Choosing the right GIS framework for an informed Enterprise Web GIS Solution

An Enterprise Web GIS Solution combines the knowledge of complex GIS systems with the standards and best practices of Information Technology to design and implement an end-to-end system that deliver geospatial data services, tools and applications on the web. In order to design an optimal solution that fits well with an enterprise workflow and provide robust, reliable, responsive and scalable map services and applications, it is important to understand the various components of the web GIS framework and consider the key factors that affect them when deciding on the type of technology stack that works best. This paper reviews the important factors involved in choosing the right framework for an Enterprise Web GIS Solution and the various architectural components of a web GIS system. It begins with an overview of the multi-tier dynamic Client-server system architecture and implementation of specific configurations that web GIS systems apply in performing geospatial data analysis. Next, it introduces the web GIS System Architecture setup at Columbia University’s Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN) as a case study. Using the knowledge gained from our implementation experiences, it then evaluates and compares the system components based on factors such as workflow, performance, backward compatibility, scalability, interoperability and total cost of ownership (TCO). Finally, this paper concludes on the note that these are the important factors to consider while designing an Enterprise Web GIS Solution. However, it is also important to note that every enterprise has its unique situation, business needs and strategic interests and the importance given to these factors may vary accordingly.