User-friendly interfaces for Web GIS

This paper describes a geospatial information system (GIS) that can be used for several mission-critical activities, such as management of risky activities, and urban planning. The main novelty of this system, stands on the ability to analyze and present data inside a 3D media-rich geo-referenced environment. The 3D user interface suggested is based on the idea of interoperable processing units that can be directly manipulated and linked to create complex process chains; thus, freeing the operator from unnecessary information or constraints on the analytic reasoning. Additionally, users can use this interface to visually program and deploy web accessible algorithms. This is an important aspect within collaborative activities, where is often necessary to create new bridges between different knowledge areas in response to unexpected situations.