Internet Mapping Framework (IMF)

The inherent flexibility of IMF means it can be used for a wide range of different applications.

Improving access to geographic information

Many new ArcIMS users implement IMF because it is an extremely quick and easy way to make spatial information available online

  • IMF is often used to provide improved access to geographic information in line with e-Government objectives for improved service delivery. In the UK, this is often part of a process known as "Implementing Electronic Government" (IEG) or sometimes just "modernising government" and is driven by specific "Priority Outcomes" such as:
    • public reporting applications (R7),
    • public access to map-based data from a corporate GIS (G5),
    • map-based presentation of roadworks (G14) and
    • compliance with level AA of the W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (g20).
  • Case Studies and examples of specific applications such as "Where's my nearest service?" and "What services are available in my area?" are available in the Showcase.

Reducing costs

Many existing ArcIMS users implement IMF in order to save money on development, maintenance, support and license fees.

  • Because IMF is so easy to customise, new applications can be delivered very quickly and at very low cost.
  • As a Commercial Off the Shelf application, its easily maintained common code base and dynamic informative help pages also leads to considerable savings in routine maintenance and support costs.
  • Even greater savings can be made by using the advanced functionality  of IMF is used to reduce the number of desktop GIS licenses in use. This applies not just to initial purchase costs but also to ongoing maintenance and support costs. 
  • Less desktop GIS also means less training is required. Using a simple and consistent browser interface means users can progress naturally from simple to more advanced functionality.  

Increasing productivity

Both new and existing users of ArcIMS can quickly achieve significant productivity gains with IMF

  • The combination of easy customisation and the advanced functionality available within IMF allows administrators to quickly and easily create powerful websites for specific groups of users.
  • More applications with more information and more functionality make it easier for user to access the information they need. Because these sites can contain very specific combinations of data and functionality, they can enable specific tasks to be performed far more efficiently than before.
  • Personalisation and collaboration features within IMF help 'power' users to share their knowledge and expertise with less experienced users. This encourages more effective use of geographic information and creates more demand for geographic information systems, while at the same time freeing up site administrators, GIS analysts and developers to concentrate on the areas where they can add most value