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Integrating With Other Tools

GeoNode makes it easy to work across platforms by exposing all datasets through standard OGC services, including WMS, WFS, and WCS. This means you can load layers directly into desktop GIS tools like QGIS or embed them in web applications with minimal setup.


Connecting GeoNode to QGIS via WMS

You can easily load GeoNode layers into QGIS using the WMS (Web Map Service) protocol. This allows you to view and interact with published map layers directly from your GeoNode instance. To get started, open QGIS and navigate to: Layer → Add Layer → Add WMS/WMTS Layer…


Click New and enter the connection details below:

Field Value
Name GeoNode WMS
URL http://.sta.do.kartoza.com/geoserver/ows?service=WMS&version=1.3.0&request=GetCapabilities


Click OK, then Connect to fetch the list of available layers. Select the layer you want to view (e.g., geonode:landuse), then click Add. The layer will load into your QGIS map canvas and be ready for styling, analysis, or overlaying with other datasets.


Connect WMS
Image credit: QGIS
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Ensure that the layer is shared publicly in GeoNode or that you are authenticated to access restricted content.


Embedding a GeoNode Layer in Leaflet

You can display GeoNode layers on a custom web map using Leaflet and WMS. Follow these steps to embed a published layer in your HTML page:


Step 1: Include Leaflet’s CSS and JS

In your HTML <head>, add the following:

<link rel="stylesheet" href="https://unpkg.com/leaflet/dist/leaflet.css"/>
<script src="https://unpkg.com/leaflet/dist/leaflet.js"></script>


Step 2: Add a Map Container

In your <body>, create a container for the map:

<div id="map" style="height: 400px;"></div>


Step 3: Initialise the Map and Add the WMS Layer

Still within the <body>, insert a script that sets up your map and loads the GeoNode WMS layer:

<script>
const map = L.map('map').setView([52.51, 13.40], 12); // Berlin centre
L.tileLayer.wms('http://<geonode_application_name>.sta.do.kartoza.com/geoserver/ows', {
   layers: 'geonode:landuse',
   format: 'image/png',
   transparent: true,
   attribution: '© GeoNode'
}).addTo(map);
</script>


Step 4: View the Map

Save the file and open it in your browser. The GeoNode layer will be displayed in the Leaflet map.


Connect WMS
Image credit: QGIS
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Be sure to update the application hostname and layer name to match your GeoNode instance.


Accessing GeoNode WFS

To retrieve raw vector feature data such as GeoJSON or GML, use the Web Feature Service (WFS) endpoint exposed by GeoServer.


Example WFS URL (GeoJSON Output):

http://<geonode_application_name>.sta.do.kartoza.com/geoserver/ows?service=WFS&version=2.0.0&request=GetFeature&typeName=tutorial:buildings&outputFormat=application/json


How to Use

You can paste this URL into:

  • Postman or any API testing tool to inspect feature responses
  • curl in your terminal to retrieve data directly
  • Web mapping libraries such as Leaflet or OpenLayers that support WFS


Example with curl:

curl "http://<geonode_application_name>.sta.do.kartoza.com/geoserver/ows?service=WFS&version=2.0.0&request=GetFeature&typeName=tutorial:buildings&outputFormat=application/json"


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Replace both the application name and layer name with your actual GeoNode instance and dataset.


Next up: A quick glossary of key terms used in this guide.