What is the process called that involves using maps provided by GIS for both serving and consuming information online?

The process of using maps provided by GIS to serve and consume information online is known as web mapping. This involves the creation and utilization of interactive maps that can be accessed via the internet, allowing users to interact with geospatial data in real-time. Web mapping often features user-friendly interfaces, enabling individuals to pan, zoom, and query geographic information dynamically, which enhances the accessibility of spatial data for various applications, such as urban planning, environmental monitoring, and public health.

Web mapping platforms typically leverage GIS data and tools to display layers of information, allowing users to visualize complex datasets in a straightforward manner. This interactive element is essential for users to derive insights and make informed decisions based on geographic contexts.

While concepts like map layering and data visualization are integral to GIS and can play roles within web mapping, they do not encompass the full scope of rendering maps online. Cartography focuses on the art and science of map design, which, although important, is a component of the broader web mapping process rather than the entire process itself.