GIS IN THE CLOUD Cloud computing furnishes scalable GIS technology that is maintained off premises and delivered on demand as services via the Internet Cloud GIS capabilities range from data storage to end-user Web-base GIS applications

Cloud Computing Cloud computing supports the ability to dynamically scale systems up & down, giving users reliability, quick response times and the flexibility to handle traffic fluctuations and changes in demand Cloud computing provides systems configured in such a way that they can be shared simultaneously by many organizations and individuals Virtualization technology allows cloud vendors to convert one server into many virtual machines, eliminating client-server single-purpose systems

Cloud Computing Schema

Cloud Computing Options Software as a Service (SaaS) – Software owned by vendors and delivered as a service, rather than as traditional, on-premises software : Webmail and Search Engines. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) hardware for computing, data storage, operating systems – Delivered on-demand, off premises, rather than as dedicated, on-site resources Platform as a Service (PaaS) - Middleware that connects separate applications built and run on infrastructure (hardware) that the cloud vendor owns and maintains. – Application Programming Interface (API) like Google Maps embedded in a website – Database management systems – MSAccess, dBase, Oracle, FoxPro

GIS and the Cloud Geographic Information Systems: a technology that incorporates geographic features with tabular data in order to map, analyze, and assess real-world situations. The key word to this technology is “Geography” meaning the data is spatial, in other words, data that is referenced to locations on the earth.

Components of GIS

GIS Data Data is the key component of a GIS Two general types - Spatial Data & Attribute Data Spatial Data - the visual representation of geographic features

Attribute / Tabular Data GIS Data

Traditional GIS Architecture GIS hardware, software and data reside in-house and are owned, accessed and maintained via a local intranet connection.

GIS Cloud Computing Model Vendors own and manage cloud services In essence, users rent the physical infrastructure applications and data within a shared, scalable architecture. Consumers of these services do not own the assets (platforms, software, data or infrastructure). They pay for access to them

Internal vs. External Cloud Model Software as a Service (SaaS) - Owned by vendors, delivered as a service Platform as a Service (PaaS) – Middleware that connects applications Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) – Hardware: computing & data storage

GIS Software and Data Access applications and data via the internet

Benefits of The Cloud Allows IT to Shift Focus No longer having to worry about data loss & data backups, server updates and other computing issues Reduced Cost Cloud technology is paid incrementally, saving organizations money More Mobility Access information anywhere, rather than just at the office Highly Automated No longer do IT personnel need to worry about software updates Increased Storage (Scalable) Organizations can store more data than on private computer systems

Potential Drawbacks of The Cloud Cloud Integration Technical challenges of transitioning to web-based computing Centralized data storage and processing Potential interruption of access to your applications & data Speed Restrictions Regardless of bandwidth, users restricted by the network connection Infrastructure is under control of the Vendor May not have freedom to dictate system / data design Offsite Tech Support May not have immediate access to IT personnel for assistance