GeoWeb on mobile internet

Abstract

Geospatial data accessible on the web has become common place and transformative. The GeoWeb allows us to view geographic information about any location on the planet and to make plans based on this. Planning routes for travel using the GeoWeb has become highly advanced enabled by open standards. Using the GeoWeb for environmental studies is advancing but requires additional standards regarding semantics of the features of the world. The GeoWeb is now moving to mobile internet platforms. Soon, if not already, mobile devices will be the predominant method to access the Internet. This is enabled by dramatic advances in technologies and business models for electronic communications and hand held devices. Smartphones have led the way enabling access on mobile devices similar to fixed internet locations. The initial generation of Location Based Services were defined based on walled gardens. Now we are extending the GeoWeb to the mobile internet and enhancing it based on location context and by access to an Internet of things including sensors. Using mobile GeoWeb devices embedded in the world enables an augmented understanding of our geospatial reality.