Internet-Based Information Systems
455
The COMPAS and Louisiana Coastal Geographical Information System (LCGISN)
systems are excellent examples of such operational systems. Another good example of
a computer-based marine and coastal information system is the UK Digital Marine
Atlas (BODC, 1992).
With the development of the Internet Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) it
has now become possible to develop Internet-based systems that offer the developer a
number of distinct advantages over previous software and systems.
To begin with the widespread adoption of the Windows-based operating
systems has provided a common work environment, under which most software now
runs. Netscape/Netscape Navigator (or other browsers) is one such piece of software.
Running under a common operating system environment means that the user soon
becomes familiar with most software, finds it easy to use and to navigate, and whether
a casual or frequent user is able to make use of the software without continual recourse
to manuals or tutorials. Whilst there are some differences in the software for, e.g. MSWindows, most software operates in the same way and uses the same HumanComputer Interface (HCI).
Netscape likewise conforms to the MS-Windows metaphor, but in addition
offers a secondary interface which again, like other software, offers the user a specific
set of tools or functionality; in this case aimed at information query, retrieval, display,
capture and output.
The Internet
In recent years there has been very rapid growth in the use of communications
technology and particularly the Internet and its associated browsers e.g. Netscape. As
noted by Manger (1995, p.1) it is the World's largest computer network and
information resource and it is predicted by Akass (1994) that some 20 million people
will have access to this information resource in the near future.
The WWW, commonly referred to as W3 or the Web, is a distributed
multimedia hypertext system (Kelly, 1993). It was developed using a 'Client-Server'
architecture, where a client sends a request to a World-Wide Server, which typically
runs on a powerful computer system. Files retrieved will be displayed on the local
machine, or are spawned to an external viewer (Kelly, 1993). Access can be open or
restricted. Many applications currently exist, ranging from use as an information
resource, for publicity, virtual libraries, commercial uses, Government information, to
use for on-line teaching and training.
WWW documents are written in HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) using
a range of HTML 'authoring' tools. Both text and graphics can be included, as well as
animated files. Forms can be created, and can include email addresses. CGI scripts
offer possibilities to add, e.g. search tools, and questionnaires.
Information 'posted' to the Internet is accessed through one of the many
Internet Browsers, standardisation of which now appears to be settling on either
Netscape e.g. Netscape Navigator Gold 3.0, or Microsoft Internet Explorer. A benefit
of this software is that firstly it runs under the standard MS-Windows interface, and
455
The COMPAS and Louisiana Coastal Geographical Information System (LCGISN)
systems are excellent examples of such operational systems. Another good example of
a computer-based marine and coastal information system is the UK Digital Marine
Atlas (BODC, 1992).
With the development of the Internet Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) it
has now become possible to develop Internet-based systems that offer the developer a
number of distinct advantages over previous software and systems.
To begin with the widespread adoption of the Windows-based operating
systems has provided a common work environment, under which most software now
runs. Netscape/Netscape Navigator (or other browsers) is one such piece of software.
Running under a common operating system environment means that the user soon
becomes familiar with most software, finds it easy to use and to navigate, and whether
a casual or frequent user is able to make use of the software without continual recourse
to manuals or tutorials. Whilst there are some differences in the software for, e.g. MSWindows, most software operates in the same way and uses the same HumanComputer Interface (HCI).
Netscape likewise conforms to the MS-Windows metaphor, but in addition
offers a secondary interface which again, like other software, offers the user a specific
set of tools or functionality; in this case aimed at information query, retrieval, display,
capture and output.
The Internet
In recent years there has been very rapid growth in the use of communications
technology and particularly the Internet and its associated browsers e.g. Netscape. As
noted by Manger (1995, p.1) it is the World's largest computer network and
information resource and it is predicted by Akass (1994) that some 20 million people
will have access to this information resource in the near future.
The WWW, commonly referred to as W3 or the Web, is a distributed
multimedia hypertext system (Kelly, 1993). It was developed using a 'Client-Server'
architecture, where a client sends a request to a World-Wide Server, which typically
runs on a powerful computer system. Files retrieved will be displayed on the local
machine, or are spawned to an external viewer (Kelly, 1993). Access can be open or
restricted. Many applications currently exist, ranging from use as an information
resource, for publicity, virtual libraries, commercial uses, Government information, to
use for on-line teaching and training.
WWW documents are written in HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) using
a range of HTML 'authoring' tools. Both text and graphics can be included, as well as
animated files. Forms can be created, and can include email addresses. CGI scripts
offer possibilities to add, e.g. search tools, and questionnaires.
Information 'posted' to the Internet is accessed through one of the many
Internet Browsers, standardisation of which now appears to be settling on either
Netscape e.g. Netscape Navigator Gold 3.0, or Microsoft Internet Explorer. A benefit
of this software is that firstly it runs under the standard MS-Windows interface, and