New generation 3D web-based geographical information systems

This paper highlights the importance of developing new tools capable of providing interactive web-based access to cross-border geographical data. This new generation of tools could be essential to improve the management of the territory and its infrastructures as well as to support training of operators responsible for crisis management at large scale. The paper illustrates the benefit of integrating the potential of 3D computer graphics with integrated web-service based geographical infrastructures. The paper discusses how recent technical developments, together with the definition of an international legal framework, is paving the way for such a new generation of management and training tools.