Chapter 17. Using PostGIS in web applications

 

This chapter covers

  • Shortcomings of conventional web solutions
  • MapServer, GeoServer, QGIS Server
  • OpenLayers 2 and 3, Leaflet

In the short span of 15 years, the World Wide Web has emerged as the leading method of information delivery, threatening to replace printed media altogether. For GIS, this has been a godsend. Not only did the web introduce GIS to the popular imagination, but it also provides a delivery mechanism for GIS data that wouldn’t have been possible via traditional printed media. Only a few years ago, a GIS practitioner wishing to share data would have had to print out large maps on oversized printers. And then came the web.

Conventional web technologies suffice to deliver textual and image data, but for the ultimate GIS web-surfing experience, you need additional tools, both on the delivery end (the server) and on the receiving end (the client).

17.1. Limitations of conventional web technologies

17.2. Mapping servers

17.3. Mapping clients

17.4. Using MapServer

17.5. Using GeoServer

17.6. Basics of OpenLayers and Leaflet

17.7. Displaying data with PostGIS queries and web scripting

17.8. Summary