The National Weather Service (NWS) is exploring the use of Internet Mapping Service (IMS) technology to disseminate weather information. IMS provides the basis for providing access to geospatial information over the Internet using only a Web browser. It also allows users of decision support systems based on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to directly integrate information into their operations. A prototype NWS IMS site, providing information relevant to landfalling tropical cyclones in the southeastern United States, was made available during the second half of the 2003 hurricane season, primarily to aid the operations of emergency managers. The history, development, usage statistics, and feedback from the IMS prototype will be reviewed. In addition, thoughts on future directions for use of IMS technology within both the NWS and its parent organization, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, will be provided. A companion paper will describe the data sources used in the prototype, and demonstrate the site's user interface.