Implementing a caching and tiling map server: a Web 2.0 case study

We describe our efforts to build a caching and tiling map server that greatly improves the performance and interactivity of traditional geographic map servers. We have used this system to integrate and effectively federate 15 Indiana county map servers with Google map images and state-wide ortho-photography data. Our approach is an example of the so-called Web 2.0 style of development, in which we integrate external, third party services into a higher level service. This approach also allows for lightweight client development using relatively simple JavaScript programming libraries. We demonstrate this by building a Google Map client interface to our tile server. Finally, we discuss our initial efforts to make collaborative clients using a shared event model that captures and broadcasts browser events to other, listening browsers.