Kerala's First Active Web GIS Launched

The state-run Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management, Kerala (IIITM-K) Saturday launched Kerala's first Active Web Geographical Information System (GIS) service in public domain.

The GIS has been developed using Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) technology.

"The main objective of Active Web GIS is to make the dynamic geographical information available in a simplified, open Web interface," said IIITM-K Director K.R. Srivathsan, announcing the launch at the concluding session of three-day Free Map Workshop here.

Logging in to www.edugrid.ac.in/webgis helps the visitor to access statewide dynamic weather information and one-week forecast that is updated every three hours.

"Publication and distribution of spatial data are becoming increasingly important for scientific and business organizations to make smart decisions," he said.

The site also provides thematic maps of Kerala and advanced fly-through of 3D topography. Free Map is a voluntary group of experts aimed at empowering communities across India and the world to lead the growth of free and open mapping in India.

"Active Web GIS is very important when the location-specific information is dynamic and decisions have to be made on real time basis."

"IIITM-K is actively developing Active Web GIS applications for e-governance applications such as community instrumentation for agrarian prosperity, community-driven cultural heritage portal and trade logistics for farm produce," Srivathsan said.