GeoWebEX: an open-source online system for synchronous collaboration on geographic information

GeoWebEX is an online system for supporting group collaborations on geographical information such as maps and imageries, and capture and sharing of local/domain knowledge in real time. The system is developed using open-source technologies. GeoWebEX allows integration of geospatial data from different sources in the form of Web services, and collaborators’ input in the form of georeferenced annotations. It includes such integrated components as mapsharing, audio/video conferencing, real-time chat, georeferenced textual and graphical annotation, and user/session management. GeoWebEX has a lot of applications, including emergency response and preparedness, environmental and resources, public security, and state and local governments. This paper presents the design and development of GeoWebEX, and concludes by discussing some important issues encountered in developing such a system.

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