The View From Here

In this issue of OGC User we look at GlobeXplorer, a very successful commercial data provider; COMCARE, a national alliance implementing an open architecture for emergency response; and GeoServices, a Dutch public works information system built on open standards.

-- GlobeXplorer's customers use many different systems, and GlobeXplorer accommodates them all by providing both open and proprietary interfaces. There are lessons here for Google and the other search engines offering geospatial services.

-- COMCARE's Emergency Provider Access Directory, just one part of their open system, allows organizations to "sign up" to receive only those alerts relevant to their mission.

-- GeoServices is a familiar story with an interesting local twist -- an open architecture to make the best use of the Web, to make the best use of diverse legacy systems and to provide a vendor-neutral path forward, for the purpose of maintaining Holland's dikes and canals.

Lance McKee
Editor