Department of Geography
2009 Ralston Speaker
April 2, 2009
3:40 PM
Lindsay Young Auditorium
UT Library
Dr. Ming-Hsiang Tsou
Associate Professor
Department of Geography
San Diego State University
New Research Directions of Internet GIS and Web-based Spatial Decision Support Systems for Disaster Management
Abstract:
Internet GIS is the cyber-infrastructure framework for geographic information services, which utilize both wired and wireless Internet to access geographic information, spatial analytical tools, and GIS web services. This talk will introduce the concepts, technologies, theories, and future research directions of Internet GIS and Web Mapping Services. Clearly, the progress of Internet GIS implies an invisible revolution of GIS — from closed, centralized geographic information systems to open, distributed geographic information services. The development of Internet GIS will encourage people to share geodata, exchange GIS programs, and accumulate the knowledge of geographic information science. Internet GIS provide a brand-new view for geographers, urban planners, and GIS professionals to analyze and represent our world.
Recent wildfires in southern California demonstrate the need of creating new research focuses of Internet GIS and Web-based Mapping Services. Disaster management (or emergency management) is unique among Internet GIS applications because it deals directly with loss of human life and property damage. Disaster management is a complex domain of human activity involving multiple agencies and stakeholders. A collaborative approach utilizing state-of-the-art Internet GIS and mobile GIServices can facilitate a comprehensive and functional disaster management plan. This talk will also address the experiences we learned when applying Internet GIS and Web mapping services for the recent San Diego 2007 wildfires. During the wildfires, we realized that some Web mapping technologies are useful, and some are not. There are still some major challenges in the development of Internet GIS and Web mapping services for disaster management and responses.