In summary, I came up with what I think is a very nice analogy in an attempt to somehow concisely define the Geoweb. I use the analog of an ecosystem defined as:
“An ecosystem is a natural unit consisting of all plants, animals and micro-organisms (biotic factors) in an area functioning together with all of the physical (abiotic) factors of the environment. Ecosystems can be permanent or temporary. An ecosystem is a unit of interdependent organisms which share the same habitat. Ecosystems usually form a number of food webs…” (Ecosystem, 2009)
Using this, we can begin to crosswalk components of the geoweb to the notion of an ecosystem. The geoweb as a unit of something finite, is composed of biotic and abiotic factions. Biotic factors including users, participants, perceptions (top-down vs. bottom-up), change and usability. Abiotic factors such as architectures, standards, formats, specs, platforms, etc... There are a number of relationships that exist between these factors, each with their own microprocesses but all interdependent in varying ways. Finally, portions of the the geoweb are permanent and some are temporary, depending on all of the factors (and their associated relationships) listed above.
If nothing else, have a look at the references cited section at the end of the slides. It includes alot of great materials from many leaders in the community that are worthwhile having a look at.
Ecosystem. (2009, August 26). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 17:10, August 26, 2009, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ecosystem&oldid=310197121
Using this, we can begin to crosswalk components of the geoweb to the notion of an ecosystem. The geoweb as a unit of something finite, is composed of biotic and abiotic factions. Biotic factors including users, participants, perceptions (top-down vs. bottom-up), change and usability. Abiotic factors such as architectures, standards, formats, specs, platforms, etc... There are a number of relationships that exist between these factors, each with their own microprocesses but all interdependent in varying ways. Finally, portions of the the geoweb are permanent and some are temporary, depending on all of the factors (and their associated relationships) listed above.
If nothing else, have a look at the references cited section at the end of the slides. It includes alot of great materials from many leaders in the community that are worthwhile having a look at.
