May 1, 2024
Updated May 9, 2025
25 minute read
Web mapping is the process of using, creating, and sharing maps on the internet. Think of it as the digital evolution of paper maps, but with a dynamic and interactive twist. Instead of a static piece of paper, you have a map on your screen that you can zoom into, click on for more information, and even contribute to. This technology allows us to visualize and analyze geographic information in ways that were previously confined to specialized desktop software.
The power of web mapping lies in its accessibility and interactivity. Anyone with an internet connection and a web browser can access and interact with these maps. This opens up a world of possibilities for telling stories, answering questions, and understanding our world spatially. Imagine exploring real-time flight patterns across the globe, visualizing migration trends, or even checking live traffic updates before your commute – these are all examples of web mapping in action. The ability to layer different types of information onto a single map, query data by clicking on features, and even edit or add new information collaboratively makes web mapping an incredibly engaging and powerful tool.
Introduction to Web Mapping
Web mapping fundamentally involves displaying geographic information interactively on a webpage. It allows users to explore spatial data, tell stories, and find answers to location-based questions. This is a significant leap from traditional paper maps or static digital images, as web maps invite interaction and exploration.
83ffh8|
Find a path to becoming a Web Mapping. Learn more at:
OpenCourser.com/topic/83ffh8/web
Reading list
We've selected 23 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Web Mapping.
Provides a comprehensive overview of web cartography, the art and science of creating maps for the web. It covers topics such as map design, symbolization, and user interface.
Serves as a direct introduction to the concepts and technologies used in creating interactive web maps. It covers foundational web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript in the context of mapping and introduces popular libraries such as Leaflet. This is an excellent starting point for beginners specifically interested in the web development side of web mapping and provides practical examples to get started.
A collection of practical recipes for using the Leaflet JavaScript library to create dynamic web maps. is invaluable for developers working with Leaflet, providing solutions to common tasks and demonstrating various features of the library. It's a great reference for quickly implementing specific web mapping functionalities.
Provides a comprehensive guide to using PostGIS, a spatial extension for the PostgreSQL database. Understanding spatial databases is crucial for managing and querying the geospatial data that powers web maps. This book covers spatial data types, functions, and operations, enabling developers to build robust data backends for their web mapping applications.
Focused on Esri's widely used ArcGIS platform, this book guides readers through the process of creating and sharing web GIS applications. It covers publishing data, configuring web maps and apps, and leveraging the capabilities of the ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS Enterprise platforms. This is particularly useful for those working in environments utilizing Esri technology and provides practical workflows for building functional web GIS solutions.
Focuses on the principles and techniques of designing thematic maps and using geovisualization to explore spatial data. Effective cartography is essential for creating clear and informative web maps. This text provides a strong foundation in map design principles, symbolization, and visualization methods relevant to presenting spatial data effectively on the web.
Dives deep into the technical aspects of web mapping, such as web services, geospatial data analysis, and mobile mapping. It is an essential resource for those who want to develop advanced web mapping applications.
Provides a comprehensive overview of interactive web mapping, covering topics such as web mapping frameworks, data visualization, and user experience. It is an excellent resource for those who want to learn how to create interactive and engaging web maps.
Provides a comprehensive overview of 3D web mapping, covering topics such as 3D data acquisition, 3D visualization, and 3D user interface. It is an essential resource for those who want to learn how to create 3D web maps.
Covers using React, a popular JavaScript library for building user interfaces, to create custom web maps. It provides a detailed guide to using React to create interactive web maps with custom functionality.
Provides a solid introduction to the fundamental concepts of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Understanding GIS crucial prerequisite for web mapping, as web maps are a form of geospatial data visualization and analysis delivered via the web. This text covers essential topics such as spatial data models, map projections, and basic spatial analysis, laying the groundwork for understanding how geospatial data is created, stored, and manipulated before being published on the web. It is commonly used as a textbook in introductory GIS courses.
An introduction to GeoServer, a popular open-source server software that allows publishing geospatial data as web services (WMS, WFS, etc.). Web mapping applications often consume data from such servers, making understanding GeoServer valuable. guides beginners through setting up and configuring GeoServer to serve their own spatial data.
For users already familiar with GeoServer, this book covers more advanced topics such as performance tuning, security, and utilizing Web Processing Services (WPS). It's a valuable resource for professionals looking to optimize their GeoServer deployments and implement more complex server-side geospatial processing for their web mapping applications.
A comprehensive introduction to cartography, covering the principles of map design and the visualization of geospatial data. While not exclusively about web mapping, the fundamental concepts of how to effectively represent spatial information graphically are directly applicable to creating compelling web maps. provides essential theoretical background for anyone designing maps for any medium, including the web.
This contemporary book delves into the concepts and techniques of spatial data science, a field highly relevant to modern web mapping that involves complex data analysis and modeling. It covers topics such as spatial statistics, machine learning, and big data in a spatial context, providing advanced knowledge for those looking to incorporate sophisticated analysis into their web mapping applications.
A comprehensive and authoritative text covering the scientific principles and systems behind GIS. While not solely focused on web mapping, it provides a deep understanding of the broader field of geographic information science, which is essential for anyone serious about web mapping. It delves into the theoretical underpinnings and technological aspects of GIS, offering valuable background knowledge. is often used as a core textbook in university GIS programs.
Focuses on spatial data analysis and visualization in the context of health data, utilizing the R programming language and tools like Shiny for web visualization. It's relevant for those interested in applying spatial data science techniques and creating interactive web-based visualizations of spatial data, particularly in a public health or research context.
This guide focuses on the methods and techniques used for analyzing geospatial data. As web mapping increasingly involves presenting and interacting with analyzed data, understanding spatial analysis is vital. The book covers a wide range of analytical methods, providing the theoretical knowledge needed to process and interpret spatial data for web map applications. It valuable reference for those looking to add analytical depth to their web maps.
Provides detailed instructions on how to create web maps using ArcGIS, a popular GIS software. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to use GIS for web mapping.
A foundational text on the theory and practice of geographic visualization (geovisualization). explores how interactive visual environments can be used to facilitate thinking about geospatial data. The concepts of interactive exploration and visual analysis discussed are highly relevant to the design and functionality of modern web mapping applications.
A hands-on tutorial for learning ArcGIS Pro, Esri's desktop GIS software. Many web mapping workflows involve preparing and analyzing data in a desktop GIS before publishing it online. provides practical exercises for mastering ArcGIS Pro, which can be a valuable skill for web mapping professionals working within the Esri ecosystem.
While focused on the QGIS desktop GIS software, this book covers geospatial data handling and analysis techniques that are often part of the workflow for preparing data for web maps. QGIS powerful open-source tool used by many geospatial professionals, and mastering it can significantly aid in creating and preparing data for web mapping projects.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/83ffh8/web
Save
