The ability to manipulate maps on-line and interactively link them to nongraphic data is not yet as prevalent, but moves toward that end are certainly underway. The Web has become jammed with maps in recent months. It's possible to access everything from a trail map of the Yosemite National Park to a street map of Greece. MapInfo's MapXpress, called an online mapping superstore by the company, offers quick, easy access to a broad range of data and map products for desktop mapping software applications. ESRI's Web site has a no-cost version of ArcView Version 1.0 for Windows.
Visitors can also view, print, or download a variety of maps and images.
The company says its intent is to familiarize more people with GIS data and software and give them an easy way to order products and data online. Argus Technologies' MapGuide Viewer, available on the company's web site, displays dynamic, interactive vector maps composed of multiple layers of information. These maps can be edited online and downloaded. Viewers zoom in on selectable dynamic objects on the maps and automatically activate other Web sites with additional information. For example, a business might put its street address on the Argus Web page.