agency offers without pulling teeth or pulling your hair out. Practical tips, and strategies for successful relationship building that leads to closing the deal.
Securing your Kubernetes cluster_ a step-by-step guide to success !KatiaHIMEUR1
Today, after several years of existence, an extremely active community and an ultra-dynamic ecosystem, Kubernetes has established itself as the de facto standard in container orchestration. Thanks to a wide range of managed services, it has never been so easy to set up a ready-to-use Kubernetes cluster.
However, this ease of use means that the subject of security in Kubernetes is often left for later, or even neglected. This exposes companies to significant risks.
In this talk, I'll show you step-by-step how to secure your Kubernetes cluster for greater peace of mind and reliability.
UiPath Test Automation using UiPath Test Suite series, part 3DianaGray10
Welcome to UiPath Test Automation using UiPath Test Suite series part 3. In this session, we will cover desktop automation along with UI automation.
Topics covered:
UI automation Introduction,
UI automation Sample
Desktop automation flow
Pradeep Chinnala, Senior Consultant Automation Developer @WonderBotz and UiPath MVP
Deepak Rai, Automation Practice Lead, Boundaryless Group and UiPath MVP
JMeter webinar - integration with InfluxDB and GrafanaRTTS
Watch this recorded webinar about real-time monitoring of application performance. See how to integrate Apache JMeter, the open-source leader in performance testing, with InfluxDB, the open-source time-series database, and Grafana, the open-source analytics and visualization application.
In this webinar, we will review the benefits of leveraging InfluxDB and Grafana when executing load tests and demonstrate how these tools are used to visualize performance metrics.
Length: 30 minutes
Session Overview
-------------------------------------------
During this webinar, we will cover the following topics while demonstrating the integrations of JMeter, InfluxDB and Grafana:
- What out-of-the-box solutions are available for real-time monitoring JMeter tests?
- What are the benefits of integrating InfluxDB and Grafana into the load testing stack?
- Which features are provided by Grafana?
- Demonstration of InfluxDB and Grafana using a practice web application
To view the webinar recording, go to:
https://www.rttsweb.com/jmeter-integration-webinar
DevOps and Testing slides at DASA ConnectKari Kakkonen
My and Rik Marselis slides at 30.5.2024 DASA Connect conference. We discuss about what is testing, then what is agile testing and finally what is Testing in DevOps. Finally we had lovely workshop with the participants trying to find out different ways to think about quality and testing in different parts of the DevOps infinity loop.
UiPath Test Automation using UiPath Test Suite series, part 4DianaGray10
Welcome to UiPath Test Automation using UiPath Test Suite series part 4. In this session, we will cover Test Manager overview along with SAP heatmap.
The UiPath Test Manager overview with SAP heatmap webinar offers a concise yet comprehensive exploration of the role of a Test Manager within SAP environments, coupled with the utilization of heatmaps for effective testing strategies.
Participants will gain insights into the responsibilities, challenges, and best practices associated with test management in SAP projects. Additionally, the webinar delves into the significance of heatmaps as a visual aid for identifying testing priorities, areas of risk, and resource allocation within SAP landscapes. Through this session, attendees can expect to enhance their understanding of test management principles while learning practical approaches to optimize testing processes in SAP environments using heatmap visualization techniques
What will you get from this session?
1. Insights into SAP testing best practices
2. Heatmap utilization for testing
3. Optimization of testing processes
4. Demo
Topics covered:
Execution from the test manager
Orchestrator execution result
Defect reporting
SAP heatmap example with demo
Speaker:
Deepak Rai, Automation Practice Lead, Boundaryless Group and UiPath MVP
Key Trends Shaping the Future of Infrastructure.pdfCheryl Hung
Keynote at DIGIT West Expo, Glasgow on 29 May 2024.
Cheryl Hung, ochery.com
Sr Director, Infrastructure Ecosystem, Arm.
The key trends across hardware, cloud and open-source; exploring how these areas are likely to mature and develop over the short and long-term, and then considering how organisations can position themselves to adapt and thrive.
State of ICS and IoT Cyber Threat Landscape Report 2024 previewPrayukth K V
The IoT and OT threat landscape report has been prepared by the Threat Research Team at Sectrio using data from Sectrio, cyber threat intelligence farming facilities spread across over 85 cities around the world. In addition, Sectrio also runs AI-based advanced threat and payload engagement facilities that serve as sinks to attract and engage sophisticated threat actors, and newer malware including new variants and latent threats that are at an earlier stage of development.
The latest edition of the OT/ICS and IoT security Threat Landscape Report 2024 also covers:
State of global ICS asset and network exposure
Sectoral targets and attacks as well as the cost of ransom
Global APT activity, AI usage, actor and tactic profiles, and implications
Rise in volumes of AI-powered cyberattacks
Major cyber events in 2024
Malware and malicious payload trends
Cyberattack types and targets
Vulnerability exploit attempts on CVEs
Attacks on counties – USA
Expansion of bot farms – how, where, and why
In-depth analysis of the cyber threat landscape across North America, South America, Europe, APAC, and the Middle East
Why are attacks on smart factories rising?
Cyber risk predictions
Axis of attacks – Europe
Systemic attacks in the Middle East
Download the full report from here:
https://sectrio.com/resources/ot-threat-landscape-reports/sectrio-releases-ot-ics-and-iot-security-threat-landscape-report-2024/
State of ICS and IoT Cyber Threat Landscape Report 2024 preview
Getting your Data Out There:An Introduction to Distributed GIS
1. Getting your Data Out There:An Introduction to Distributed GIS John ReiserRowan University
2. Instructor John Reiser Rowan University John is the Campus GIS Specialist for Rowan University. At Rowan, he manages the campus GIS infrastructure, develops GIS applications for campus and project use, guides curriculum and teaches GIS courses. In his spare time, he continues to be a GIS geek, developing web-based GIS projects, GPS software and contributes to the open source GIS community.
3. Workshop Description This workshop is designed for those that are looking for an introduction to Internet-enabled GIS and Cloud-based GIS services. Distributed GIS relies on remote services to render maps, convert data formats, or perform geoprocessing tasks. The workshop will begin with an overview of the current options available to those looking to use and implement distributed GIS. We will then explore freely available web services from a multitude of providers. Live demonstrations of the services will be incorporated into the workshop. A discussion of implementing distributed GIS within your organization will conclude the workshop.
4. Workshop Objectives Upon completion of the workshop, students will have a greater understanding of: The newest GIS file formats and services Preparing your data for distribution OGC Web Service standards Available GIS servers GIS-friendly content distribution networks
5. Workshop Outline Section 1 – Introducing Distributed GIS Section 2 – Is Distributed GIS right for you? Section 3 – Delivering your data as KML Section 4 – Your first Web Map Section 5 – Developing your GIS Server Section 6 – Putting the pieces together Section 7 – Final Thoughts
6. Workshop Materials While the workshop will not give you “hands on” experience, links to demos and code samples will be provided at: http://njgeo.org/macurisa2010/
8. What exactly is Distributed GIS? Distributed GIS is a system where components of a GIS are distributed amongst computers on a LAN or the Internet. For this workshop, we will be exploring D-GIS technology that allows you to offer your GIS data as a public-facing, Internet-based service. Distributed GIS services should allow members of the public access to your data without an interruption of your internal workflow. Distributed GIS can also provide geoprocessing tasks performed on your data to the public.
9. Open Standards For these separate pieces to work together, they must share a common language. Several common languages that are open standards supported by the Open Geospatial Consortium. You are not limited to the open standards for internal use; many systems allow for exporting or services that produce open formats.
10. Who uses Distributed GIS? Today, almost everyone has used a form of Distributed GIS, from generating driving directions from Google Maps to viewing aerial photography from a remote server. The days of ordering 15 DVDs of base imagery are nearly gone. The Internet has drastically changed the way we manage, process and present data.
11. What types of Distributed GIS are there? Using KML to distribute basic data to users through a virtual globe. Providing your data in a “slippy” web map. Providing web maps, data services and geoprocessing capabilities through a dedicated GIS server or servers.
12. What’s not Distributed GIS? Offering data burned to a CD or DVD. Providing GIS data for download. Don’t fall into this trap with KML data! The real power of KML comes from pulling in many data sources. It shouldn’t act as just another data format. Providing PDFs, other static maps on the Web. GeoPDF, while useful, is not Distributed GIS.
19. What type of Distributed GISis right for me? Want users to remix?Deliver it in KML, providing the data in the easiest form to manipulate. Need to paint a picture?Develop a web map with your cartographic styling, framing the data as you want it to be seen. Recreating a desktop GIS on the web?Deploy services using GIS server software.
20. What’s right for you? The correct answer is: depends on the project. Use the technology that serves your users best. Many alternatives to provide the services you choose, varying in platform, features and cost. Let’s take a look at a few of our options.
21. KML – it’s not just Google Earth Keyhole Markup Language is the file format developed for the Keyhole Earth Browser, predecessor to Google Earth. After purchasing Keyhole in 2004, Google greatly expanded KML’s capabilities. In 2008, the OGC declared KML 2.2 to be an open standard for geographic data. Many software packages outside of Google Earth support KML data.
22. Working with KML Other than Google Earth: ArcGIS Explorer ArcGIS Desktop/Server Google Maps SketchUp Arc2Earth Several GPS utilities Many open source projects
23. Using KML KML is a subset of XML, thus text-editable. KML stores vector data along with symbology. KML can act as a wrapper for WMS services. Network links allow you to push fresh data out to users. It’s a lightweight data format for export and distribution. It’s not going to be your native data format.
24. How KML is used Because KML is viewed in a virtual globe, your data will be in your users’ control. They may not be viewing the same data as others, as other data and base imagery may be in use. Complicated or complex data may not be suited for KML that will be presented to a general audience.
25. Web Maps – What’s ArcIMS? Many of you might be familiar with ArcIMS. For many years, ArcIMS was the way to deliver interactive maps across the web. Google introduced Maps in 2004, completely changing the way we think about mapping on the Web. Introduced the “slippy” map interface, where pre-rendered tiles are displayed in a draggable matrix at set zoom levels.
26. The Slippy Map Interface Smooth, intuitive panning creates a welcoming user experience. Pre-rendered tiles reduce processing overhead, while increasing storage needs. Storage is relatively cheap, compared to upgrading the processing power of a server. The experience is what is important and long wait times negatively impact that experience. It has become the standard for web maps.
27. Creating your own Web Map There are several methods for creating Web Maps, however most require your own server and software. Arc2Earth allows you to generate the tiles needed from ArcGIS, and then upload them to a server.
28. Using Web Maps Providing a slippy style web map can help your organization provide users with a simple, easy-to-use interactive web map. Web maps can help acclimate users to your data without requiring a GIS application. Users looking for basic maps and information may turn to your map instead of a desktop GIS. Greater control over the user experience.
29. How Web Maps will be used While the ability to manipulate the data without your knowledge is not as easy as it is with KML, your maps by their very nature will be shared across the Internet. Make sure your map is clearly depicting what you want to show and that any explanatory narrative is clear and concise. It will be hosted on your website, so it will be treated as a definitive source, on par with the actual GIS data behind the map.
30. Hosting Your Own Server Your own GIS server could produce KML and web maps like the previous examples, but it can also do much more. Act as a front-end to your GIS database. Provide additional web services, such as geocoding and geoprocessing. Greater control over your clients’ experience. Requires hardware and customization.
31. Your GIS Server ArcGIS Server is probably the most robust offering out there today, but very costly. Roll your own using Open Source software. GeoServer TileCache OpenLayers
32. Using your GIS Server The server can feed data to both your KML files and hosted Web Maps. The server can manage your data and provide snapshot “views” to groups of users. Geoprocessing can be executed on the server, removing the processing burden on local workstations. Can support to complement data offerings and common tasks.
33. How your GIS Server will be used Once the server is up and running, people will use it and expect it to be there when needed. Conversely, if you don’t make it easy to use, users will reject it and revert back to previous workflows (calling you, begging for maps/info) You will want to plan for redundancy, security testing, maintaining quality of service, etc. Plan big and plan to scale services as needed.
35. Your Data in KML If you have not yet worked with KML, you will quickly find that it is a great format for distributing data, as it includes symbology, can support raster and vector data, and can be updated over the network. There is a small learning curve for your users; many will be familiar with the format already. However, there are some issues to consider before you migrate your data to KML.
36. KML – Technical Issues While it supports many features, not all features are as robust as in a traditional GIS and support varies among the KML viewers. Symbology is limited to outlines and fill for polygon features. Hatching and line styles are not supported. Large features (>10K vertices) are not rendered properly. Network links do not always behave.
37. KML – Usability Issues While a desktop 3D earth browser is impressive, it’s not the right solution for all data types. If the 3D browser helps people navigate your data, all the better. If they end up getting lost, it’s not very useful. Consider creating camera viewpoints or tours, similar to bookmarks in ArcMap Documents. You can also include political boundaries in your document, allowing users to zoom to an area.
38. Exporting your data to KML There are many options for converting your existing GIS data to KML: ArcGIS Layers to KML: export from ArcMap. Online conversion services: upload a shapefile, download a KML file. Command line scripts: GDAL/OGR, Python scripts. Arc2Earth 3rd party extensions to ArcGIS
39. Workshop Examples For the purpose of this workshop, the examples assume that you have access to ArcGIS 9.3 or later. Unless specified otherwise, the examples reflect using a typical Windows XP, ArcView-level GIS configuration.
40. Getting Started with KML For this first example, we will be working with the municipalities of Atlantic County. We will add the layer to ArcMap, then use the Layer to KML tool to export the data. We will view the data in Google Earth to see how the data is modified in the conversion.
44. Initial Observations The exported data appears in Google Earth at the proper location. Note that not all export tools will reproject to WGS84 automatically. The symbology is preserved from ArcGIS to Google Earth. The exported file is a .KMZ, which is a ZIP-compressed file format. Clicking on the individual polygons does not cause anything to occur. Google Earth does allow for clickable polygons.
45. Interactive KML Let’s add some basic functionality to our KML data: clicking on a municipality in Google Earth will cause a balloon to pop up with attribute information. This is enabled through a Layer Properties tab introduced in ArcGIS 9.3 – HTML popup. Along with the hyperlink functionality, the HTML popup will be exported to Google Earth.
47. Configuring the HTML Popup We will use the most basic HTML popup, a table with attribute information. We can switch field visibility off in the Fields tab if we do not want select fields in the popup. Advanced formatting is available through the use of XSLT stylesheets.
50. Symbology Shortcomings While configuring the HTML Popup, the symbology was changed to a dashed outline. The dashed outline did not get carried over to the KML symbology, although the color and line weight did. Keep in mind that complex data may need to be generalized to work with the limited cartographic capabilities of earth browsers.
51. Exporting Raster Data Similar to the process used to export the vector municipality data to Google Earth, we can export raster data to KML. Define a custom extent to clip the exported raster to a bounding box. ArcGIS takes some liberties with resampling, so you may need to tweak settings to get the data to appear as desired.
53. Export Multiple Layers KML supports a mix of geometry types within the same KML file. ArcGIS can export multiple layers of mixed type (point, line, polygon, raster, etc) as one KML document. We can use the Map to KML tool to export all of the layers to a KML file.
55. Using Web Services with KML KML has the ability to access web services natively. Most earth browsers support this capability. KML can access WMS services and bring in WMS images based on the current extent. KML supports network links, automatically downloading remote KML/KMZ files and adding them to the current list of layers.
56. Accessing WMS Unfortunately, WMS layers added to ArcGIS do not get exported to KML. Luckily, it’s very easy to add WMS layers within Google Earth. Save the Image Overlay (Google’s KML feature for supporting WMS) as its own KML file, so it is easy to add to other KML files.
58. Notes on Image Overlays By default, Google specifies that the image overlay only covers 75% of the current view extent. You will likely want to change this to a value between 1 and 1.25. The default refresh settings are to wait 4 seconds before requesting new WMS imagery. You may want to alter this for your services.
59. Network Overlays “If my users are already downloading the KML from my website, why do I need this?” When they download the data, they will then need to redownload to receive any updates. The network link will cause their Earth Browser to load the latest data on startup. Network link could point to a static KML or to the KML services provided by ArcGIS Server.
60. Simple Network Example We will upload our municipalities KML to a website and note the URL. Use Google Earth to add a new Network Link to your earth browser. Save the Network Link to its own KML file. Note the small size of the Network Link file. The data will be pulled in as needed.
61. Serving KML Online While you could easily post a KML to your website, consider some alternative hosting options. GeoCommons, the open web mapping platform, can host your KML and a web map. Amazon Web Services can store your KML files, allowing the use of the Amazon network to distribute larger files. Depends on costs and service needs.
62. Complex Network Links Network links can be configured to load based on the current extent. Load balance or use a CDN for larger datasets. Remember, your user will need to download the data every time, so generalized or simple data works best.
63. KML Review Provides user with an snapshot of your data. Open standard, readable by many programs. Can mix vector, raster and web services. Includes symbology information. Network links ensure users have latest data. Minimally interactive; view but not explore. Easy to produce and distribute.
65. Your First Web Map Providing a basic web map, similar to Google Maps, has become a simple task. The ability to generate tiles, the rendered GIS data presented to end users, is possible through many different software packages. The heavy lifting will come as you move your map from a general viewer to a specific data interface.
66. Basis of the Technology Previous methods for generating maps on the Internet were in two forms: Render requests for any map extent and scale. Render a few static maps; provide links between. Google Maps changed this dynamic, as it publicized the “slippy map” concept. Slippy Maps are composed of square tiles rendered into a seamless map at static scales.
67. Spherical Mercator A new projection was developed to make web mapping easier: Spherical Mercator. A Mercator project based on a spherical datum. Not for high-precision work. Not a problem because no one should be using web maps in place of surveys.
68. Spherical Mercator Projection creates a square Earth, which can then be divided into square map tiles. Many GIS platforms now support this projection natively.
69. Map Framework Creating a Slippy Map requires a map framework, such as OpenLayers (JS) or Yahoo! Maps (Flash) Google offers both JS and Flash APIs. Your map framework will request the tiles from a GIS server or a tile cache. A tile cache is simply a set of static map images in a standard directory structure.
70. Tile Cache A tile cache can greatly improve the responsiveness of your web map. A GIS Server requires multiple connections to a DB or disk to render a map tile. A tile cache does not need active connections to your GIS data. It is “dumb” storage. While the disk storage requirements increase, the latency your users experience decreases.
71. Cache Creation There are two predominate methods for populating a tile cache with map tiles. Direct: using a desktop computer to generate the tiles from a GIS, storing them locally or remotely. Intermediary: using middle-man software that passes on requests to a GIS server while creating and managing the cache. We will first look at the direct method using Arc2Earth.
72. Arc2Earth Initially created in 2006 by SpatialDataLogic, Arc2Earth was a tool for bringing GIS data to Google Earth. It has since evolved into a GIS swiss army knife, allowing you to move your GIS data into many new distributed formats. Can supplement your KML as well as your map tile production.
73. Getting Started with Arc2Earth We will explore Arc2Earth’s tile generating capabilities using Pinelands data for Atlantic County. We will prepare our data in ArcMap, then use Arc2Earth to generate the tiles and basic web map based on our ArcMap settings.
77. Items to Consider You may want to experiment with anti-aliasing, as it may improve the legibility and crispness of your maps. Transparency can be implemented within the tiles (alpha-channel PNGs) or in Javascript. Remember to include metadata for your maps.
79. Number of Levels You want to render only the levels needed for your application. Number of tiles quadruple as the zoom level increases. Limit the zoom levels of your map to what is appropriate. Specify the tile ordering scheme.
80. Storing Your Tiles Arc2Earth will generate your tiles, but you must specify how they will be stored. Local copy is generated for a local cache. Upload to a cloud-based hosting service.
81. Hosting Your Tiles in the Cloud Arc2Earth can save your tiles locally, allowing you to manually set up your tile cache. Can also export into: Amazon S3 & ArcGIS.com Arc2Earth managed cloud-hosting using Google.
82. Benefits of Cloud Hosting Relying on a third-party service for hosting frees you from managing a server. Cloud hosting providers have a much larger infrastructure and capacity. Pre-built viewers remove the need for custom configuration.
84. Hosted with ArcGIS.com ArcGIS.com provides a framework for basic web map functionality. Service provides base map data that you would otherwise need to manage or license. Framework for desktop and mobile access.
85. Disadvantages of Cloud Hosting If you already have some server infrastructure in place and your expected traffic is low, you may want to consider hosting in-house. Included frameworks are not as flexible or customizable compared to hosted services. Security of data – facilities & infrastructure Purchasing outside software/services can be difficult in government.
86. Final Thoughts on Arc2Earth Easiest way to build tiles without a dedicated server. No need to manage server infrastructure as you rely on Amazon/Google. Very useful for generating KML files that may not export well using ESRI’s built-in tool. Can create SLD files for use on your own open source GIS server. Costs money for additional features; closed source.
88. Developing your GIS Server A GIS Server can be relatively simple, providing file or database storage while serving data through the intranet or Web. A GIS Server can be run on one workstation or on a cluster of servers. Your ultimate configuration depends on your needs, budget, and level of know-how.
89. Assumptions Made While we will discuss GIS Servers in general terms, we will focus on a few software offerings. The software in this workshop is open source, feature rich, well-documented, and relatively straightforward to install and manage. While it may not be the right fit for you, what we discuss today you should be able to try at home with your time being the only cost.
90. Technologies Used GeoServerA Java-based OGC-compliant, WFS-T capable GIS Server. Handles data and map rendering. TileCache & OpenLayersEnables you to host your own “slippy” maps. PostgreSQL & PostGISOpen source GIS database technology. Compatible with ArcSDE.
91. Technologies Used GeoServer, TileCache, and PostgreSQL can be switched out for similar software. However, this configuration works with minimal tweaking required. All are open source and freely available. All run on Linux, Mac OS X and Windows. Each has their own dedicated support community and options for purchased support.
92. GeoServer Based on the GeoTools Java toolkit. Standards compliant & arguably the easiest server platform to incorporate into other GIS systems and products. Java Servlet technology; can run in a container or standalone. Simple to install (binaries available) and manage. Web-based user interface.
94. Open Source Support Before we proceed, it should be stated that open source software is not “fix it yourself.” Many organization are hesitant to use open source for “enterprise” level applications due to the perceived lack of support. OpenGeo is the developer behind Geoserver. While open source, OpenGeo provides technical support and custom development to users of GeoServer.
96. GeoServer Configuration Most features managed through a web interface. GeoServer is undoubtedly one of the easiest GIS servers to deploy. Upload data to server, then point-and-click configuration. Symbology defined using Styled Layer Descriptors (SLD).
97. GeoServer Installation Deploy as WAR from within a servlet container Install stand-alone. May need to install some dependencies for additional features. GDAL/OGR Plugins
98. Post-Install Log in to your server via a web interface. If installing on your own Windows desktop, it’s simply http://localhost:8080/geoserver/web From there, you can add data to the server, configure layers to serve, access service capabilities and much more.
101. Styled Layer Descriptors SLDs are used to define symbology in GeoServer and in other open source projects. Is an OGC open format. Subset of WMS. You can define several SLDs to be used with a data layer, and give the option for the user to switch between them. Edit SLDs from GeoServer web interface.
103. Yes, SLDs are XML SLDs are very powerful, but not user-friendly. A GUI editor for SLDs within GeoServer is under development. Part of the GeoExt project for web GIS interfaces in JavaScript.
104. SLD Cookbook GeoServer’s documentation covers frequently-desired cartographic effects implemented with SLDs. Also available is an SLD reference, that includes notes on vendor-specific (GeoServer only) features.
105. Now What? Now that you have your data in your server, what can you do with it? Serve the data to users via WMS or WFS, allowing ArcGIS Desktop users access. Serve the data to users through a website.
106. ArcGIS WMS & WFS Access ArcGIS allows for direct access to WMS services. Under “GIS Servers” select Add New WMS Enter the URL to your server. Use the WMS link on the homepage. NJ’s aerial photography is available through WMS.
108. Getting Started with Web Maps On your organization’s website, you can create a page that uses the OpenLayers JavaScript library to create a slippy map on a page of your choosing. You can also install TileCache to speed up the rendering of the slippy map. Warning: some programming ahead!
109. OpenLayers A JavaScript library for implementing slippy-style web maps. Originally developed by MetaCarta, then became an OSGeo project. Open source and no cost. Can interface with WMS services as well as ArcGIS Server.
110. Why not Google Maps? While the Google Maps API seems ubiquitous, there are limitations that may impact your use. While free at first, Google will charge for high-traffic sites using its API. Version 2 is deprecated and they are going to turn it off eventually. Cannot be used on your intranet. All pages using the API must be public.
111. Using OpenLayers OpenLayers provides the same basic functionality as Google Maps. Additional functionality such as in-map editing of vector features, easy configuration of custom projections, etc. If you’re familiar with the Google Maps API, OpenLayers should be an easy transition. OpenLayers does not come with base maps; provide your own or use Google, Bing, Yahoo!
112. Entirely Your Own While you may want to use Google/Bing as a base map, using their APIs may restrict you from tailoring the application to your users. You can host your own copy of OpenLayers and modify it as needed From the map functionality through to the user interface, the API is customizable.
114. Starting from Example One of the OpenLayers examples is a basic web map using a WMS service for the map tiles. We can copy that example to our own website and replace the example WMS URL with our own. Change the starting coordinates and zoom level and we’re off!
117. Additional Functionality OpenLayers or Google Maps are the frameworks for developing custom interactions with the maps and data. OpenLayers even has code for manipulating vector data; modifying vertices in a feature. Additional functionality is performed server side, such as spatial or network analysis. Your server must be able to support those functions.
119. TileCache Once your web mapping application is nearing release, you should consider taking steps to optimize your users’ experience. Caching map tiles will improve overall rendering speeds. Increased storage costs, but reduced CPU & DB demands as you are no longer rendering repeatedly from GIS data.
120. Intermediary TileCache sits between your interface and your rendering engine. It handles WMS requests, so your interface can continue to use the same request methods. WMS requests that have not been cached are passed along to the rendering engine, then stored when returned to the interface. Caches can be pre-rendered or rendered as needed.
121. Caching On-The-Fly Web Map GIS Server TileCache Cache Map Tile does not exist: Rendered then stored. Web Map GIS Server TileCache Cache Map Tile does exist: Pre-rendered tile returned.
122. Configuring TileCache TileCache is written in Python and can run on most modern platforms with minimal configuration. Define layers to be cached using a text-based configuration file. WMS Service Configured for use in a Google-style mashup.
123. Pieces In Place We now have the pieces to develop our own Distributed GIS system. GeoServer– rendering and processing our GIS data OpenLayers –providing a map interface in a web browser TileCache –optimizing delivery of map data
125. Your Distributed GIS We have covered the various options available to move your data into a Distributed GIS. Not every tool will work for you, but one or more may be a part of your Distributed GIS. Let’s take a look at a few examples of Distributed GIS systems and see how they are implemented.
126. National Weather Service The NWS uses KML to distribute weather updates, advisories and radar/satellite imagery. The KML files use network links, allowing for automatic refreshing of the weather data. Weather data is always changing and the interface has to suit a general audience.
127. Rowan’s Land Change Viewer Built as a part of the ongoing “Changing Landscapes of the Garden State” research jointly conducted by Rowan & Rutgers. Series of animated web maps showing changes in land use in New Jersey over 21 years. Developed using a multiple Distributed GIS technologies and distributed across the Web.
129. Distributed Land Change Viewer Land Change Viewer Google MapsBase Maps Bing MapsBird’s Eye CloudFront GeoServer Amazon S3 TileCache
130. Land Change Viewer The Land Change Viewer relies on a mix of hosted and cloud-based services. GeoServer was used to render the Land Use data for the entire state. TileCache generated local and S3-based map tile caches for the interactive maps. Amazon S3 was used to store the production map tiles & CloudFront to distribute.
131. Tile Creation By using CloudFront to distribute the map tiles using Amazon’s infrastructure, we needed to pre-build our cache. Map tiles were limited to zoom level 8 (all of NJ) through 15 (small town/neighborhood scale) Tile rendering had to begin well in advance of the release date.
132. Tile Math For the extent of NJ, zoom levels 8-15, approximately 60,000 tiles needed to be created. Each animation frame was one set of tiles. Approximately 1.5 million tiles had to be generated.
133. Land Change Viewer After testing other possible implementation strategies, we selected a JS-based web map. Authoring the JS, configuring the server and rendering the tiles took about 4 weeks. Distributed GIS allows the user interface to be quick and responsive. More on the NJ Land Change Viewer at the MAC URISA Interactive Expo.
135. Just the Beginning… While we covered many different technologies and topics, this is just a preview of the new direction GIS is heading. Distributed GIS has been around for several years, but it has never been as easy or available to smaller firms and groups as it is today.
136. Implementing Your GIS While the goals of your individual organizations vary, informing the public is likely a common goal. A Distributed GIS system can help you in delivering your data while also making it easier for the public to access and understand. The key is finding the right mix of technology to achieve that goal.
137. Available Technology ArcGIS Server Cloud Services ArcGIS.com Servers Google AppEngine FME 2010 GeoServer Amazon AWS ERDAS Apollo Windows Azure MapServer Change Components To Suit Your Needs Bing Maps Yahoo! Maps Mapnik Arc2Earth Google Maps ESRI JS & Flex Map TileCreation InterfaceAPIs OpenLayers TileCache GeoMoose Mapstraction PolyMaps GeoEXT GeoWebCache
138. Community Support While not all of the open source packages have technical support, all have a community of users and developers to help with a project. Get involved with your platform’s community. Provide assistance to others. Show off your work. The community drives interest in the technology and sets the course for future development.
139. After the Workshop Try some of the different applications out with your own data. Many of the applications are free. Start a discussion in your organization on how you can better distribute your data using Distributed GIS technology.
140. Thank You I hope you enjoyed this discussion of Distributed GIS. Questions or comments:John Reiserjohn@njgeo.orghttp://njgeo.org/http://gis.rowan.edu/@johnjreiser (twitter)856-347-0047