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MapServer/MapServer

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Source code of the MapServer project. Please submit pull requests to the 'main' branch.

FreeFree tier
Type
Open Source
Visit Website GitHub (38 stars)

About MapServer/MapServer

MapServer is an open-source platform for developing web-based geographic information system (GIS) applications. It operates as a CGI program that can be configured to handle spatial requests such as generating maps, scalebars, and executing point, area, and feature queries. The system allows building complete applications from web interface to map appearance without programming, and can be extended with Python, PHP, Java, JavaScript, and other web technologies. It supports various data formats including shapefiles, rasters, PostGIS, and Oracle Spatial, and provides WMS, WFS, and PDF output capabilities. Originally developed by Stephen Lime with major funding from NASA and the University of Minnesota, it is maintained by a community of contributors.

Key Features

CGI-based web mapping server
Configurable map, scalebar, and spatial query generation
No programming required for basic application setup
Extensible with Python, PHP, Java, JavaScript
Support for multiple data formats (shapefiles, rasters, PostGIS, Oracle Spatial)
WMS, WFS, and PDF output support
Open-source with active community and issue tracker

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Free and open-source with permissive license
  • No programming required for basic use cases
  • Supports multiple scripting languages for advanced customization
  • Broad compatibility with spatial data formats and databases
  • Proven track record with funding from NASA and government agencies
Cons
  • CGI-based architecture may be less efficient than modern server approaches
  • Configuration via mapfiles can be complex for advanced scenarios
  • Documentation primarily maintained separately on mapserver.org

Best For

Developing web-based GIS applicationsServing interactive maps and scalebarsPerforming spatial queries (point, area, feature)Integrating GIS data into web applicationsCreating lightweight mapping solutions without proprietary software

FAQ

What is MapServer?
MapServer is an open-source CGI program for developing web-based GIS applications. It can generate maps, scalebars, and handle spatial queries.
How can I extend MapServer?
MapServer can be extended using Python, PHP, Java, JavaScript, and other web technologies via interfaces like MapScript.
Is MapServer free?
Yes, MapServer is open-source and free to use. Source code is available on GitHub under a permissive license.
Where can I report bugs or submit enhancements?
Bug reports and enhancement submissions should be made through the MapServer issue tracker at github.com/MapServer/MapServer/issues.
What data formats does MapServer support?
MapServer supports shapefiles, rasters, PostGIS, Oracle Spatial, and GDAL/OGR formats, among others.