GeoServer Basics

Explore the basics of GeoServer, an open-source server for sharing geospatial data, covering its modular design, data sources, publishing options, and more. Learn how to use GeoServer to share data behind the map.

Key takeaways
  • GeoServer is an open-source server for sharing geospatial data, passionate about sharing data behind the map.
  • GeoServer is modular, allowing users to pick and choose which components to use.
  • GeoServer has a strong history of collaboration and is fiercely open.
  • The project steering committee ensures fair and open processes.
  • GeoServer has a bad reputation with styling, but it’s designed to be easy to use.
  • GeoServer supports various data sources, including Oracle, NetCDF, and GeoTIF.
  • GeoServer can publish data as maps, KML, or JSON.
  • GeoServer has a web-based configuration editor and supports vector editing.
  • GeoServer has a resource pool that represents live connections to data sources.
  • GeoServer has a built-in styling engine and supports custom styles.
  • GeoServer has a robust security model and can be configured to limit editing to specific areas.
  • GeoServer has a catalog that stores metadata about data sources and layers.
  • GeoServer has a workspace concept, where each workspace can have its own distinct web service.
  • GeoServer has a layer group concept, where multiple layers can be grouped together.
  • GeoServer has a raster data publishing feature, which can generate maps, KML, or JSON.
  • GeoServer has a vector data publishing feature, which can generate vector tiles or pre-processed data sets.
  • GeoServer has a GeoFence feature, which allows limiting editing to specific areas.
  • GeoServer has a Spring-based application and uses GeoTools and Java Advanced Imaging libraries.