Collaborative GIS

Components of a Collaborative GIS

The main components of a collaborative GIS are shown in Figure 1. A meaningful problem initiates the establishment of a collaborative GIS. Choices about whether to implement the collaborative process in a same-place or same-time configuration as compared with a different-place or different-time configuration is influenced by the extent of the problem being addressed and the wishes of any organization that is directly [Page 507]sponsoring the decision process. The core of the collaborative GIS design contains a GIS that combines the geospatial databases, user interfaces, Web servers, and collaborative process components. There are two key roles for the geospatial databases. First, they will contain the baseline data that the multiple interest groups will use to develop a well-defined problem to be addressed within a specified time frame. Second, they will store the new information generated from the collaborative GIS process as the interest groups work toward an agreeable solution. The user interfaces allow the multiple interest groups to interact with each other and with the existing geospatial data. Standard user interfaces such as the computer mouse and keyboard are usually not sufficient for dealing with digital map data on the computer screen. User interfaces for collaborative GIS provide the end user with a richer experience and include digital pens for sketch mapping, head-mounted displays for simulated real-world experiences, and multitouch screen displays for rapid database browsing and query. The Web server allows the collaborative GIS group members to make use of the Internet to interact with an extended public audience, such as citizens, experts, or government representatives. This is useful as it removes the barriers of location and time for those interested in contributing to the decision process. The collaborative process component is a set of well-established methods that can be used by facilitators to structure the process toward agreeable solutions to the problem. Structuring approaches such as shared workspace, argumentation mapping, spatial Delphi, real-time conferencing, and sketch maps are widely used. The collaborative GIS process generates solutions in the form of digital maps, visualization products, and data attributes in response to the problem. Implementing the solutions is done within an organizational and technical frame work to ensure continued development of the collaborative GIS process.

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