Distributed GIS

Technology, Components,
Applications and Future
April 11 2005
Yang Han
 Agenda
Impact of the Internet on GIS
GIS Technology: From Centralized to Distributed
What is Distributed GIS
Why do we Need Distributed GIS
Basic Components of Distributed GIS
The Standards for Distributed GIS
Applications of Distributed GIS
Future of Distributed GIS
Impact of the Internet on GIS

Change
our lives
 Impact of the Internet on GIS
The Internet is a modern
information system that connects
thousands of telecommunication
networks and creates an
internetworking framework. The
dramatic success of the Internet
and the popular adoption of
TCP/IP pushed the development
of telecommunication into a new
age.
 Impact of the Internet on GIS
The GIS community also began to utilize the Internet
to develop distributed GIS.
Distributed GIS is a research and application area that
utilize the Internet and other internetworking systems
to facilitate the access, processing, and dissemination
of geographic information and spatial analysis
knowledge.
The Internet is affecting GIS in three major areas:
GIS data access
Spatial information dissemination

GIS modeling/processing
 Impact of the Internet on GIS
The Internet provides GIS users easy access to
acquire GIS data from different data providers. GIS
data warehouse and digital libraries are two common
forms of Internet data access systems.
U.S. Geospatial Data Clearinghouse Activities under the
Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) has been
working to build a distributed archive of information for
universal access (http://www.fgdc.gov)
Alexandria Digital Library Project funded by the US
National Science Foundation established the first
distributed library service for spatially referenced data in
1994 (http://www.alexandria.ucsb.edu/ )
 Impact of the Internet on GIS
The Internet also enables the dissemination of GIS
analysis results and spatial information to a much
wider audience than does traditional GIS.
Furthermore, the Internet is becoming a means to
conduct GIS processing. It enhances the
accessibility and reusability of GIS analysis tools
by dynamically downloading or uploading GIS
processing components.
 Impact of the Internet on GIS
The rapid expansion of low-cost
bandwidth on the Internet

A new generation of Web-enabled

desktop computers and mobile devices.
 GIS Technology:
From Centralized to Distributed
Mobile GIS

Internet GIS
Mainframe GIS Desktop GIS

Distributed GIS
 GIS Technology:
From Centralized to Distributed
Mainframe GIS adopted the monolithic
computing model; that is, all programs
were in the same mainframe computers.
User access to GIS data and analysis
functions on the mainframe server were
through dumb terminals.
 GIS Technology:
From Centralized to Distributed
Desktop GIS relies on GIS programs on the
desktop computers. It has two categories.

The stand-alone desktop GIS has all the GIS

functions, user interface, and data in one
stand-alone computer.
The LAN-based desktop GIS usually adopts
the two-tier client/server model.
GIS Technology:
From Centralized to Distributed
Distributed GIS represents a dramatic
departure from the traditional two-tier
client/server model. Rather than relying on
desktop GIS programs, distributed GIS,
when fully implemented, does not
necessarily require the user to install GIS
programs on the users desktop. It relies on
the Internet and wireless networks for data
from anywhere with Internet access.
Internet GIS
Mobile GIS
GIS Technology:
From Centralized to Distributed
GIS Technology:
From Centralized to Distributed
The mainframe GIS and desktop GIS are
traditionally referred to as GISystems, and
distributed GIS is referred to as GIServices.
The term service here refers to component
services; that is, components with certain
functions can be downloaded and
reassembled together to build larger, more
comprehensive services to perform certain
tasks.
 GIS Technology:
From Centralized to Distributed
Traditional GISystems:
Closed, centralized systems that incorporate interfaces,
programs, and data.
System is platform dependent and application dependent.
Migrating traditional GISystems into different operating
systems or platforms is difficult.
Different GIS applications may require different GIS
packages and architecture design.
Every element is embedded inside traditional GISystems
and cannot be separated from the rest of the architecture.
Traditional GISystems include mainframe GIS and stand-
alone desktop GIS.
 GIS Technology:
From Centralized to Distributed
Client/server GISystems or current desktop GIS are
based on generic client/server architecture in network
design.
The client-side components are separated from server-side
components.
Client/server architecture allows distributed clients to access
a server remotely by using distributed computing techniques
or database connectivity techniques.
The client-side components are usually platform dependent.
Each client component can access only one specific server
at one time.
Different geographic information servers come with different
client/server connection frameworks, which can not be
shared.
 GIS Technology:
From Centralized to Distributed
Distributed GIServices
The most significant difference is the adoption of distributed-
component technology, which can connect to and interact
with multiple and heterogeneous systems and platforms and
without the constraints of traditional client/server relationship.
Under a distributed GIServices architecture, there is no
difference between a client and a server. Each GIS node
embeds GIS programs and geodata and can become a
client or a server based on the task at hand.
A client is defined as the requester of a service in a network,
and a server provides a service.
A distributed GIServices architecture permits dynamic
combinations and linkages of data and GIS programs via
networking.
 GIS Technology:
From Centralized to Distributed
Application Mainframe GIS Desktop GIS Distributed GIS
Characteristics
Architectural Monolithic Ethernet era Web client/server
models client/server (three-tier or n-tier)
(two-tier)
Client Dumb terminals Desktop computers Web client
Client Interface ----- Fat Graphic User Web browsers,
Interface (GUI) JavaBeans,
clients ActiveX controls
Networks Local area networks LANs or WANs The Internet
Server Mainframe Data servers Web servers,
application server,
GIS server, and
data servers
Number of One One or limited few Thousands or more
accessible
servers
What is Distributed GIS?
Internet GIS

Distributed GIS

Web-based GIS

Web GIS
 What is Distributed GIS?
The Internet is any network composed of multiple,
geographically dispersed networks through
communication devices and a common set of
communication protocols.
The World Wide Web is a networking application
supporting a HTTP that runs on top of the Internet.
The Internet is not synonymous with the World
Wide Web.
The Internet refers to the network infrastructure,
while the Web refers to one of many applications
that run on top of the Internet.
 What is Distributed GIS?

Internet GIS Web-based GIS

The Internet WWW

 What is Distributed GIS?
Distributed GIS is defined as a network-centric
GIS tool that uses the Internet or a wireless net-
information, disseminating spatial information and
conducting GIS analysis.
The client devices could be desktop computers, laptop
computers, PDAs, or mobile phones.
The servers could be distributed in multiple locations.

Protocols could be HTTP, WAP, FTP, Common Object

Request Broker Architecture (CORBA) protocols, and
ODBC libraries.
 What is Distributed GIS?
Wireless GIS

Distributed GIS Web-based GIS

Internet GIS

Other Internet
GIS
What is Distributed GIS?
Distributed GIS is an Integrated
Client/Server Computing System
Distributed GIS is a Web-Based Interactive
System
Distributed GIS is a Distributed and
Dynamic System
Distributed GIS is Cross-Platform and
Interoperable
 What is Distributed GIS?
Distributed GIS is an Integrated Client/Server
Computing System
Distributed GIS applies the dynamic client/server concept
on performing GIS data sharing and analysis tasks.
The connections between the client and server are
established according to a communication protocol, mainly
TCP/IP.
Depending on the amount of processes performed on the
client side, the client could be thick or thin.
In addition, the concepts of client and server are relative;
any computer could be both a server if it provides services
to other computers and a client if it requests services from
other computers.
 What is Distributed GIS?
Distributed GIS is a Web-Based Interactive
System
The distributed GIS relies on the WWW and its add-ons
to provide interactively between the user and the
distributed GIS programs.
In addition to the interactivity provided by HTML, XML,
or WAP, distributed GIS can also handle vector-based
GIS data. It enables users to manipulate GIS data and
maps interactively over the Internet or wireless networks.
Users can perform GIS functions such as map rendering,
spatial queries, and spatial analysis using a Web
browser or other Internet-based client programs.
 What is Distributed GIS?
Distributed GIS is a Distributed and Dynamic
System
Geospatial data are usually distributed across different
departments within an organization and among
organizations, either on intranets or on the Internet.
Distributed GIS can potentially query and extract these
distributed databases rather than simply downloading the
data directly into the end users local machines to
combine with local data.
Distributed GIS clients should be able to search,
download, and assemble analysis tools on demand. The
clients have control over the functions required for a
particular task.
 What is Distributed GIS?
Distributed GIS is Cross-Platform and Interoperable
Distributed GIS can be accessed across platforms
regardless of what operating system the user is running.
The clients of distributed GIS tend to be able to run in a
variety of computing environments and platforms.
To be able to access and share remote GIS data and
functions, distributed GIS programs require high
interoperability. The Open Geodata Interoperability
Specification and Geography Markup Language (GML) by
the OpenGIS Consortium (OGC) are attempting to lay the
ground rules for GIS interoperability.
 Why do we Need Distributed GIS
Uniqueness of Geographic Information on
the Internet
Heterogeneous
Format, resolutions, scales, times, and domains
The power of GIS operations/functions

The value of geographic information will increase

dramatically by providing GIS users with the
capability of GIS operations.
Why do we Need Distributed GIS
The disadvantage of the traditional GIS
The high price of GIS software package.
Inaccessibility to the Desktop GIS from
locations other than the computer on which
the desktop GIS software is installed.
Difficult to customize.

Proprietary technology and the lack of

interoperability.
Why do we Need Distributed GIS
Management Perspective
Globalization of geographic
information access and distribution.
Decentralization of geographic
information management and update
Why do we Need Distributed GIS
User Perspective
The need of distributed GIS processing to
cope with increasing size and variety of
geospatial data sets
The need for customizable GIS modules for
software package specialization
The demand for location-based information
from the general public due to the popularity
of the Internet and mobile devices
Why do we Need Distributed GIS

Implementation
Installation is not necessary
 Basic Components of Distributed GIS
Client
Web Server with
Client Application Map Server Data Server
Server

Client
Basic Components of Distributed GIS
The Client
HTML
HTML-based client has very limited user
interactivity. It is particularly inadequate for
users to interface with maps and spatial
objects.
 Basic Components of Distributed GIS
The Client
DHTML
Uses client-side scripting like JavaScript or VBScript to make the plain
HTML dynamic
ActiveX controls
General component ware that can plug into any application that supports
Microsofts Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) standard.
Java Applets
Reside at the Web server and are downloaded from the server and
executed on the client at runtime. They allow the user to interact directly
with the spatial features on the map.
Plug-ins
Software executables that run on the browser to extend the capabilities
of Web browsers.
 Basic Components of Distributed GIS
Web Server and Application Server
Web Server (HTTP Server) Respond requests from
clients
Sending existing HTML document or ready-made
map images to the client
Sending Java applets or ActiveX controls to the Web
client
Passing requests to other programs and invoking
other programs such as CGI that could process the
queries
 Basic Components of Distributed GIS
Web Server and Application Server
Application Server Translator or connector
between the Web server and the map server
Establishing, maintaining, and terminating the
connection between the Web server and the map
server
Interpreting client requests and passing them to
the map server
Managing the concurrent requests and balancing
loads among map servers and data servers
Managing the state, transaction, and security
 Basic Components of Distributed GIS
Map Server (GIS Server, spatial server)
A major workhorse component that fulfills spatial queries,
conducts spatial analysis, and generates, and delivers
maps to the client based on the users request.
Filtered feature data that are sent to the client program
for user manipulating
A simple map image in a graphic format, such as GIF
or JPEG, or a graphic element map that is composed
of discernible map elements with predefined colors,
styles, legends, and so on.
 Basic Components of Distributed GIS
Data Server
Serves data, spatial and nonspatial, in a relational or
nonrelational database structure.
A client application such as a Web client or a map server
gains access to the database through the SQL.
Therefore, a database server is often referred to as a
SQL server.
Database middleware is often used to access different
databases. There are three major database middleware:
ODBC, Java Database Connectivity (JDBC), and Object
Linking and Embedded Database (OLE DB) ActiveX
Data Object (ADO). Through SQL, ODBC, or JDBC drive,
the client application can query, retrieve, and even
modify database records in the database server
 Basic Components of Distributed GIS
Client
Web Server with Map Server Data Server
Client Application
Server

Client
Basic Components of Distributed GIS
thin client architecture

VS.

thick client architecture

 Basic Components of Distributed GIS
Thin

Major advantages of this Disadvantages are:

model are: 1. Response time low
1. Central control 2. Less interactive
2. Easy for data managing 3. Vector data does not
4. Generally cheaper appear in client side
5. Integration possibilities
 Basic Components of Distributed GIS

Thick

Major advantages of this model are:

1. Images are not restricted to GIS and JPEG
2. Vector data can be used
3. More functions are available on the client
side
And disadvantages to this architecture are:
1. Platform and browsers are incompatible
2. Users are required to install additional
software
The Standards for Distributed GIS
Open GIS by Open GIS
Consortium (OGC)
ISO/TC 211 by Technical
Committee tasked by the
International Organization for
Standardization (ISO)
 The Standards for Distributed GIS
The main goals of OGC are the full integration of
geospatial data and geoprocessing resources in
mainstream computing and the widespread use
of interoperable geoprocessing software and
geodata products throughout the information
infrastructure.
ISO/TC 211 emphasizes a service-oriented view
of geoprocessing technology and a balanced
concern for information, application, and system.
 The Standards for Distributed GIS
OGC
The OGC, a broad-based alliance of government
agencies, research organizations, software developers,
and systems integrators, is engaged in a multi-year
effort to define open GIS and to develop a set of
requirements, standards, and specifications which
support it.
The overall goal is to encourage software developers
and integrators to adhere to these requirements, and
through time create tools, databases, and
communications systems that maximize the utility of
systems and resources and take advantage of
technological advances.
 The Standards for Distributed GIS
OGC
Major areas of research and development within
OGIS include defining a geodata type hierarchy
that comprises simple and complex features,
maps and coverages, images, and field datasets
(and specifying the relevant interfaces);
developing a consistent approach to metadata to
support data collections and browsing; enabling
the concept of information communities which
share common definitions, information semantics,
and data dictionaries/thesauri; and defining the
basic data structures required for implementation.
 The Standards for Distributed GIS
OGC
The three broad requirements for Open
GIS
Interoperable applications
Shared data space

Heterogeneous resource browser

An open GIS architecture must provide

robust methods for accessing multiple
forms of data using multiple software
environments.
 The Standards for Distributed GIS
OGC
Open GeoData Interoperability Specification
(OGIS)
initiated by the Open Systems Foundation
a comprehensive object based framework to
support distributed access to geodata and
geoprocessing resources
The OGC was set up to oversee the
development of the OGIS
 The Standards for Distributed GIS
OGC
Geography Markup Language (GML)
GML is an XML encoding for the modeling,
transport and storage of geographic
information including both the spatial and non-
spatial properties of geographic features.
The key concepts used by GML to model the
world are drawn from the OGC Abstract
Specification
 The Standards for Distributed GIS
OGC
Applications of Distributed GIS
Data Sharing
Put the raw data in the original format along
with the metadata in their own Web site.
Join a data clearinghouse network or a GIS
data portal and list your data using the same
standard or protocol of that data
clearinghouse network or GIS data portal.
Put data in a standard format like GML and
make it available on the Web.
Applications of Distributed GIS
Geospatial Information Disseminations
Easier to disseminate information such as
land use plans, zoning information,
environmental information, and traffic
information.
Foster information sharing and exchange
among different departments within an
agency or across agencies
Applications of Distributed GIS
Online Data Processing
Move analysis tools from desktop to online
User-friendly Web browsers interface makes
the GIS analysis tools easier to use
Component-based distributed GIS
architecture allows the development of
interoperable geospatial analysis tools as
individual and sellable geoprocessing
components
Applications of Distributed GIS
Location-Based Services (LBSs)
real-time information
Mobile GIS + GPS
 Future of Distributed GIS
Future Impact
Future Impact on the GIS Industry
Distributed GIServices will exploit the reusability and
compatibility of GIS software and data objects
Design of distributed GIServices can help the GIS
industry migrate gradually from legacy systems and
adopt new technologies
Distributed GIServices will change the development
strategies of GIS software vendors and will transform
the current monopolized GIS market into an open,
competitive environment
 Future of Distributed GIS
Future Impact
Future Impact on Geographers
Geographers and spatial scientists can build more
realistic model to solve their research problems by
combine the GIS components and models in distributed
GIServices
Distributed GIServices will help scientists and
geographers focus on the domain of problems rather
than the mechanism of system implementation
The flexible data approach and the operational
metadata scheme in distributed GIServices will help
geographers utilize on-line information more efficiently
and facilitate the reusability of geospatial data for
geographic research
Future of Distributed GIS
Future Impact
Future Impact on the Public
Provide transparent, ubiquitous
GIServices in daily life
Deliver real-time, integrated
services for emergency events
Future of Distributed GIS
Other research topics
Geoportals
Interoperability

Web Service technology

Interoperability
Interoperability is the ability of a system, or
components of a system, to provide information
portability and inter-application cooperative
process control.
Two geographical databases X and Y can
interoperate if X can send requests for services
R to Y on a mutual understanding of R by X and
Y, and Y can return responses S to X based on
a mutual understanding of S as responses to R
by X and Y
Standard
Geoportal
A technical definition of the word portal
is a web site considered to be an entry
point to other web locations
Append the term geo, and the result
might be as follows. Geoportal: a web
site that presents an entry point to
geographic content on the web or, more
simply, a web site where geographic
content can be discovered.
Metadata
Geoportal
The US Federal Geographic Data
Committees (FGDC) Clearinghouse web
sites represent one of the earliest spatial
data infrastructure (SDI) web portal
initiatives. The FGDC portals were driven
by the first US presidential requirement
to support the sharing of geographic
information, the National Spatial Data
Infrastructure or NSDI
Questions?