Geodata Conference System

Not only has the CGDI enabled information systems like the National Registry of Aquatic Animal Diseases and the National Forest Information System, it has also led to innovations in geospatial technology like the geodata conference system developed by Consultants TGIS Inc., the Quebec Ministry of Public Security, and Natural Resources Canada (Natural Hazards Information System).

Geodata conferencing allows a number of participants to share and work with a map over the Web in real time. Building on the idea of data conferencing, this new
service allows participants in a teleconference to share
an online, georeferenced map workspace that they all control. Individuals can point to something on the map, and the other conference participants can see the
gesture. Participants are also able to make
georeferenced annotations on the view, and see and
edit others' annotations. Because these actions happen
in real time, they are synchronized with the participants' conversation. And because everyone is looking at the same map, discussions and decisions are based on
precise geospatial information.

Click on the images to enlarge.

The Challenges

When it set out to develop a conferencing service for geospatial data, the development team aimed to allow conference participants to:

• Collaborate using map information and transmit their geospatial expertise;
• Develop a common picture and incorporate field observations;
• Coordinate their activities;
• Have specialists assist non-specialists; and
• Access information, not data.