There are a number of researches and developing projects of
applying the web services to GIS system by several different
companies and organizations. The Environmental Systems
Research Institute (ESRI) reported the ArcWeb Services that
could include and integrate the GIS content and capabilities in
the customized applications for sharing geographical
information and data [8]. Applications can access Web
Services through Web protocols such as HTTP and XML,
without concem for how each service is implemented.
Microsoft developed the MapPoint.NET Web Service for GIS
mapping and location services that could be used for
developing a broad range of location enhanced applications,
including wireless/mobility, customer relationship
management, enterprise location services, and business
intelligence [9]. Microsoft MapPoint NET is a hosted,
programmable XML Web Service that allows application
developer to integrate high-quality maps, driving directions,
distance calculations, and proximity searches into their
applications, business processes, and web sites.