GIS and the Spatial Web

1. To analyse and evaluate the technologies used for the consumption of spatial data resources through front-end web based clients and desktop applications.

2. To analyse the requirements and design an appropriate solution for a specified problem of defined scope using web based mapping technologies.

Assessment criteria

Fail (< 40%)

40% – 49%

3 deliverables attempted and submitted. 2 of the deliverables will be completed to a satisfactory standard. The work submitted demonstrates some ability to show critical judgement and an understanding of the relevant issues.

50% – 59%

3 deliverables attempted and submitted. 2 of the deliverables completed to a satisfactory standard. 1 of the deliverables completed to a high standard. The work submitted demonstrates a clear ability to show critical judgement and an understanding of the relevant issues.

60% – 69%

3 deliverables attempted and submitted.Alldeliverables completed to a high standard. The work submitted demonstrates a strong ability to show high levels of critical judgement and an understanding of the relevant issues.  The work produced will have gone beyond the basic requirementslisted, andwill includeone or two advanced features.

70% +

3 deliverables attempted and submitted.Alldeliverables completed to a very high standard. The work submitted demonstrates an outstanding ability to show excellent critical judgement and comprehensive understanding of the relevant issues.  The work produced will include many advanced features.

This coursework is composed of three deliverables. The deliverable for each task should be submitted individually – so each student will submit 3 pieces of work.

Deliverable 1

Build a web site on your student web space that demonstrates your skills in using mapping APIs supplied by Google and Microsoft. Your site should consist of a home page linked to a series of subpages that show your maps. Aim to display at least three maps, and to use both APIs. Each map should be more than just a default ‘slippy map’, adding features that go beyond those introduced in the practical exercises. To achieve higher marks there should be evidence of: (i) customisation (e.g. modified base map styling, modified user controls, the use of personalised markers, etc.); (ii) the display of self-sourced spatial data (points, lines, polygons) to add additional thematic content. Be sure to identify your data sources; (iii) the inclusion of functions and/or features not directly covered within exercises – i.e. using code and ideas acquired from online research (again identify your sources) but adapted to your purposes.

Provide a brief (max 200 words) account of each map, drawing attention to any noteworthy features, and highlighting the specific ways you have accomplished (i), (ii) and (iii) above.

Deliverable 2

Build a web site to showcase your skills and expertise in using the OpenLayers and Leaflet APIs. You may choose between developing a single web map, or a web site that includes multiple maps. You are expected to make use of both local data and remote data (i.e. that delivered using a suitable web map service). You should aim to demonstrate the use of both Leaflet and OpenLayers, but can give more attention to one API rather than the other if you so wish.

Deliverable 3

Develop a full web mapping application. There are three stages to consider:

a)    Data sourcing, preparation and storage: Expect to seek out your own data sources and to perform (and document) any necessary data preparation tasks (e.g. document editing, generalisation, simplification, reclassification, spatial and/or attribute sub-setting, re-projection, etc.), prior to deployment in your web mapping project.

b)    Geoserver:Using data prepared in stage (a) and any other sources that may be supplied to you by the teaching team, create and share at least threeGeoserver web map services. You should the USW-supplied Geoserver installation for this activity.

c)    Develop a web site to use web map services created in stage (b). Choose any appropriate web mapping API to help you achieve this objective.

Finally, drawing upon your experiences gain through practical work associated with this module, provide a brief (max 1 side A4) reflective evaluation of web mapping technologies as covered in this module (proprietary mapping APIs, OpenLayers/Leaflet, and GeoServer) discussing scenarios in which they may/may not be the most appropriate choice.

For each deliverable submit a digital document (Word or PDF) providing evidence of completion in the form of screen shots and code listings. Where appropriate, include the URL of the sites you have developed. You must be prepared to demonstrate any of the deliverables if requested.