This thesis studies the use of Web technology to enhance the power of Geographic
Information System (GIS). While typical Web GIS today uses raster images and
scripts, this thesis promotes the use of 2-D vector graphics and standard (Java)
programming. This thesis begins with a balanced study of design issues, followed by a
complete, step-by-step exemplary implementation in Oracle and Java. The focus is on
using GIS for Automated Mapping & Facility Management (GIS AM/FM). The project
shows that Web GIS can reach a performance and functionality level comparable to
that of traditional GIS: (1) Compare to Web GIS using raster images, Zoom-in,
zoom-out and re-center become client-side functionality and are as quick as traditional
GIS. (2) GUI interface of Java can be very user friendly. The new Java
event-handling model is adequate for handling GIS user interactions. (3) Design
oriented additions, like calculating best connection using minimum spanning tree
algorithm, can be incorporated into Java applet.