Corné P.J.M. Van Elzakker, Ferjan Ormeling, Barend J. Köbben, Daisy Cusi
This chapter discusses the role that Web maps play in the dissemination of census and other statistical data, including the geographical interfaces for finding and retrieving the data, the use of maps as a means of presentation, and for online analysis and exploration of the data. These functions are illustrated with examples from the Netherlands and Philippines. A worldwide inventory of the current websites of national statistical organizations and their functionalities and characteristics, including their cartographic aspects is also presented by the chapter. The chapter also explains peculiarities of the hardware and software requirements that make it possible for Web maps to function in various ways. These requirements, along with a lack of awareness of the potential roles of Web maps in the dissemination of census and other statistical data, explains why many national statistical organizations allow the use of Web map tools. The analysis of current websites reveals that not many national statistical organizations (NSOs) are making use of Web maps. This may be partly due to the fact that NSOs are not fully aware of the possible functions of Web maps. © 2003 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved.
Department of Geo-Information Processing, ITC-Cartography Division, 7500 AA Enschede, P.O. Box 6, Netherlands; Faculty of Geographical Sciences, University of Utrecht, 3508 TC Utrecht, P.O. Box 80115, Netherlands; Office of Population Studies (OPS), University of San Carlos, Cebu City, Philippines
