Veterinary Web-geographic information systems: what's the point and what's involved?
Geographic information systems (GIS) in general, and Web-based GIS in particular, are changing very rapidly because of the simultaneous increases in and sophistication of software, processing power, data storage capacity and available bandwidth. The spread of globalisation, with its consequent impact on trade, information exchange networks and emerging diseases, has meant that the demand for Web-based GIS is exploding. This has been compounded by the comparative speed with which basic sites can now be constructed. An active data site with a GIS element is a must-have for all self-respecting data-rich projects. There is a wide range of issues which should be considered before a GIS website can be launched - its function and appearance, its content and audience, its maintenance and stability and the implementation. There are also issues of technical complexity and data formats, levels of access, confidentiality and accreditation, or quality control and data validation, all of which must be addressed if a site is to be both reliable and effective. These and other topics are considered in some detail, with examples from around the Net.
Wint
William
W
Environmental Research Group Oxford, Department of Zoology, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PS, United Kingdom. william.wint@zoo.ox.ac.uk