What can be a limitation of using web maps compared to desktop GIS applications?

Using web maps may have performance constraints due to internet connectivity, which can significantly affect their usability. Unlike desktop GIS applications that are often run locally on a user's machine, web maps rely on the user's internet connection to load data, imagery, and other resources from remote servers. In cases where the internet connection is slow or unstable, users may experience delays, lag, or even an inability to access the web map at all. This is particularly important in situations needing real-time data updates or during fieldwork where reliable access to the internet cannot be guaranteed.

While web maps can indeed include high-resolution imagery and can be edited, these functionalities can be contingent on the specific platform being used. Furthermore, the limitation of a single user's perspective is typically not inherent to web maps since many platforms support collaborative viewing and editing capabilities, allowing multiple users to interact with the same map simultaneously. Hence, performance constraints based on internet connectivity stand out as a notable limitation for web maps compared to the robustness often provided by desktop GIS applications.