Integrating With Other Tools¶
GeoServer makes cross-platform work straightforward by publishing all datasets through standard OGC services — such as WMS, WFS, and WCS. These open standards mean your data can be accessed by desktop GIS software, web mapping libraries, and other applications without special configuration.
Below are two common integration examples.
Consuming GeoServer WMS in QGIS¶
QGIS can connect directly to your GeoServer layers via the WMS (Web Map Service) protocol, allowing you to view and interact with published maps without downloading data.
To set up a WMS connection in QGIS, go to: Layer → Add Layer → Add WMS/WMTS Layer…. Click New and enter the following connection details:
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | GeoServer WMS |
| URL | http:// |
Click OK, then Connect to retrieve the available layers. Select your desired layer (for example, quickstart:ne_110m_coastline), click Add, and it will load into your QGIS map canvas — ready for styling, analysis, or overlay with other datasets.
Embedding GeoServer WMS in a Leaflet Map¶
You can also embed GeoServer layers in an interactive web map using Leaflet with just a few lines of code.
Step 1: Include Leaflet’s CSS and JS¶
In your HTML <head>, add:
<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:
Step 3: Initialise the Map and Add the WMS Layer¶
Still within the <body>, add:
<script>
const map = L.map('map').setView([0, 0], 2);
L.tileLayer.wms('http://<geoserver_application_name>.sta.do.kartoza.com/geoserver/ows', {
layers: 'tutorial:Coastline',
format: 'image/png',
transparent: true,
attribution: '© GeoServer'
}).addTo(map);
</script>
Step 4: View the Map¶
Save the file and open it in your browser. Your GeoServer layer will appear in the Leaflet map.
Next up: A quick glossary of key terms used in this guide.