39. GeoServer¶
39.1 What is GeoServer?¶
GeoServer is a Java-based server that allows users to view and edit geospatial data. Using open standards set forth by the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC), GeoServer allows for great flexibility in map creation and data sharing.
39.2 Open and Share Your Spatial Data¶
GeoServer allows you to display your spatial information to the world. Implementing the Web Map Service (WMS) standard, GeoServer can create maps in a variety of output formats. OpenLayers, a free mapping library, is integrated into GeoServer, making map generation quick and easy. GeoServer is built on GeoTools, an open-source Java GIS toolkit.
GeoServer conforms to the Web Feature Service (WFS) and Web Coverage Service (WCS) standards, allowing data sharing and editing. It also uses the Web Map Tile Service (WMTS) standard to split maps into tiles for web and mobile applications.
GeoServer is modular, with additional functionality available via extensions. An extension for the Web Processing Service (WPS) opens up a wealth of processing options, and you can even write your own!
Enable others to incorporate your data into their websites and applications, freeing your data and permitting greater transparency.
39.3 Use Free and Open Source Software¶
GeoServer is free software. This significantly lowers the financial barrier to entry compared to proprietary GIS products. In addition, GeoServer is open-source, allowing bug fixes and feature improvements to be made transparently and efficiently. Open-source software prevents vendor lock-in, saving costs on long-term support contracts.
39.4 Integrate With Mapping APIs¶
We recommend both OpenLayers and Leaflet, which, when combined with GeoServer, provide an open-source solution for web mapping.
GeoServer can also display data on popular mapping applications such as: - Google Maps - Google Earth - Microsoft Bing Maps - MapBox
Additionally, GeoServer integrates with traditional GIS architectures such as ESRI ArcGIS.
39.5 Join the Community¶
GeoServer has a large and vibrant community consisting of users and developers worldwide. Support is available through various sources, such as email lists. A fixed release cycle and public issue tracker provide transparency and reliable updates. Additionally, commercial support is available from various providers. With GeoServer, you are always in good company.