Web-based GIS applications are available to the widest potential audience. They operate on any device that offers a web browser (most desktop, smartphone, and tablet devices), with no installation required. Web mapping applications can be so much more than simple viewers. Content creation, as well as complex search, data analysis, and data export are all possible. I can build GIS web applications using several APIs, including the ArcGIS API for JavaScript, Leaflet, and Open Street Map.
Both web-based and mobile apps make your solution accessible outside of the office, but there are some key scenarios when a web-based app is a better option. Definitely consider a mobile app solution if:
I am careful to build mapping applications using a modern, clean, modular approach. I prefer to use APIs like jQuery or Dojo within a testable, scalable MVVM framework like Knockout or more often, AngularJS.
Many GIS developers confine themselves to using only jQuery, Dojo, or whatever other library their GIS API is based on. This results in a blob of code that may give the appearance of being functional on the surface, but in reality can neither be scaled nor maintained without significant cost. Using modern libraries that can really enhance the quality and capabilities of a geospatial application for the web becomes next to impossible. My approach makes it possible for us to build confidently, knowing that if the scope of the application ever needs to expand, this can be done easily without breaking something that is already there.
I can build powerful, modern GIS applications for desktop computers.
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