Welcome to Module 6, Visualizing Geospatial Data

The Internet and World Wide Web have changed the way we access and use geospatial data in remarkable ways. We need only think of the evolution of both the form and function of maps over the past generation to appreciate what a transformation geospatial data has experienced.

Remember, for instance, how your parents might have used maps in their daily lives. They likely acquired a new map only when needed: to find the best route from one place to another, or to orient themselves while traveling to a new destination. They probably stored their maps in a shoebox or glove compartment, handled them by unfolding and refolding and unfolding again, highlighted areas of interest with a pen or marker, and rarely replaced them, if ever, with more current versions.

Today, we need only choose a trip-planning web site to create, view and print a customized and current map for any trip we plan to take, anywhere, anytime.

Web mapping technology has revolutionized the way in which people access, display and use geospatial data. Anyone with Internet access can request any online map for display on their computer screen. Available maps include, but are not limited to, aeronautical and nautical charts, geopolitical, topographic and thematic maps, as well as satellite imagery and aerial photos. By creating map displays of geospatial information, users can interact with and see spatial data that was previously only available to geomatics experts.

In this module, you will learn about:

• Why you should use web services to transfer and exchange geospatial information;
• How you can visualize geospatial data using web map services;
• How you can portray geospatial data using a styled layer descriptor document; and
• How you can bookmark your map views using a web map context document.

This module comprises 21 pages and should take you about 30 minutes to complete.