Chapter 1:
Chapter 1 offers a brief history of WebGIS, including how it has evolved over the years from a program housed locally on stationary computers to a website that is far more accessible to a wide variety of devices. Similar to what we learned in GEOG 291, this chapter talks about how GIS online and computer services have revolutionized the world of mapping and have greatly improved the ways that geography and spatial information are shared. This revolution in mapping technology has provided a great deal of conveniences for people who need to use mapping in their everyday lives, which includes a large portion of the general population. For example, many of us use some sort of mapping software on our phones to get directions when we need to go somewhere, and we use other mapping software to find out where and when weather events will occur.
Chapter 2:
This chapter made it easier for me to understand the ways that webGIS is similar and different from the ArcGIS software we used in GEOG 291. The similarities lie in concepts like feature layers which are fundamental for both ArcGIS software and webGIS applications. The differences can be seen in features like the smart mapping tool, which automatically suggests ways that the map can be designed for greater visual appeal. Previously in GEOG 291, we had to design our maps through the symbology menu, which included manually picking out options for how we wanted data points to appear. This chapter also details a system called the ArcGIS Living Atlas, which is a compilation of many data sets which can be downloaded for use in individual projects.
Potential applications:
While I was reading these chapters I was thinking about how cool it would be if these maps could be utilized for the state parks and hiking trails in Ohio. For instance, they could display information online such as trail conditions and hazards as reported by people who have hiked them earlier in the day. Also, information on campground site availability and campground events could prove to be a useful and interesting application of these ideas.