Web Mapping

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1. Description of Service

The inclusion of GIS mapping can make an agency's web site much more useful and engaging to the public and to interested constituencies. GIS web services can provide maps or map-derived information in real time, for any location at any desired scale, without the need to create or update published graphics.

GIS can summarize statistical information with thematic maps in an intuitive and appealing way such as displaying towns shaded by project expenditures or tax revenues per capita. Interactive web mapping applications can also respond to end-user queries that begin with a specific location such as "show me the closest school to my neighborhood."

GIS servers can respond to interactive mapping requests from a variety of web clients. GIS web services can be used to provide:

• Dynamic and interactive maps for a new or existing web site
• Geographic location and data from map queries
• Basic web mapping applications based on existing templates
• Mapping developed in partnership with vendors embedded in more complex applications
  

Possible frameworks for client development include JavaScript, Flash and Silverlight with various libraries and templates available to support using GIS data. Mapping typically shows customer specific data, such as site locations, regulated areas, resource data or thematic mapping on top of a MassGIS supplied base map. Data of interest is displayed in real time and at any scale from statewide to neighborhood. Interaction is through standard map query tools - choosing a town or other area of interest from a drop-down list, panning and zooming using map tools, adding or removing layers of information from the map, etc. End users can query individual mapped features to list descriptive text through the interface. Thematic mapping can be used to symbolize data in an easily-understood, intuitive form - e.g. MCAS results by district. Map services can also respond to geographic queries with tabular data. For example, an end-user could ask for a list of features within a certain distance, or for summary totals based on a geographic unit. Many examples of web mapping are available at the MassGIS web site: http://www.mass.gov/mgis/mapping.htm

MassGIS can prepare and host the customer data to be served. MassGIS can also provide a separate interface for the client to maintain their own geographic and tabular data. If desired, end-users can enter or edit geographic or other data using the browser interface. Since these services are all based on standard APIs, MassGIS can work with agency programming staff or with vendors to embed mapping in more complex web applications.

For additional detailed technical information please see: Using_MassGIS_web_services.

Support services include:

• A Service Account Manager to answer any questions or concerns regarding ITD Services.
• Services offered through our Operations Office; including Change Management and customer access to incident management via email, phone (CommonHelp)
• The online COMiT service management portal

2. Service Targets/Hours of Availability

For On-line Web Mapping Services via XML Gateway:

*Incidents, requests, or changes that are outside the scope of the defined service description or normal service hours will be direct charged to the customer.

For Development of Web Mapping Services, Web Map Design and Simple Applications:

3. Service Reporting

4. Service Requests

*For new service requests only. To manage existing requests, please log into COMiT.
 

5. Customer Responsibilities

Customer responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Provide design guidance and decision making in a timely manner
• If address or other data are used in the mapping, customer will be responsible for data quality and formatting. Batch geocoding and data preparation may involve additional services.
• If customer is doing their own development, then project staff assigned must have appropriate skill levels.
• If coordinating with a vendor is required, customer will ensure that vendor is responsive and ensures the availability of appropriate staff resources. Vendor management and oversight is customer's responsibility. All vendor costs will be the responsibility of the customer.

For your convenience, you may also view a detailed list of customer responsibilities  .

6. Chargeback Rate Information

For more information on Chargeback, including an overview of the program as well as current and previous fiscal year rates, please visit our Chargeback Services webpage.

Cost Framework: MassGIS

Direct Costs:

Dedicated Direct Resources

Indirect Costs:

Allocated Costs Not Specific to Service

Rates pertaining to this service offering include:

Download the cost framework for MassGIS   
Download a complete listing of all chargeback rates 

Updated December 19, 2012
Created September 12, 2010;
Information provided by the Office on Geographical Information (MassGIS)