Web GIS Based Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) System for Forestry Management in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Web mapping is the process of using geo-spatial information through the cyberspace. It
consists both a service activities and end-user activities. Web GIS emphasises geo-data
distribution aspects more involved with design aspects such as data accruing, storage,
processing with server software architecture such as data storage and algorithms. Web based
system is more advanced than stand-alone system because its provide pathway to overcome
geographical boundaries. As a result of this one, any user who has internet facility will be
able to access the system.
This paper aims to address the role of Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) as a framework for
the development of a web-based system as a tool for facilitating forestry management by
resolving current problems with spatial data. Centralise web GIS tool facilitates to
visualisation and update geo-spatial data for forestry management sector in Sri Lanka. This
research is a one of node to open the gate to access the cyberspace which consists of SDI.
Collected forest data were cross checked with existing GIS data sources and Google Earth
before incorporate to the system. Web system was created using HTML5 and PHP language.
Google Map class library and Java script library were used to render the Google Map to the
web GIS system and Arc GIS cloud database is used as a geo-database for storing forestry
data. in addition to that, several software packages have been used such as Adobe
Dreamweaver, Adobe Photoshop, PHP editor, MySQL database, Java, Ajax, Arc GIS, Arc
server etc.
Web administrator will be able to maintain and update the system using the given
authentication facility and to maintain and change query function of the geo-database. End
user will be able to read the map and gather information using attribute data. In addition to
that, the system facilities to get the print out of the selected area with all map components
such as legend, map title, scale etc.
Keywords: Web GIS, Cloud GIS, Forest management, SDI, GIS modelling