Mapping applications comparison
This page describes the principal differences between the dynamic, the static and the desktop mapping application used by Waqwaq, as introduced in the
review.
Screenshot
FIGURE
Primary usage
The dynamic application is the principal Waqwaq mapping application, a public mapping webservice. The static application serves to display datasets hosted by Waqwaq, while the desktop application is mainly intended for special applications, such as printing of high-quality maps, generating maps that need to be post-processed (e.g. re-work in Illustrator for incorporation in other maps or illustrations), making maps off-line and adding customized displays and functionalities through programming.
Technology
The different technologies used by the mapping applications explain to a good extent the differences documented here.
Data input
| Application | Data input |
|---|
| Dynamic | Accepts third-parties data |
| Static | Only Waqwaq data |
| Desktop | Waqwaq and third-parties data |
An essential difference between the applications is that the dynamic and desktop applications can be used to map any sort of data, from any user, while the static application is delivering only the data supplied by Waqwaq.
Data interaction
Because the dynamic application accepts third-party datasets, it can be coupled with a database query interface and thus deliver maps that represent sections of the database. This is the case for the
Bernstein Atlas for Paper and Watermarks. The static application offers no way to select subsets of a dataset. The desktop application can be programmed to act as a database.
Work environment
The applications differ whether they run online or locally, which might be a consideration when choosing with which one to work.
Visualizations
While all applications can display locations in form of symbols such as dots, crosses or text, the static application can also produce density maps.
Printing quality
For high quality printing vector graphics are more performant - a format supported by the desktop application.
Speed performance
For datasets with more that 3000 unique locations the static and the desktop application are more suitable than the dynamic application.
Functionalities richness
The mapping functionalities of the dynamic and static applications are incomparably richer than that of the desktop application, ranging from complex spatial analysis tools to 3D mapping and mobile support. However the desktop application is integrated to a suite of technical computing toolboxes that is a bonus for specific applications away from mainstream GIS.
Development ease
The interface of the dynamic application can be easily modified (it consists only of HTML, CSS and JavaScript); the static application is more complex to manage however simple the desired operations are thanks to the user-adverse philosophy of ESRI products; and the desktop applications is comparatively of medium difficulty, demanding basic programming skills in Matlab.
