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GeoWebEX: an open-source online system for synchronous collaboration on geographic information

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Abstract

GeoWebEX is an online system for supporting group collaborations on geographical information such as maps and imageries, and capture and sharing of local/domain knowledge in real time. The system is developed using open-source technologies. GeoWebEX allows integration of geospatial data from different sources in the form of Web services, and collaborators’ input in the form of georeferenced annotations. It includes such integrated components as mapsharing, audio/video conferencing, real-time chat, georeferenced textual and graphical annotation, and user/session management. GeoWebEX has a lot of applications, including emergency response and preparedness, environmental and resources, public security, and state and local governments. This paper presents the design and development of GeoWebEX, and concludes by discussing some important issues encountered in developing such a system.

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Acknowledgements

This work reported in this paper was partially supported by the funding from the Canadian National Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and partially funded by the Quebec Ministry of Public Security.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Space Science, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan

    Muhammad A. Butt, Syed Amer Mahmood & Syed Muhammad Hassan Raza

  2. Department of Civil Engineering, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria St., Toronto, ON, M5B 2K3, Canada

    Muhammad A. Butt

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  1. Muhammad A. Butt
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  2. Syed Amer Mahmood
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  3. Syed Muhammad Hassan Raza
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Correspondence to Muhammad A. Butt.

Appendix 1: Feedback questionnaire (post-test questionnaire)

Appendix 1: Feedback questionnaire (post-test questionnaire)

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Butt, M.A., Mahmood, S.A. & Raza, S.M.H. GeoWebEX: an open-source online system for synchronous collaboration on geographic information. Appl Geomat 10, 123–145 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12518-018-0204-8

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