How do I use a WMS?

To publish your geospatial data, you will need a web map server.

A web map server is an Internet-based service that is compliant with the OpenGIS® Web Map Server Interface Implementation Specification. This specification is designed to enable web map service clients to display maps and/or images with a geographic component and whose raw spatial data files reside on one or more remote web map servers.

A web map server provides online spatial data and maps to Internet clients. A web map service client can aid in the visualization of and access to spatial data and services. A web map service client can:

• List the contents of a map-based catalogue;
• Select map layers, viewing regions and scales;
• Compose and display maps constructed from data coming from one or more remote servers;
• Query through the Web for attribute information of a map feature selected from a map displayed in a client; and
• Support applications, based on visualization of map data obtained in real time from disparate data sources.

A web map service can be created using HTML, Java, Javascript, .NET and can be delivered using a Web browser, such as Netscape Communicator or Microsoft Internet Explorer.

The Web Map Server Interface Implementation Specification is applicable to both free and fee-type spatial Internet services. You can publish your data and services at no cost to the user, or you can charge user fees as defined by your organization.