The research of natural hazards and the assessment of risks are currently demanding
cartographic support that goes beyond classic topographic and thematic cartography. First
of all, cartographic applications must be able to manage significant amounts of data. High
resolution aerial imagery, digital terrain models, land use and geological information are
just a few of the basic data required in a cartographic application that supports
environmental research. Moreover, simulations of environmental processes often produces
spatiotemporal, high-dimensional and large georeferenced data sets that must be integrated
in a cartographic application in the same manner as basic topographic data.
Secondly, up-to-date and high quality data is necessary for the careful examination of
hazards. As consequence cartographic visualizations must occur automatically and in realtime
based on the most accurate data available. Environmental data captured by sensors is
just one example of the data that must be visualized in real-time.
Finally, standards-based interoperability is a necessity when cartographic applications
must cooperate with various other information systems that are in use in the environmental
research domains. Standards enable the distribution of complex geographic information
over the Web in a clearly implementable workflow.