Map Bureau produces web-delivered maps that show events and processes as well as geography. We use the Resource Description Framework (RDF), from the Semantic Web Project, as the common representation of spatial and temporal information, and have designed a language called RDFMap which targets a simple but useful subset of the mapping domain. A more extensive language is deployed for internal use; a public specification of this extension is in progress.

We build generators which translate RDF descriptions into Macromedia Flash maps by drawing on a library of components written in Fabl^TM, our RDF-based programming language. The components include Flash presentation and interaction widgets and components which express constraints between data and presentation.

We add to the library as needed for a new application, but usually can build most of an application by instantiating components already in the library.

Fabl is a trademark of Map Bureau.