Competitive analysis of current Ocean Web-Mapping Applications

Authors

  • M. Padilla-Ruiz Department of Geodesy and Geomatics, University of New Brunswick
  • I. Church Department of Geodesy and Geomatics, University of New Brunswick
  • E. Stefanakis Department of Geomatics Engineering, University of Calgary

Abstract

A competitive analysis study is a usability engineering method administered to critically analyze and compare a set of similar applications according to their relative merits. This paper presents a competitive analysis study of current ocean web-mapping applications that deliver ocean related data to the scientific community. The analysis is part of a User-Centered Design (UCD) approach that was applied to develop the Ocean Web-Mapping Application of the Ocean Mapping Group (OMG) at the University of New Brunswick (UNB), a web mapping application to deliver ocean mapping data to ocean modellers. A total of twenty-four existing applications were critically analyzed and compared across two broad themes in cartography: (1) representation and (2) interaction; adding topics to consider the potential needs of ocean modellers. The results helped to establish trends and gaps and to discover new opportunities for ocean web-mapping development. Using the conclusions drawn from this study, an online survey was prepared to be conducted by ocean modellers and continue the UCD methodology of the Ocean Web-Mapping Application.

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Published

2018-11-30

How to Cite

Padilla-Ruiz, M., Church, I., & Stefanakis, E. (2018). Competitive analysis of current Ocean Web-Mapping Applications. The International Hydrographic Review, 20. Retrieved from https://journals.lib.unb.ca/index.php/ihr/article/view/28873

Issue

Number 20 (2018)

Section

Articles

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 Anders, F.J. and Byrnes, M.R.(1991). “Accuracy of shoreline change rates as determined from maps and aerial photographs”, Shore and Beach, 59, pp. 17-26.

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Foley, J.D., van Dam, A., Feiner, S. K. and Hughes, J.F. (1990), Computer Graphics – Principles and Practice, 2nd ed., Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA.

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Smith, A. (1988). Colour photomapping. Report NRC-01-512. National Research Centre. Ottawa, Canada.

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desJardins, M. (2005). How to succeed in postgraduate  study, Applied Ecology Research Group, University of Canberra, viewed 26 April 2009, http://aerg.canberra.edu.au/jardins.t.htm.

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