A Scalable Tile Map Service for Distributing Dynamic Choropleth Maps

In this paper we propose a solution to several key lim-itations of current web based mapping systems: slow ren-dering speeds and the restriction of online map viewing to a small number of areal units as well as a limited num-ber of users. Our approach is implemented as a Scal-able Tile Map Service that distributes dynamic choropleth maps in real-time through a new caching methodology. This new Map Service lays the foundation for advances in web based applications reliant on dynamic map rendering such as emergency management systems and interactive ex-ploratory spatial data analysis. We present the results of an empirical illustration in which this new methodology is used to facilitate collaborative decision making by visualiz-ing spatial outcomes of simulation results on the fly. 1