Development of an online GIS for a possible applications in hazard risk management and environmental monitoring

ABSTRACT

Data aggregation and dissemination are vital for risk management and environmental monitoring. Providing access to a GIS via Internet can efficiently fulfill the aforesaid tasks. The present paper describes the salient features of an online GIS that was developed and implemented on a lowcost personal computer. The software components used in the online system are available entirely in public domain. The system is based on a Client/Server model and consists of three main components namely data gathering module, data analysis module and the data visualization module. Various functions of these modules can be remotely accessed using Web browser software that has become to be widely available. Applicability of the system is demonstrated using groundwater data as an example. The system's ability to generate data, analyze and visualize spatial information remotely over a network is a major step towards encouraging public-participation and providing spatial information to both hazard risk managers and the general public. It is hoped that with the increasing availability of spatial information, online GIS will enhance our ability to mitigate hazard risk and promote environmental awareness