GeoServer Help¶
Troubleshooting Common Issues¶
Why won’t my data upload to GeoServer?
This can happen if the file format isn’t supported or the file is too large.
Fix: Use supported formats like Shapefile, GeoPackage, or GeoTIFF. For Shapefiles, ensure all related files (.shp, .shx, .dbf, .prj) are zipped together.
Fix: Use supported formats like Shapefile, GeoPackage, or GeoTIFF. For Shapefiles, ensure all related files (.shp, .shx, .dbf, .prj) are zipped together.
My layer appears but it’s blank — why?
Your data’s projection (CRS) may not match your map settings.
Fix: Check the layer’s CRS in QGIS or another GIS tool, and set the correct SRS in GeoServer when publishing.
Fix: Check the layer’s CRS in QGIS or another GIS tool, and set the correct SRS in GeoServer when publishing.
I get an error when trying to save a style (SLD).
Errors often come from invalid XML or unsupported style parameters.
Fix: Validate your SLD using an XML validator or copy a working example and modify it carefully.
Fix: Validate your SLD using an XML validator or copy a working example and modify it carefully.
Why is my raster layer loading slowly?
Large raster files can take time to render.
Fix: Use overviews or pyramids, and ensure the file is in an efficient format like GeoTIFF with internal tiling.
Fix: Use overviews or pyramids, and ensure the file is in an efficient format like GeoTIFF with internal tiling.
I published my layer but can’t preview it.
The preview may fail if no style is assigned or if the layer is in a different workspace.
Fix: Assign a default style and check the workspace and store settings.
Fix: Assign a default style and check the workspace and store settings.
Why do I see a “Store not found” error?
This happens if the data store was deleted or its connection settings changed.
Fix: Recreate the store and republish the layer with the correct settings.
Fix: Recreate the store and republish the layer with the correct settings.
The colors in my map look wrong.
This can be caused by incorrect SLD values or mismatched color encoding.
Fix: Double-check your SLD code and ensure the correct hex color codes are used.
Fix: Double-check your SLD code and ensure the correct hex color codes are used.
Why do some features not appear on the map?
Features outside the map extent or with geometry errors may not render.
Fix: Repair geometries in QGIS and verify the bounding box settings in GeoServer.
Fix: Repair geometries in QGIS and verify the bounding box settings in GeoServer.
I can’t delete a layer from GeoServer.
Layers must be removed from both the Layer list and their Data Store.
Fix: First delete the layer, then remove its store and associated files.
Fix: First delete the layer, then remove its store and associated files.
GeoServer says “Out of Memory” when rendering.
Large datasets can exceed the Java heap memory allocation.
Fix: Increase the Java heap size in the GeoServer startup settings or optimize your dataset.
Fix: Increase the Java heap size in the GeoServer startup settings or optimize your dataset.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)¶
Can I upload multiple layers at once?
Yes. You can zip multiple Shapefiles or upload multi-layer GeoPackages, and publish them individually in GeoServer.
What file formats does GeoServer support?
Common formats include Shapefile, GeoPackage, PostGIS, GeoTIFF, and CSV. Additional formats may be available through plugins.
Can I edit a layer directly in GeoServer?
No. GeoServer serves data but does not allow direct editing. Edit your data in QGIS or another GIS tool, then re-upload or update the store.
How do I change the default style of a layer?
Go to the layer’s Publishing tab, select your preferred style, and set it as default.
Can I password-protect certain layers?
Yes. Use GeoServer’s security settings to assign roles and restrict layer access.
Does GeoServer support WMS, WFS, and WCS?
Yes. GeoServer supports OGC standards including WMS (maps), WFS (features), and WCS (coverages).
How can I speed up layer loading?
Use caching with GeoWebCache, simplify geometries, and optimize file formats.
Can I host my data in the cloud?
Yes. You can connect GeoServer to cloud storage or cloud-hosted databases like AWS S3, Google Cloud Storage, or remote PostGIS.
Can I host raster data in GeoServer?
Yes, GeoServer supports raster formats such as GeoTIFF, JPEG2000, and others.
What’s the maximum file size I can upload?
This depends on your hosting plan and server configuration.
Tip: If you encounter upload limits, compress your dataset (e.g., using a zipped Shapefile or GeoPackage) or contact your administrator to increase the limit.
Tip: If you encounter upload limits, compress your dataset (e.g., using a zipped Shapefile or GeoPackage) or contact your administrator to increase the limit.
Getting Support¶
If you run into an issue or need assistance, the best place to start is the Support Center page in the Users section.
There, you’ll find clear instructions on how to log a support ticket, including what information to provide so the team can assist you efficiently.
By using the official support system, your request will be properly tracked and routed to the right people, helping you get a faster and more accurate response.