ABSTRACT
The World Wide Web (WWW) is the most recent new medium to present and disseminate geospatial data. Only a few players in the geosciences have not (yet) found a use for the WWW. In this process the map plays a key role, and has multiple functions. Maps can play the traditional role of providing insight into geospatial patterns and relations. Under these circumstances maps are used as they would in for instance an atlas or newspaper to present the structure of a city or the location of the latest earthquakes. However, because of the nature of the WWW the map can also function as an interface or index to additional information. Geographic locations on the map can be linked to for instance photographs, text, sound or other maps. The WWW is multimedia. Maps can also be used to preview geospatial data products to be acquired, when it comes to disseminating the data. This allows users to get a feel of the contents and coverage of a particular data set.
