Abstract

'Web maps' now, but what, why, and how?
Track: Web and Server
Authors: Charlene Howard

Online and/or mobile mapping capabilities have become more of an expectation rather than just a 'nice' feature to have on a website. The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) has not entered the arena of online spatial data display and delivery..until now.
The GIS team at MWCOG is tasked with supporting all departments with their spatial data needs, including web mapping. Since our departments function largely like islands—where each staff division or individual takes care of their own spatial data needs-- producing a centralized spatial data depot and common web map viewer is neither preferable nor terribly feasible. However, the people have spoken: they want 'web maps' and we must deliver.
This paper explorers how the GIS team is tackling the challenging task of balancing individual departmental creativity and organization-wide needs and with regard to providing online access to MWCOG's spatial data. Approaches, solutions, and lessons learned will be discussed.