Computer screens displaying different libraries.
03/24/2023

Geospatial Data Visualization with Open Technologies

Montevideo, March 24, 2023.

A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a valuable tool for managing a territory. Through its functionalities and features, it allows for analyzing and identifying relationships between spatial data aimed at solving territorial problems.

Nowadays, the vast majority of data handled has a spatial component, meaning it can be located on a map. Depending on the type of data being analyzed or the analysis desired, it can be visualized in a simple, precise, and interactive way, providing significant value for data-driven decision-making. 

In this context, when discussing the digital publication of geospatial data, the question arises: How can this be done? To answer this, three Open Source libraries are presented, which allow the digital publication of geospatial data in a web application. 

  • GeoMoose: It is a framework written in JavaScript and HTML that allows quick map configuration, where layers can be selected (selection operations) and the usual web viewer tools can be configured. Some of these tools include: zoom buttons, measurement, printing, coordinates, and feature information, among others. 
  • OpenLayers: This is a more comprehensive JavaScript library with a long history in the field of geospatial information. Its functionalities allow adding layers and configuring common tools. The reference website is very detailed and contains examples of various configurations and tools offered. 
  • Leaflet: This is a lightweight, mobile-friendly alternative for presenting interactive maps on the web. Its functionalities include layer and tool configuration. Additionally, its website contains a plugin section created by the community, enabling the extension of the library’s full potential. 

The presented alternatives are useful because they allow creating a basic web viewer quickly and easily. All three libraries can also connect to standard Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) web services, such as Web Map Service (WMS) or Web Feature Service (WFS).

If more complex functionalities are needed, such as editing via WFS-T, the OpenLayers library can be chosen, as it would streamline implementation. For basic publication functionalities, Leaflet is a suitable option.

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