*1.3.2. Rationale on CSCW and groupware*

participate in decision-making process, collaborative GIS-based services provide opportunities to local stakeholder [16]. An increased public participation can lead to a better and effective decision-making because the processes of decision-making and public participation have a direct relationship, which means that better decision-making processes can also lead to an

*1.3.1. Rationale on municipal planning and management through existing public participation*

In almost every field of life planning process has certain defined goals or objectives just like in developing a small or large scale municipal plan, planning process has some objectives such as, to make planning process accessible, to accommodate in the conveyance or dissemination of ideas, and to support the decision-making process. Participation of public in municipal planning and management, according to traditional methods, includes neighbor notifications, interviews, exhibitions, public meetings/focus group discussions, and public enquires through telephone, letters, mails, fax, or public hearings [17, 18]. In order to disseminate the need of a proposed solution during public meeting, planners and decision makers present their plans through Power Point or point boards which is still considers one of the most commonly used participatory approach [19]. In the western world, public meetings are organized in order to accumulate feedback of public during planning and development-related workflows for effective and better decision-making. For example, in United States and Canada, local governments and many municipalities necessitate a level of participation in their decision-making

**Table 1** reveals issues and concerns which are commonly faced during planning and development-related processes in existing practices of public participation. It illustrates or portrays the complete assessment of existing public participation practices related to communication channels, notification, access of information, and exploring spatial data of municipal projects. Li et al. (2006) also disclosed several main issues regarding to traditional public participation practices like inadequate access to the information needed for public input, for exchange of ideas or information and for communication there is a lack of essential or creative platform, restricted awareness mechanisms, and notification channels. Factors like "successfully revealing and educating the public about the program before hearing, proper planning, and

Formal/informal presentation

Flat board displays containing preliminary

Open talk with public

design/model solution

increase in a user's participation and vice versa.

8 Trends in Geomatics - An Earth Science Perspective

processes.

\*

**Issues Concerns**

Notification Limited means, e.g., newspaper, flyer, etc. Communication channels\* Public meetings/public calls/information resource center

Exploring spatial data Using hardcopy maps, etc.

Access of information Less feedback or public involvement

**Table 1.** Issues and concerns in existing practice of public participation.

Lack in projects data management

Establishing confrontational contact, dominated by higher authority, fix time, feedback lack and accessibility issues.

Previous studies related to the depiction and execution of real-time collaborative mapping technologies is still in its stage of growth and development. Although in the last decade, many attempts have been made to the research of developing collaborative PPGIS but despite of this insufficient literature is obtainable in this field [21–24]. The rapid developments in technologies like in GIS, OSGIS, GIT, CSCW, and groupware filed will have a notable impact on the transfer and/or integrate those technologies into collaborative contemporary GIS. Rinner [25] and Li et al. [13] recognize the need to support such technologies that provide a limited way of investigating spatial data or map information collaboratively by inaugurating asynchronousbased geo-referenced mapping architecture.

Baecker [26] defined groupware as information technology used to accommodate people to work together more effectively and efficiently. With the help of the CSCW application or groupware technologies, people in remote places can easily and effectively interact with each other by sharing the documents and files through voice, data, and video links [27, 28]. Using proprietary software approaches, e.g., PCI geo-conference, a few GIS-based tools encompassing groupware and CSCW technologies have been originated. Some attempts have been made to originate simple map sharing applications using open map services. As a result of modern developments in Geographic Information Technology (GIT), that assist large spatial databases, groupware technologies and Web-based GIS, several frameworks that accommodate real-time collaboration were designed and developed [29–32]. Jankowski et al. [33] developed Spatial Group Choice, a spatial decision support framework, to assist the CSCW technique. Churcher and Churcher [34] proposed and developed Group ARC which offers a tool to geographically dispersed people to collaboratively view and explain map/spatial data. Pang and Fernandez [35] designed and developed Real-time Environment Information Network and Analysis System (REINAS) which encompasses functionalities that are helpful in the analysis of geospatial data. In order to support decision-making in Trane China, Trane China SDSS (TCSDSS) was designed by Xiang (2003) by adopting the unified software-development process.

By acquiring "argumentation philosophy," argumap (which is an asynchronous perspective for spatial participation planning, to accommodate group discussions by connecting specific notations to map features) was developed by Rinner [25]. In order to support planning and decision-making processes, SoftGIS was developed which permitted mapping local knowledge and integrating it into urban planning practices [36]. Community Action Geographic Information System (CAGIS), a participatory GIS approach developed by Stewart et al. [37]. Virtual Emergency Operations Center (VEOC) framework was designed for the purpose to provide a collaborative virtual environment that allows connectivity among participants while implementing synchronous, script-driven tests and assumptions [38]. For amplifying collaborative decision-making among geographically distributed people, synchronous collaborative 3D GIS was designed by Chang [6] to assist synchronous collaboration. For participation in community planning, map chat is an online geospatial tool designed at the University of Waterloo. Collaboration in planning and/or emergency management related to decision-making, Rinner [39] recognized OSGIS technologies and OSS-based Web 2.0 concepts (that encompasses n-tiers application client-server architecture, Web mapping tools, Participatory Geographic Information System (PGIS), Web Mapping Services, 3-D GIS technology, CSCW, and Web-based groupware to accommodate consideration in spatial decision-making) that have played an essential role in this regard. The aim of this study is to describe core concepts, design, and technology with an examination of allowing technologies for analyzing and designing a successful real-time map sharing mechanism. This study also narrates a framework development based on a research project that looks into connecting CSCW principles, PGIS, and open source groupware tools with Web-based GIS.

#### **1.4. Summary of closely related research models**

Already existing PPGIS' applications or models assessment helped researchers to find limitations of applications' framework and current practices. Three research models which are considered relevant to the present study are discussed below. Rinner [25] introduced the argumentation model, in his model he introduces argumentation maps as an object oriented model for geographically related discussions. As shown in **Figure 1**, it shows the relationships between an argumentation elements/discussion, a geographic reference object/map feature, and user-defined graphic reference objects/sketches [39].

The argumentation model object classes have reinforced many-to-many relationships. For example, an object which is geographic can associate many argumentation components and an argumentation component can be associated by many objects that are geographical. Additionally, as shown in **Figure 1**, the objects have their self-relationships to each other of the same class. For example, geographic reference class objects have spatial relations to other object, and argumentation components, class objects can have logical relations to other objects; again, many-to-many relationships are supported [39]. The argumentation model provides an open standard-based prototype with a special focus on the use of standards to confirm interoperability. The discussion component was developed using open source programming languages, i.e., JavaScript and Java applet. The map elements are based on an open source Java API, i.e., Geo Tools and libraries. Same kinds of models were established and acquired by Tang and Hall (2006) and Leahy (2006), but many other technologies were used to design the prototype of research Map Chat and GeoDF. Tang GeoDF model installed an open source-based PHP built in board with commercial-based ESRI Arci MS/spatial server to

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**Figure 2.** Modified argumentation map model for GeoDF (source: Tang [40]).

develop GeoDF prototype. **Figure 2** shows several elements of GeoDF model.

Every conversation is comprised of two main components, i.e., the textual component that is basically related to a respondent's understanding about the shown as text and spatial components that is actually a part of spatial element and is a together term used is geographic features, map extent, location, and spatial relationships embedded in GeoDF discussion threads, which are the thoughts, views, or feedback submitted by a participant via the GeoDF. In other words, the spatial context is primarily comprised of graphic reference objects, i.e., annotation, sketch, and other respondent's annotations and sketches together

**Figure 1.** Modified argumentation map model (source: Rinner [39]).

Architectural Design and Prototyping of Co-PPGIS: A Groupware-Based Online Synchronous… http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.80091 11

**Figure 2.** Modified argumentation map model for GeoDF (source: Tang [40]).

script-driven tests and assumptions [38]. For amplifying collaborative decision-making among geographically distributed people, synchronous collaborative 3D GIS was designed by Chang [6] to assist synchronous collaboration. For participation in community planning, map chat is an online geospatial tool designed at the University of Waterloo. Collaboration in planning and/or emergency management related to decision-making, Rinner [39] recognized OSGIS technologies and OSS-based Web 2.0 concepts (that encompasses n-tiers application client-server architecture, Web mapping tools, Participatory Geographic Information System (PGIS), Web Mapping Services, 3-D GIS technology, CSCW, and Web-based groupware to accommodate consideration in spatial decision-making) that have played an essential role in this regard. The aim of this study is to describe core concepts, design, and technology with an examination of allowing technologies for analyzing and designing a successful real-time map sharing mechanism. This study also narrates a framework development based on a research project that looks into connecting CSCW

Already existing PPGIS' applications or models assessment helped researchers to find limitations of applications' framework and current practices. Three research models which are considered relevant to the present study are discussed below. Rinner [25] introduced the argumentation model, in his model he introduces argumentation maps as an object oriented model for geographically related discussions. As shown in **Figure 1**, it shows the relationships between an argumentation elements/discussion, a geographic reference object/map feature,

principles, PGIS, and open source groupware tools with Web-based GIS.

**1.4. Summary of closely related research models**

10 Trends in Geomatics - An Earth Science Perspective

and user-defined graphic reference objects/sketches [39].

**Figure 1.** Modified argumentation map model (source: Rinner [39]).

The argumentation model object classes have reinforced many-to-many relationships. For example, an object which is geographic can associate many argumentation components and an argumentation component can be associated by many objects that are geographical. Additionally, as shown in **Figure 1**, the objects have their self-relationships to each other of the same class. For example, geographic reference class objects have spatial relations to other object, and argumentation components, class objects can have logical relations to other objects; again, many-to-many relationships are supported [39]. The argumentation model provides an open standard-based prototype with a special focus on the use of standards to confirm interoperability. The discussion component was developed using open source programming languages, i.e., JavaScript and Java applet. The map elements are based on an open source Java API, i.e., Geo Tools and libraries. Same kinds of models were established and acquired by Tang and Hall (2006) and Leahy (2006), but many other technologies were used to design the prototype of research Map Chat and GeoDF. Tang GeoDF model installed an open source-based PHP built in board with commercial-based ESRI Arci MS/spatial server to develop GeoDF prototype. **Figure 2** shows several elements of GeoDF model.

Every conversation is comprised of two main components, i.e., the textual component that is basically related to a respondent's understanding about the shown as text and spatial components that is actually a part of spatial element and is a together term used is geographic features, map extent, location, and spatial relationships embedded in GeoDF discussion threads, which are the thoughts, views, or feedback submitted by a participant via the GeoDF. In other words, the spatial context is primarily comprised of graphic reference objects, i.e., annotation, sketch, and other respondent's annotations and sketches together

**2. Design modeling of Co-PPGIS**

**2.1. An idea of advance Co-PPGIS**

making processes for municipal projects.

The prosperity of developing and establish a Geospatial enabled Co-PPGIS, for enhancing the ability of people participation in collaborative decision-making during management workflows and municipal planning, most importantly it depends on a brief understanding of firstly the ideas of community participation in management and planning which involves basics ideas of role in participation, amount of community participation, and already existing participation of community at the time of municipal development, planning and management and second important concern is on functional and non-functional requirements, that are identified by existing PPGIS and that is related to research models, which are developed during municipality management to support public participatory processes. It begins with an explanation and overview of a Co-PPGIS idea, which executes the role of a real-time synchronous and asynchronous participatory approach to help the decision makers to make decisions to assimilate people role at the time of a municipal planning process. Some are the information sources and withdraw for the requirements of modeling of an advance Co-PPGIS for planning and management of municipal related projects. Although, it gives an introductory source of information that introduce an idea of advance Co-PPGIS to understand the infrastructure of a Co-PPGIS and to find out the gaps between existing municipal planning processes and possible improvements in Co-PPGIS.

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An idea or concept is a plane, intention image of a specific thing, institution, or a class, and a framework is introduced as a form which gives support to the number of elements and fulfill as a package. Basically, a conceptual framework is a structure of interlinked ideas, which gives support of a certain phenomenon or process to build understanding. Public participation is necessary for the evolution of a country, city, and municipality planning, development, management, and decision-making which will speed up the process of planning. During planning, development, and management of municipality in a city or state, the management of geospatial data remains a challenge. Co-PPGIS gives us a planning and management related spatial and non-spatial information to the decision makers, higher authorities, and government bodies on a basis of realtime basis geospatial Web conferencing infrastructure. In this chapter, the advance Co-PPGIS has focus on municipal projects through developing a GIS-enabled virtual meeting idea. The advance Co-PPGIS framework is showed as five viewpoints, which are shortly discussed below: *Social viewpoint:* The first side of social viewpoint in the Co-PPGIS is to highlight and show a name of project which will help stakeholders (see **Figure 4**) to play its role in the related project or matter. Before joining the meeting that will aid the stakeholders to find out the status of all participants submission of user profile, there are some ethics, rules, and values for community in social interaction. Their interaction level rises when the participants join the meeting or session. They exchange their ideas and views, which guide to better decision-

*Geo-spatial viewpoint*: This idea links with mixture of time, place, and channels of communication. To address a meeting physically, it is difficult for everyone nowadays. That is why the advanced latest technology provides participants envision the working location. Through GIS

**Figure 3.** Modified argumentation map model for map chat (source: Hall and Leahy [41]; Rinner [39]).

with other two spatial components, visible map layer, namely the map extent [40]. The Map Chat argumentation model (see **Figure 3**) engages the same classes and objects for spatial and textual relationship in comparison with previously discussed models. A new real-time map discussion class was introduced in this model, which provided the functionality of realtime geo-chatting in connection with every graphic related object. An open source application infrastructure is provided by Map Chat argumentation model. It appoints open standards in relation of the overall system specification and it uses open source coding in PHP and JavaScript based, and it uses a reliable architecture to give the installation of other tools of models [41].

These models have some sort of similarities like to introduce an open standard-based object model, to share a same map extent during discussion, making a spatial relationship with graphic reference objects, and adopting an asynchronous participatory approach for mapbased discussion. All three argumentation models allocate structured discussion, about different features of map and geographic related objects, in many geographically meeting respondents to provide an approach of the asynchronous spatial data. For example, the approach with the asynchronous spatial data sharing, it is not possible to find out an argumentation component related to the object of real world simultaneously in different respondents/members. The Map Chat provides geo-chatting discussion functionality with real-time, which cannot be implemented over other two models that used discussion threads with relation objects for geographic referencing. Unifying the chat with discussion elements gives a flexible and a powerful way of managing discussions that are geographically referenced, but participants should train themselves with this function, that is amalgamation, which gets advantage from this reliability.
