Engaging Citizens in Public Affairs:

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Engaging Citizens in Public Affairs Online
Applications
    Dr. Kheir Al-Kodmany University of Illinois
at Chicago
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Request
Client (Web Browser)
Server (Web Server Software)
Send
FIGURE 1. Viewing maps on the Web requires a
simple client-server architecture
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Upon moving the mouse cursor over the red
landmarks, a thumbnail picture comes up on the
screen. Clicking on the thumbnail brings up an
enlarged view in a separate window (see below).
Clicking on a thumbnail brings up an enlarged
image in a separate window.
Web-based navigation tool allows users to zoom in
and out and pan in four directions.
FIGURE 2. A map constructed using GIS and
published on the Web with Macromedia Flash
Software to provide navigational capabilities
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Request
Client (Web Browser)
Server (Web Server Software)
Send
Call
Display
Plug-ins (Flash Shockwave)
FIGURE 3. The relationship between the server,
the client computer, and plug-ins in a zooming
environment
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FIGURE 4. ESRI ArcView IMS Information System for
North Lawndale community. The view shows the
manufactures and minority business thematic
layers.
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Request
Client (Web Browser)
Server (Web Server Software)
Send
Invoke
Interpret
Interpreter (Java Servlet)
Interpreter
Return
Internet Map Sever (ArcIMS)
FIGURE 5. The interaction between client
computer, server, interpreter, and GIS software
for map and data retrieval
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FIGURE 6. ESRI ArcIMS Property Information System
for North Lawndale Community. In the middle is a
Web-site window that is hyperlinked to the
system. It provides additional information about
particular properties, such as historic sites in
the community.
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FIGURE 7. Two-way spatial communication. ESRI
ArcIMS Property Information System for North
Lawndale Community. The system enables
participants to type in comments on the map and
submit them to the University server.
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Request/Send
Client (Web Browser)
Server (Web Server Software)
Send
Invoke
Interpret
Call
Display
Interpreter (Java Servlet)
Plug-ins (Java and ArcIMS)
Interpreter
Return
Run
Process
Java Applet
Internet Map Sever (ArcIMS)
FIGURE 8. Complicated client-server configuration
required for ESRI ArcIMS
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Submit
Clear
Back and forward
Menu of like and dislike
Input textbox
Zooming in and out
FIGURE 9. Two-way spatial communication the
nested map method and the three zooming levels
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FIGURE 10. Two-way spatial communication
freehand sketch on the Web. Colour gradation
indicates intensity of concern.