Collaborative mapping and spatio-temporal data dissemination through a web-based virtual globe application

Abstract

Recent updates in Google Earth, which provide the possibility to couple cartographic animation with real-time information dissemination, make this software suitable for environmental researchers who work with spatio-temporal data and participate on distributed research projects. Even though it seems simple, computer supported group work with geospatial information at a distance requires a careful consideration for the end-users and their interactions as a group. However, user-centered design and empirical evaluations of geo-collaborative applications and web-based virtual globes are still very rare. To fill this gap, a user-centered design approach was adopted in the development of a geo-collaborative web-based virtual globe prototype, designed for distributed teams of environmental researchers working with spatio-temporal data. User requirements were obtained through a dedicated on-line survey and a focus group discussion. Additionally, six collaborative empirical tests with animated spatio-temporal data representations were conducted and analyzed. The obtained results have implications for addressing an emerging critical issue in GIScience software development, namely, designing more useful geo-collaborative web-based tools.

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