Thesis (PhD (Geography and Environmental Studies))—Stellenbosch University, 2008. / GIS has revolutionized geographic analysis and spatial decision support and has greatly
enhanced our understanding of the real world though it’s mapping and spatial modelling
capabilities. Although GIS software is becoming more powerful, less expensive and more userfriendly,
GIS still remains the domain of a selected few who can operate and afford these
systems. Since the introduction of web mapping tools such as Google Earth, accessibility to
geographic information has escalated. Such tools enable anyone with access to a computer and
the Internet to explore geographic data online and produce maps on demand. Web mapping
products have, however, a very narrow range of functionality. In contrast to GIS that focuses on
spatial data capture, storage, manipulation, analysis and presentation, the function of web
mapping tools is to visualize and communicate geographical data. The positive impact of web
mapping tools suggests, however, that GIS has not yet developed to a level where anyone can
use the technology to support spatial decisions and enhance productivity. A possible solution is
to close the functional gap between web mapping tools and GIS to make spatial analysis more
accessible, thereby promoting geographical awareness and supporting better spatial decisions.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:sun/oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/1360 |
| Date | 12 1900 |
| Creators | Van Niekerk, Adriaan |
| Contributors | Van der Merwe, J. H., Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Geography and Environmental Studies. |
| Publisher | Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Rights | Stellenbosch University |
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