VGA and web mapping

Question 1

What are web maps?

Answer 1

Interactive digital maps accessible via browsers (e.g., JPEG/GIF conversions).

Question 2

How does the web change spatial concepts?

Answer 2

Eliminates traditional boundaries; distance becomes irrelevant (e.g., webcams).

Question 3

Key societal impacts of web mapping?

Answer 3

Breaks barriers in map production/distribution; enables real-time custom maps.

Question 4

What is VGI?

Answer 4

User-generated geographic data (e.g., OpenStreetMap via GPS/aerial photos).

Question 5

Pros of VGI?

Answer 5

Local focus, fills data gaps, empowers citizens, free/editable.

Question 6

Cons of VGI?

Answer 6

Trust issues, no authority, variable accuracy, preservation challenges.

Question 7

Why contribute to VGI?

Answer 7

Altruism, expertise sharing, self-promotion, or data comparison.

Question 8

Citizen science vs. VGI?

Answer 8

Citizen science involves trained observers (e.g., Project GLOBE).

Question 9

What is ArcGIS Online?

Answer 9

ESRI’s platform to share/develop GIS web apps using APIs.

Question 10

Web’s role in cartography?

Answer 10

Enables interactivity, animation, and collaborative mapmaking.

Question 11

Privacy concerns in web maps?

Answer 11

Sensitive data (finance/health) secured via passwords/IDs.

Question 12

Traditional vs. web map authority?

Answer 12

Traditional maps are authoritative; VGI (e.g., Wikipedia) lacks guarantees.