Discussant(s): Ming-Hsiang (Ming) Tsou - San Diego State University Session Description: During 2005 and early 2006, internet-based geographic visualization gained momentum with the introduction of free, online virtual globe software. Such software serve spatial data, often including satellite and aerial imagery, on an interactive, three-dimensional representation of earth. Moving to and viewing locations-of-interest are facilitated by search queries and user interface controls. Through Application Program Interfaces (API) and eXtensible Markup Language (XML)-based data specifications, developers and advanced users can create new functions and data.
These internet-based globes have proven widely popular. For instance, in the two weeks following its launch, the Google Earth website had over five million unique visitors. Such public interest poses a variety of opportunities, challenges, and questions for geographers. This session invites speakers to discuss their work exploring the potential of these and associated internet-based geographic tools. Topics may include: What are the connections between virtual globes and GIS? How will such internet-based spatial software affect the disciplines of geography and GIScience? How will issues such as data quality and uncertainty be dealt with in virtual globes? Are such software likely to affect geographic awareness, education, and decision making? Will the software affect contemporary GIS and manufacturers? Can sustainable business models be developed for such software? What is the future of virtual globes?
