\begin{article}
\title{Open source based online map sharing to support real-time collaboration}
\author{Muhammad A Butt, Songnian Li}
%Dept of Civil Engineering, Ryerson University
%350 Victoria St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5B 2K3
%m2butt, snli@ryerson.ca
\maketitle

\section{Abstract}
Collaboration is an important part of many tasks involving people from different organizations, in which maps often play a central role in informing and improving debates and facilitating decision making.  Allowing groups to share and view maps and spatial images interactively over the Web in real-time not only provides an effective solution to decision makers, but also facilitates scientific and public debates with real-time geospatial information. A few tools have been developed using proprietary software approaches, e.g., PCI Geoconference. More recently, some efforts have been made using open map services to develop simple map sharing applications. However, little has been done on designing and developing such online tools based on open source. Further, a literature search indicates the lack of scientific publications on empirical studies of their practical applications.
This paper describes a study on using Open Source Geographical Information System (OSGIS) and mapping solutions to design and develop real-time map sharing applications, which rely on the data served through open map/data services with the option of integrating local data. The study focuses on not only real-time map (or geospatial information) sharing, but also the integration of other open source based groupware solutions. Existing open source solutions are evaluated for the design and development of various prototype collaborative map sharing tools. The prototype is applied in an online virtual public meeting space for initial usability studies. The paper also discusses the issues related to the design, data required to support better map sharing, and adoption of related standards. 


\section{Introduction}
Multi-user collaboration is increasingly integrated in many tasks involving
people from different organizations, in which maps often play a central role
for providing visual information to support collaborative decision making. The
rapidly expanding range of Web technology has made it possible to
collaboratively make decisions over the Web. Demands for web-based open mapping
Application Programming Interface (API), integrated with other information and
Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW) tools, have rapidly become more
important for supporting real-time map sharing solutions. Therefore, the
establishment of real-time collaborative map-based applications is one positive
step taken by the researchers that are progressively working in many fields,
for example, urban planning projects, emergency system, GIS data production,
etc., that incorporate collaborative involvement (Chang 2010; Al-Kodmany 2002;
Huang 2001; Roseman 1992; Brail et al. 2001;  Klosterman 2001).

A synchronous approach is developed to support collaboration among users (Chang
2010); however, little has been done on designing and developing such Open
Source Software (OSS) - based online map sharing tools to support real-time
collaboration. By examining the researchers’ contributions from the literature
review, this study seeks to outline the significance of ensuring the
implementation of valuable and adequate methods, techniques and tools to fill
the research gap. Multi-user synchronous communications and/or discussions
among the participants and between the participants and decision makers often
improves the understanding that leads to effective feedback and enhanced
decision-making (Evans et al. 1999; Ventura et al. 2002; Tang 2006; Bryant et
al. 2006; MacEachren et al. 2001; Li et al. 2007; Jankowski and Nyerges 2001;
Jankowski and Nyerges 2003). This study expects to develop an open mapping
API-based real-time collaborative infrastructure with the option of integrating
local data for enhancing involvement during debate. The study focuses on not
only real-time map (or geospatial information) sharing, but also integration of
other open source based groupware solutions. The objective is to make sure that
the model with synchronous collaborative support of information and map sharing
mechanisms will help to improve/increase participants’ involvement and/or aid
decision makers in reaching a final decision efficiently (Chung et al. 1994;
Begole et al. 1999). 

The study also models and presents the prototype development of an integrated
online synchronous collaborative system by putting together the practical
integration of various OSGIS, Web GIS, OSS-based tools and open mapping APIs.
Some of this research prototype’s components are still in development and in
early stage of testing. The core purpose of developing such a model is to allow
interested groups to share and view maps and spatial images interactively over
the Web in real-time: for instance, providing adequate access to real-time
collaboration tools (i.e., real-time map sharing for exploring spatial context)
to provide information and data as maps and visualizations, which the users can
explore in order to make better choices (Li et al. 2007; Li et al. 2006; Li et
al. 2004; Laurini 2004; Dragicevic 2004; Laurini 1998; Obermeyer 1998; Rinner
1999; Edelenbos 1999). This study explains certain facts or observations (i.e.,
core concepts, design and testing, etc.) with an overview of enabling
technologies for analyzing and designing a successful mechanism. Moreover, it
describes a prototype development based on a research project that looks into
integrating CSCW principles and open source groupware tools with web-based GIS. 

The enhanced OSS-based prototype integrates social collaboration tools,
Web-mapping functionalities, and Human Computer Interaction (HCI) principles.
In brief, the prototype system is the integration of various types of open
source based modules and open map services i.e., Google, Yahoo, etc. to provide
synchronous-based Collaborative Real-time Map sharing Infrastructure (CRMI) to
support and/or enhance input during planning and decision making related
workflows.

In addition, as a part of the study, there is a plan of testing the prototype’s
usability by providing a case study and/or pilot project involving participants
concerned with planning issues at the York Regional municipality in Canada. The
municipality data are provided and acquired by the municipality Website
(http://www.york.ca) to create a mock case study for in-house usability testing
(see Section 4.1 for more information about the study area and selected sites).
In authors’ opinion, Web-based synchronous GIS applications need consistent
usability evaluation during development and after development regarding
end-user’s requirements. Therefore, if authors get any chance of an approval
and/or agreement from municipal bodies (of York) for conducting the test in a
real scenario at later stages (of this study), then the prototype usability
testing will be conducted again to get more precise results. The main purpose
of this usability evaluation is to find out the results which will
depict/conclude that the synchronous collaborative map sharing framework, when
integrated and developed with Internet-based GIS and OSS technologies, can
provide cost effective solutions and significant support in enhancing real-time
participation as well as improving decision making process. 

It is hypothesized that with the lower cost and more effective real-time
collaborative communication channels, partially due to the adoption of open
source solutions, the prototype would help increase the degree to which the
citizen, local bodies, environmental assessment, government agencies and
decision authorities work at the same time.


\section{Background-Related Work}
The CSCW application or groupware technologies allow people in remote places to
interact with each other by sharing the documents and files through voice, data
and video links (Scientific 1990; Antunes et. al 2009; Abdalla et al. 2010).
Baecker (1993) defined groupware as information technology used to help people
work together more effectively. The decision making process is based on group
and collaborative activities, however, the procedures that used in GIS have
been developed for use by individuals. Armstrong (1994) states GIS applications
are not well designed for collaborative activities (e.g., decision making). A
few GIS-based tools having groupware and CSCW functionalities have been
developed using proprietary software approaches, e.g., PCI geo-conference (see
Section 3.3 for detailed comparison between authors’ prototype and PCI
Geo-conference – a commercial tool). More recently, some efforts have been made
using open map services to develop simple map sharing applications.

Rinner (1999), Rinner (2006) and Li et al. (2007) realize the need to support
collaborative discussions by introducing asynchronous-based geo-referenced
mapping frameworks in which the discussion thread of each individual is linked
with one or many elements on the map. These techniques offer a limited way of
exploring spatial data or map information collaboratively, while current study
is focusing more on providing ways in which participants solve spatial problems
together using synchronous communication. 

Several prototypes that facilitate anywhere (real-time) collaboration are
designed and developed as a result of recent advancements in Geographic
Information Technology (GIT) that support large spatial databases, groupware
technologies and Web-based GIS (Churcher 1999; Jones et al. 1997; Dragicevic et
al. 2004; Boulos et al. 2010). For instance, Spatial Group Choice, a spatial
decision support prototype was developed by Jankowski et al. (1997) to support
the CSCW technique. Similarly, GroupARC was proposed and developed by Churcher
(1996) which provides a tool to geographically scattered people to
collaboratively view and annotate map/spatial data. The prototype Real-time
Environment Information Network and Analysis System (REINAS) was designed and
developed by Pang (1995) which includes functionalities that are useful in the
analysis of geospatial data. Virtual Emergency Operations Center prototype was
developed which aims to provide a collaborative virtual environment that
enables interactivity among participants while executing synchronous,
script-driven tests and simulations (Fiedrich et al. 2007). Chang (2010)
developed Synchronous collaborative 3D GIS to support synchronous collaboration
efforts among geographically-distributed people for enhancing collaborative
decision-making.

Research related to the design and implementation of real-time collaborative
mapping technologies is still at an early stage of development. There is not
much literature in this field.  As a result, there have been only a few and/or
inadequate empirical studies addressing the synchronous collaboration,
real-time map sharing mechanism and procedure of group spatial decision making
designed to facilitate collaborative work (MacEachren 2000; Boroushaki et al.
2010). The rapid changes in technology, especially, in the field of GIS, OSGIS,
GIT, CSCW, groupware, Internet computing technology, virtual reality,
geographic visualization, geo-collaborative technology and others will have a
significant influence on the shift and/or merge of those technologies into
collaborative synchronous GIS. 


\section{Design and Development of OS-based Collaborative Map sharing Tool}
The CRMI aims for a combined action or synergy of multiple components that are responsible for a variety of unit functions using two tiers of communication protocols. The presentation tier is called the CRMI protocol suite which runs over HTTP/S and is designed for real-time communication between users (e.g., decision makers) with the help of Web console. The application tier which constitutes CRMI internal architecture is based on OSS-based components, modules and services. 

\subsection{CRMI Architecture}
The CRMI architecture is mainly built by using open source modules and services. Figure~\ref{fig.figure_3_1} depicts the CRMI architecture.

 \begin{figure}{
 {\includegraphics[width=\linewidth]
 {butt_li/figure_3_1}}}
 \par \caption{Architecture of collaborative real-time mapping infrastructure
}\label{fig.figure_3_1}
 \end{figure}

%Figure 3.1: Architecture of collaborative real-time mapping infrastructure

The CRMI backend architecture is internally comprised of three major components that are linked with each other for two-way communications by using Adobe flex framework and JAVA scripting modules. These backend components along with the HTTP server component collectively form the Collaborative Real-time Map Sharing Infrastructure, which are briefly discussed below.

\emph{Real-time Collaboration Services:} provide the infrastructure which enables developers to add real-time collaboration capabilities (real-time push messaging) to their applications. Collaboration service is JavaScript Object Notation over HTTP/S based system that leverages Web 2.0 messaging and interaction paradigm (Lemos 2006). It is usually commoditized by using Red5 open source media server that uses real-time multimedia protocol to support audio/video streaming (Wang et al. 2010).

\emph{Blaze Data Service (BlazeDS):} provides real-time Web messaging capabilities (a complete publish/subscribe infrastructure allowing Flex clients and the server to exchange messages) for rich Internet applications using ActionScript message format over HTTP/S.

\emph{Web Mapping Modules:} handle the user’s request on the maps displayed on users’ screen by producing open map APIs (Google, Yahoo, and Bing). The synchronous behavior of maps is created to enable co-browsing (co-shared maps) among the participants’ Web console (user’s screen) by using Adobe Flex framework, map API for flash and Action/Java script programming language. In addition, the open source Flex software development kit provides an integration link between real-time collaboration services and map APIs modules for the development and deployment of CRMI.

\emph{HTTP Server:} handles the user’s requests sent from front-end Web interface (i.e., Firefox or Internet Explorer) to the Web server (Apache) and then response back (i.e., an interface along with real-time map sharing functionalities) to the Web client using HTTP protocols.

\subsection{OSS-based Collaborative Map Sharing Tool}
A prototype as a proof of the concept was designed and developed to support the collaboration in multi-user environment for informing and improving debates and facilitating decision making. Two major components of the prototype which support real-time map sharing mechanism are briefly discussed as follows:

\subsubsection*{1) Collaborative Map Sharing Component}
A collaborative map sharing component was implemented with some basic mapping
functions to explore planning and development scenarios within geographical
contexts of the projects. A picture is worth a thousand words. For many
planning and decision oriented discussions, having a map or map-based displays
of different scenarios shared by participants greatly facilitates their
discussion on some issues. For that reason, a collaborative map sharing
component was developed which allow participants and decision makers to
collaboratively explore geographic contexts of the projects while discussing
issues. Figure~\ref{fig.figure_3_2} shows the main Web interface of the
collaborative map sharing component. 

\begin{figure}{
{\includegraphics[width=\linewidth]
{butt_li/figure_3_2}}}
\par \caption{Real-time collaboration using Google mapping API}\label{fig.figure_3_2}
\end{figure}

%Figure 3.2 Real-time collaboration using Google mapping API

The component integrates a number of features, including map sharing, chatting,
video conferencing and white-boarding, into a single interface that can be
invoked and run in a new window. It is intended to be used by a group of
participants who have a common topic of discussion, which requires access to
map displays to make their points clearer. Any participant can initiate a
collaboration session and invite others to join. All participants who join the
session are given the right to use white-boarding tools for creating drawings
as well as annotating on a Google map. For example, a free hand drawing object
(new student center building area) on the map can be created by one participant
and shared by all participants during the meeting session (see Figure~\ref{fig.figure_3_2}).

This synchronous (real-time) collaboration function is currently implemented
using Google maps as the base map, and authors are working on how to add
project-related GIS data into the display. Another feature is to record the
session history so it can be replayed at a later time, a feature very useful to
later comers.

\subsubsection*{2) Collaborative Geo-conferencing Component}
The virtual geo-conferencing with real-time map sharing is a supplement to the real meetings to give those who cannot physically attend the conference and/or seminars a chance to participate (Boulos et al. 2010; Haklay et al. 2008; Cammack 2007; Doyle et al. 1998). The idea is to stream real meetings online and provide facilitating tools to enable online users to question and interact, and to allow presenters to integrate their electronic presentations and maps (Google, Yahoo, etc.) into the virtual conferencing environment. Figure~\ref{fig.figure_3_3} shows a view of the virtual collaborative geo-conferencing interface.

\begin{figure}{
{\includegraphics[width=\linewidth]
{butt_li/figure_3_3}}
{\includegraphics[width=\linewidth]
{butt_li/figure_3_3b}}}
\par \caption{Virtual collaborative geo-conferencing interface with real meeting streams}\label{fig.figure_3_3}
\end{figure}
%Figure 3.3 Virtual collaborative geo-conferencing interface with real meeting streams

By incorporating the collaborative map sharing components, the interface allows the presenters to share map displays in the same way as PowerPoint slides are shared on screens in many other web conferencing/groupware systems. The presenters can also use the built-in whiteboard tools to select features, add annotations, and draw graphics to improve debates among multi-users. However, during the virtual conferencing, only the presenters can initiate the tools and control how the map data should be displayed to facilitate their presentations.

\subsection{Comparison between PCI Geo-Conference and CRMI Geo-Conferencing Component}
Table 1 presents a comparison chart constructed using the PCI Geomatics
geo-conference application and the developed RCMI geo-conferencing components’
features. Both systems were designed to provide an innovative way to share
maps, data and images with geographically spread participants in real-time that
enhance the participatory approach in the planning and development related
discussions. Intended use of these systems is to facilitate the GIS
professionals, the decision authorities, the non-professionals and the public
to increase participation and enhance decision making. Some of the features of
the PCI geo-conference application are unknown, for instance, its support to
open map APIs, i.e., Google, Yahoo, Bing, MapQuest for maps sharing as well as
its support to documents such as PDF, Microsoft PowerPoint and Word for
real-time file sharing.  Another major difference is that CRMI geo-conferencing
component is purely Web-based (needs Web browser to initiate the session),
whereas PCI geo-conference is built around two main components: 1) the
geo-conference client application, and 2) geo-conference server. The users
access and participate in Internet mapping conference sessions via the
geo-conference client which needs to be installed and configured (on the user’s
machine) in order to connect or participate during the participatory session.  

\begin{graphictable*}
\includegraphics[width=\linewidth] {butt_li/table_1}
\par \caption{Comparison chart for PCI geo-conference and RCMI geo-conferencing component}\label{table.table_1}
\end{graphictable*}


\section{Usability Study of the Prototype Components}

\subsection{Usability Evaluation of CRMI: A Plan of Implementing A Mock Case Study in Regional Municipality, Canada}
\textbf{Study Area:} To validate or test the research prototype’s usability, an existing urban expansion (future amendment) project in York Region, Canada, was selected as a case study. York regional municipality is covers 1,776 square kilometres from Lake Simcoe in the north to Steeles Avenue in the south. It borders Simcoe county and the Region of Peel in the west and the Durham Region in the east. York Region has nine municipalities: Georgina, East Gwillumbury, Newmarket, Aurora, Whitchurch Stouffville, Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill and King. The region is very diverse with quaint rural villages, bustling suburban communities and vibrant cosmopolitan urban areas. With a population over 1 million and with one of the nation’s highest growth rates, the region is a rapidly growing and changing area. As a result of growing population in the region, issues related to urban planning have become increasingly important.

\textbf{Selecting Sites in York Region:} Based on the by-laws and like other municipalities and regions in Canada, York is required to hold meetings regarding forthcoming projects related tasks undertaken by York Regional council. Notices are posted on the region's website, as well as advertised in local municipality newspapers. The planning department of regional municipality of York has selected three potential sites for amendments in the town of East Gwillimbury, Markham and city of Vaughn in York Region. Notice of the first prehearing conference appeared in newspapers with general circulation in York Region on March 24, 2011. The planning department welcomes any participation with suggestions or recommendations from local residents and/or citizens regarding potential/pre-selected locations for future urban expansion or development. 

\emph{Amendment 1 to the York Region Official Plan - Urban Expansion in the
Town of East Gwillimbury:} This amendment proposes to expand the urban area of
the Town of East Gwillimbury to provide opportunities for urban growth to the
year 2031. The lands subject to this amendment (was adopted by regional council
on September 23, 2010) are shown in the key map (see
Figure~\ref{fig.figure_4_1}).\footnote{Source: \url{http://www.york.ca/Departments/Planning+and+Development}}

 \begin{figure}{
 {\includegraphics[width=\linewidth]
 {butt_li/figure_4_1}}}
 \par \caption{Urban Expansion in the Town of East Gwillimbury}\label{fig.figure_4_1}
 \end{figure}
%Figure 4.1: Urban Expansion in the Town of East Gwillimbury (source: http://www.york.ca/Departments/Planning+and+Development/)

\emph{Amendment 2 to the York Region Official Plan - Urban Expansion in the
City of Vaughan:} This amendment proposes to expand the urban area of the City
of Vaughan to provide opportunities for urban growth to the year 2031. The
lands subject to this amendment are shown in the key map (see
Figure~\ref{fig.figure_4_2}).\footnotemark[\value{footnote}] 
%\footnote{Source: \url{http://www.york.ca/Departments/Planning+and+Development}} 
This amendment was adopted by regional council on
September 23, 2010 and was subsequently appealed to the Ontario municipal
board.

 \begin{figure}{
 {\includegraphics[width=\linewidth]
 {butt_li/figure_4_2}}}
 \par \caption{Urban Expansion in the City of Vaughan}\label{fig.figure_4_2}
 \end{figure}

%Figure 4.2: Urban Expansion in the City of Vaughan (source: http://www.york.ca/Departments/Planning+and+Development/)

\emph{Amendment 3 to the York Region Official Plan - Urban Expansion in the Town of Markham:} This amendment proposes to expand the urban area of the Town of Markham to provide opportunities for urban growth to the year 2031. This amendment was adopted by regional council on September 23, 2010 and shown in the Figure~\ref{fig.figure_4_3}.\footnotemark[\value{footnote}] 

 \begin{figure}{
 {\includegraphics[width=\linewidth]
 {butt_li/figure_4_3}}}
 \par \caption{Urban Expansion in the Town of Markham}\label{fig.figure_4_3}
 \end{figure}
%Figure 4.3: Urban Expansion in the Town of Markham (source: http://www.york.ca/Departments/Planning+and+Development/) 

\subsection{Evaluation of CRMI}
The described context of the case study is used to evaluate and test a system prototype. The system is targeted for different participants or attendees involved during the planning and development related workflows to enhance public involvement. The following explains further the procedures/steps taken during the usability evaluation of the research prototype components as there is a prospective plan of implementing a mock case study (at above mentioned sites) using the urban expansion projects from the Region of York to validate the proposed approach.

\subsection{Development of Evaluation Criteria}
This section discusses the aspects, based on which the prototype is to be evaluated. These aspects mainly concentrates on: 
1) intended users; 2) initial cost; 3) interactivity; 4) effective participation; 5) real-time communication; and 5) usefulness.  The criteria for the evaluation of prototype implementation are somewhat similar to the ones adopted by different researchers, such as Chang (2010), Tang (2006), Zhao and Coleman (2006), Rinner (2006) and Ma (2006). Answering the questions in connection with the evaluation criteria can also indicate to what extent the (level of) successful implementation of the developed prototype is possible. 

\begin{description}
\item[1) Intended Users:] Does the prototype provide a virtual platform to facilitate the non-professionals and citizens for participation during the planning related discussions?
\item[2) Initial Cost:] The prototype was developed using open source software, open source components/modules and open source GIS technologies, therefore, the initial cost of the prototype development is almost absent. Does the prototype provide a cost effective solutions to smaller municipality regions?
\item[3) Interactivity/HCI:] Does the prototype provide user-friendly and interactive user-interfaces? How quickly can participants communicate with the consultants/mediators and receive a response back for their queries?
\item[4) Effective Participation:] As compared with the existing applications, Can the prototype fulfill participation (public involvement) needs in a more efficient manner? To what extent? Can the prototype fulfill participation needs for spatially related discussion during planning? Is the multi-way of participation possible among users as well as higher authorities? Do the proposed participation approaches automate the planning workflows and/or improve decision making significantly?  To what extent?
\item[5) Real-time Collaboration/Communication:] To what extent are Web GIS-based Virtual Public Meeting Space collaboration components (i.e., collaborative map sharing and geo-conferencing) beneficial in facilitating the moderator to share his/her ideas, documents, mapping information, spatial data and decisions related to development  among other participants or meeting attendees on a real-time basis?
\item[6) Usefulness/Connectivity:] Does the system allow participants to easily access additional information and documentation necessary to provide input to the project under consultation? Could this platform be useful for York Region’s future amendments? What could be missed in prototype functional aspects in terms of user-friendliness? What could be improved in prototype functional aspects?
\end{description}

\subsection{How to Evaluate}
 The evaluation is conducted in three parts: 1) a pre-questionnaire with queries about the user’s background, computers expertise and GIS knowledge; 2) using analytical method with the help of Google Analytics tool; and 3) final questionnaire/CRMI polling component for collecting feedback concerning the usability of the system. The procedure is described in detail as follows: 
\begin{enumerate}
\item The pre-questionnaire will contain some questions about the user’s experience of other Web GIS applications, for instance, questions about their GIS experience, finding store location/address, Web surfing experience and public participatory planning experience besides the questions about the user’s background.
\item As mentioned above, the second part of the evaluation is the actual interaction with the system. In addition, to evaluate the usability of the prototype and assess the degree of public involvement in the online virtual public meeting session, meeting attendees’ interaction and each move on the prototype interfaces will be recorded using Google Analytics. Google Analytics is an easy to use, free, and very handy usability testing tool that provides a comprehensive set of website data tracking and analysis tools. Usability researchers who want to understand user/participant behaviors can use these tools to gather a great amount of usage statistics and reports (Atterer et al. 2007; Aditya 2010). By using the Google Analytics, it is possible to collect highly detailed and useful data about the actual usage of the prototype and its components. Data includes user sessions, visits, page views, button clicks, audio and video capturing, and the user’s screen (through a desktop-streaming tool) are automatically captured and/or recorded. These data elements are useful for evaluating the usability as well as measuring the degree of public input during the process of participatory planning and decision-making. 
\item Finally, the users are asked to fill out a questionnaire at the end of the online participation virtual meeting session. Questions related to ease of use or interactivity of using Prototype interfaces will be included in this questionnaire.
\end{enumerate}

Banati et al. (2006) states two approaches of prototype evaluation: (1) an inspection method usually performed by system developer, and (2) a user testing when actual users are involved to walk through the system’s functionality. Therefore, the evaluation criteria ‘outcomes’ may not be measured precisely, until the system is deployed and evaluated with a real scenario/case related to any project (Bevan 1995; Lantz 1986; Carl et al. 2005) or by addressing the above questions during the system’s usability evaluation that follows any IT-based testing standards (i.e., ISO or IEEE, etc.). In brief, the study goal, developing a GIS-based synchronous map sharing mechanism to involve the user during discussion, will only be achieved if the answers to the majority of the above questions (discussed in evaluation criteria) are favorable.

Evaluation results of this research are not presented in this paper as prototype’s usability testing has not been fully accomplished up to this point. No doubt, the ongoing usability testing will more be focused on measuring the prototype’s capacity to meet its intended purpose.

\section{Related Discussion}
This study introduces collaborative methods to encourage a synchronous approach that support users’ involvement during planning and decision-making processes. Although some components of a prototype are designed and developed as a proof of the concept, which support real-time map sharing mechanism along with functionalities of groupware tools. There are still some key design and implementation issues, which need to be further studied and resolved in the next-step of the ongoing research, before its deployment into the real-world scenario testing (i.e., system usability and performance evaluation, etc.). Some of the implementation issues faced during the study and preliminary prototype development is discussed in the following paragraphs.

The authors also expect some sociological issues and forthcoming risks, which may occur after the system deployment, e.g., facing difficulties by the users (public, city staff, project proponent, etc.) for accepting and responding to the Web GIS, multimedia and groupware technologies in connection to traditional practice. These potential hindrances also led authors to use the modular/component-based design implementation (allow and support the incremental implementation of the developed methods), which may be helpful in acquainting users with the shift of new technologies. However, this issue might need further inspection at later stages of the study.

One of the organizational issues is to deal with the privacy of data, which was another concern during the design and development of the prototype. It necessitates the needs for protocols to be implemented that manage the privacy of project data in connection to its copyright protection law. Setting the rights and privileges of the users at the different levels of their interaction with the system may resolve this issue. 

Another big issue is to be considered during the system development in terms of interface designs, interactivity, and quick system responsiveness. In addition, special consideration is taken while providing interactivity and user-friendly interfaces by following a common set of rules of HCI. We anticipate that with the implementation of HCI principles, such as strive for consistency using cascading style sheet for fonts and colors, informative feedback using Java-based dynamic effects of tooltips and error prevention using JavaScript-based popup messages, the system can provide more efficient, interactive and user-friendly interfaces to the end-users. The prototype is composed of different participation components, which require or involve some sort of GIS-based functional integration (some technical knowledge is required to better utilize the tools). Therefore, design of such interfaces by keeping in mind the expertise of the naive users or non-technical participant becomes a big challenge during development. 

The prototype developed is an effort of technology integration from a technological perspective. Some (main) key design issues related to technologies used during the development of the prototype are described as follows:

As the mapping component was designed initially for the proof of the concept, GIS mapping functionality over the base layer (Google map) is limited, which needs to be enhanced by embracing more carefully-selected functions. Moreover, the real-time (synchronous) collaborative participation component is currently developed and implemented using Google maps as the base map, whereas, it should be able to use any open map APIs (Yahoo, Bing, MapQuest, OpenStreet, etc.) to implement synchronous participatory behaviors and/or function based on the presented architecture for sharing spatial data during discussion and/or debate. As discussed earlier, in the future authors are working on how to add project-related GIS data as a background layer into the display. 

The collaborative real-time map sharing component was initially designed for enabling “spatial” virtual conferencing along with WebGIS support. This component was developed using Google map API, adobe flex, and flash collaboration service technologies. The Adobe Flex platform provides and builds real-time collaboration-enabled applications rapidly as it offers a complete software development kit, which contains ready-to-use components, designed with collaborative workflow. The issue at this moment is that flash collaboration services in the Adobe platform does not support screen or media sharing protocols (another design challenge, which is not considered during the initial development). The purpose of this function is to record the session history during the conference/seminars so it can be replayed and shared at a later time. However, the issue might need further inspection at later stages of the study.

The collaborative geo-conferencing component (having combined functionality of collaborative map and documents media sharing) was designed and developed using JAVA and Adobe Flex platforms. Integration between two platforms was a challenge in relation to their suitability, connectivity and scalability in the beginning of the development. For instance, Flex code requires a flash player to run or execute, whereas Java requires Java Virtual Machine (JVM) to execute the compiled code. Other problems common to all online application developments are the compatibility of different web browsers (i.e., Internet Explorer, Mozilla and Google Chrome, etc.) and Internet connection speed. The benefit of using a JAVA platform will resolve the issue related to screen and video sharing protocol of Adobe flash collaboration services. Therefore, the share/record screen module will be developed and added as a recording function along with a meeting planner component (useful to the city staff for scheduling public meeting reminders or auto-notification) using JAVA as a part of the virtual public meeting interface at later stages of the study and prototype development.

Finally, the usability evaluation and performance testing for measuring the functionality of the prototype during the case study (at York Region) will be an important future task of this research, which needs to be performed for evaluating important aspects: (1) to determine whether or not the designed framework will help in improving the public participation during the planning process by maximizing public substantial input; (2) to evaluate that to what extent the system will be usable and to fulfill participatory needs of the current practice; (3) to deduce how the public responds in adopting the GIT-based means of participation; (4) to assess the amount of training required for non-technical staff and/or participants to use the system’s components efficiently; (5) to find out how the city staff, higher authorities, and project proponent handle the citizen’s feedback in timely fashion for the quick and/or effective decision-making and determine how quickly the system responds to participant; and (6) to find out how citizens’ access to information, communication channels, level of public participation, and the overall decision-making process may be impacted or influenced by adopting the prototype, in relation with traditional participatory approaches (Li et al. 2007). In addition, to get the proper feedback and have the answers to all above-mentioned questions it is necessary to implement the system in a real world scenario as a case study and/or pilot project for part of the study.

\section{Conclusions}
The study reported in this paper brings together OSGIS, groupware, other web-based information technologies, and open source mapping APIs-based solutions to design and develop real-time collaborative map sharing components, which rely on the data served through open map/data services with the option of integrating local data. Armstrong (1994), Craig (1998), Craig (2002) and Baker et al. (2005) state more collaboration among users involved during developing the plan, the more likely that the plan will appropriately address issues that are important to the bodies. The prototype aims at providing a web-based virtual conferencing environment that encourages multi-users to get involved.

CRMI map sharing and geo-conferencing components have been presented as a concept for enhancing public involvement and aids decision support in spatial planning related tasks. The effectiveness of such a system in supporting real-time collaboration, especially using a synchronous participatory approach that provides a virtual conferencing platform through which live meetings/seminars, spatial data and information can be accessed anywhere and anytime on a real-time basis. Furthermore, it gives users online access to their work, convenient Web-based mapping, and the ability to increase collaborative decision-making via real-time participatory functions, i.e., open API-based map sharing, screen sharing, seminar recording, video streaming, and easy project documents sharing (Bailey 2010).

The prototype framework is designed and implemented using OSS-based technologies to obtain a quality and to minimize a potential cost (i.e., dependence on vendors, a huge early investment and high licensing cost) required to implement the system, which provides the somehow cost effective solutions for the end-users (e.g., small municipalities) with limited or inadequate financial resources. On the contrary, there is a debate among some groups of people about the negative aspects (i.e., stability, scalability, maintenance and reliability, etc.) of the OSS technologies, which was well considered during its selection in the development of the prototype. 

During the system development, special attention is given to the selection of enabling OSS technologies as it plays an important role for increasing throughput (quick response), scalability, and design/maintenance cost of the system. For example, the spatial data in the prototype is handled by using PostGIS, the spatial database extension of an open source PostgreSQL Object Relational Database Management System (ORDBMS) that supports broad scale-interoperability with spatial data handling in relation to other open sources ORDBMS (Sano et al. 2003; Wangmutitakul et al. 2003; Wangmutitakul et al. 2004; Wuttiwat et al. 2003). At this stage, due to the lack of availability of the spatial data related to the real projects, the prototype is not demonstrated and configured by using spatial database PostGIS.

The prototype offers user-friendly and self-explanatory functions (with the implementation of HCI rules) for interactive exploration of communication among participants using Web GIS-based virtual meeting participatory platform.

Future work on the prototype will concentrate on the integration of missing features described in the discussion section. The benefits of an integration of OSS-based modules and groupware technologies will be analyzed when the realistic usability testing and evaluation of the prototype (as a proof of concept) is set up or performed, as a mock spatial planning case study for the municipal region, Canada. As the prototype development is based on object-oriented procedures (reusability), further enhancement of the prototype is practicable.

\section{Acknowledgement}
This work reported in this paper was partially supported by the funding from the Canadian National Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC).
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\begin{minipage}{\columnwidth}
\address{Muhammad A Butt, Songnian Li\\
Dept of Civil Engineering\\
Ryerson University, Canada\\
\email{m2butt@ryerson.ca}, \email{snli@ryerson.ca}}
\end{minipage}
\end{article}
