A WebGIS Framework for Vector Geospatial Data Sharing Based on Open Source Projects

WebGISs have been developed and used extensively in real-world applications with the development of GIS and Internet technology. However, really sharing and interoperability of large volumes of geospatial data in such a complex web-based system become a challenge. In this paper, a WebGIS framework was explored to provide a practical solution for the sharing of dispersed geospatial data and visualization of vector geospatial data on the Web. The framework adopted four levels structure: application layer, service layer, function layer, storage layer, where service layer played an important role to control the interaction between the client and server. Furthermore, the development of Open Source projects was introduced. A vector spatial data management and visualization system was designed and constructed based on the framework, using Open Source software such as PostgreSQL, GeoServer, GeoTools, Openlayers, TileCache and etc.