HTML 5

HTML 5 is the next step in capabilities for web browsers and it will have a large impact on GIS web sites. HTML 5 includes a new tag called "canvas" that allows the browsers, for the first time, to render vector data. This means we can transfer vector data into the browser and the user can interact with it. We will also be able to change the style of vector data. It will take time for the software to catch up with this new standard but it will eventually open up a new world of web-based applications for GIS.

• New HTML Standard
  • <canvas>: 2D drawing
  • Elements for media control: <video>, <audio>
  • Support for local storage
  • Additional elements: <article>, <footer>, <header>, <nav>, <section>
  • New form controls:
    • calendar, date, time, email, url, search
• No browser currently supports the entire standard
• Examples:
  • Norse: Global Attacks
  • Wind Map
  • CENCOOS Data Portal
  • MapBox
  • 21 Ridiculously Impressive HTML5 Canvas Experiments
  • GIS Cloud

Creating a GIS Web Site

It's really easy to lose site of the goal of a GIS web site and end up with something that just does not work for your users. Remember to:

1. Understand and define the user needs
   1. Talk to the users
2. Select the technology that meets the needs with minimum complexity
3. Deliver in stages when possible
4. Use experienced people when possible
5. Must be intuitive or they will go elsewhere
   1. Help is built in
6. Test, rework, test, rework...

Test Your Knowledge