GeoServer

In computing, GeoServer - an open-source server written in Java - allows users to share, process and edit geospatial data. Designed for interoperability, it publishes data from any major spatial data source using open standards. GeoServer has evolved to become an easy method of connecting existing information to Virtual Globes such as Google Earth and NASA World Wind as well as to web-based maps such as OpenLayers, Google Maps and Bing Maps. GeoServer functions as the reference implementation of the Open Geospatial Consortium Web Feature Service standard, and also implements the Web Map Service, Web Coverage Service and Web Processing Service specifications.

Goals

GeoServer aims to operate as a node within a free and open Spatial Data Infrastructure. Just as the Apache HTTP Server has offered a free and open web server to publish HTML, GeoServer aims to do the same for geospatial data.

Features

GeoServer reads a variety of data formats, including:

• PostGIS
• Oracle Spatial
• ArcSDE
• DB2
• MySQL
• Shapefiles
• GeoTIFF
• GTOPO30
• ECW, MrSID
• JPEG2000

Through standard protocols it produces KML, GML, Shapefile, GeoRSS, PDF, GeoJSON, JPEG, GIF, SVG, PNG and more. In addition, one can edit data via the WFS transactional profile (WFS-T). GeoServer includes an integrated OpenLayers client for previewing data layers.

GeoServer additionally supports efficient publishing of geospatial data to Google Earth through the use of network links, using KML. Advanced features for Google Earth output include templates for customized pop-ups, time and height visualizations, and "super-overlays".

GeoServer relies on GeoTools, a GIS library.

Usage

• MassGIS (Massachusetts state GIS)
• TriMet (Transit agency for Portland, Oregon)
• Ordnance Survey (National Mapping Agency of the UK)
• Institut Géographique National (National Mapping Agency of France)
• GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility)
• World Bank
• Global Earthquake Model
• GMOS (Global Mercury Observation System)
• FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations)
• New York City Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications
• TeamSurv

Architecture

GeoServer uses Restlet as a framework for the REST services it provides. It packages Jetty (web server) as an embedded server, but supports any common servlet container. GeoWebCache, a Java-based caching component similar to TileCache, is bundled with GeoServer, but available separately.^[1]

See also

• Open Geospatial Consortium
• Web Feature Service
• Web Map Service
• Web Coverage Service
• OpenLayers
• GeoTools
• MapServer
• OpenGeo
• Refractions Research
• GeoSolutions
• Mapnik

References

1. ↑ "GeoWebCache". 

External links

• GeoServer official website
• GeoServer Blog
• OpenPlans (original creators of GeoServer)
• OpenGeo Geospatial consulting division of The Open Planning Project