In Chapter 6 of Getting to Know Web GIS, the focus was on spatiotemporal data and the use of real-time GIS, tile layers, and on-premises Web GIS systems. One of the most interesting takeaways was how tile layers are used to efficiently deliver basemaps or large raster datasets over the web, allowing for fast and smooth map performance. The chapter also explained the benefits of hosting Web GIS on-premises, which is especially valuable for organizations that work with sensitive data or prefer local control over cloud-based hosting. Tools like Esri’s GeoEvent Server enable real-time processing of streaming spatial data, which opens the door to powerful applications such as live traffic monitoring, environmental tracking, or emergency response systems.
A few questions I had while reading include: what are the main limitations of on-premises Web GIS compared to cloud-hosted platforms? And can tile layers be updated dynamically with real-time data, or are they mainly used for more static visualizations?
Based on ideas from Chapters 5 and 6, one application I would be interested in developing is a real-time air quality monitoring dashboard using the Delaware Data from Geog 291. This dashboard would use tile layers for the basemap and historical context while integrating spatiotemporal data streams from air quality sensors placed throughout the state. The system could track variables like PM2.5 and ozone levels and display live readings with visual alerts for high-pollution areas. This type of application could be extremely useful for public health officials, school systems, and residents concerned about environmental quality—especially during times of wildfire smoke or industrial emissions.