Developing an online map for the Accra metropolis using mapserver

Abstract

With the increased use of broadband Internet facilities and high speed computers, the range of desktop GIS applications being migrated to the Internet is growing by the day. This study presents the development of an online mapping application for the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (A.M.A.) using MapServer, an Internet GIS technology. MapServer is an open source development environment used for creating mapping applications to display dynamic spatial maps over the Internet as well as generating geographic image maps. MapServer is fast, flexible and runs on all major operating systems. The process of developing the Accra online map, its advantages and drawbacks of the MapServer application are discussed. The application displays interactive online map for the A.M.A. area drawn from shapefiles. GIS functions such as measure, query and navigation tools including pan, zoom etc, have been programmed. This application can serve as an online resource for disseminating public information for the Accra Metropolita