This example shows how applications can benefit from dynamic image creation from Shapefiles. The top area is a Java Applet that renders the Shapefile. The bottom area is an image created dynamically on the server. Both end up rendering the exact same image.

Shapefile Rendering Applet

Shapefile Image

The top Applet requires the entire Shapefile to be downloaded. There are many points included that are not able to be seen. The bottom image is only as large as the viewable area requires.

In this case the image is smaller than the Shapefile, so the image loads faster than the Shapefile. Larger images can be interlaced to give the appearance of loading faster than they really do.