Work on geospatial data with ease
GeoServer is a free open-source utility software that lets you view and edit geospatial data. Developed by the Geospatial Foundation, this Java-based software server uses open standards set forth by the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) to create accurate maps and publish their data. It comes in three versions: Stable, Maintenance, and Development.
GeoServer is used to share, process, and edit geospatial data, allowing for flexible map creation and data-sharing. It freely displays spatial information to the world, making it easy for anyone in need of such data to access it. Using the Web Map Service (WMS) standard, this powerful tool can create maps in a variety of output formats. It is built on GeoTools, an open-source Java GIS toolkit, and integrates OpenLayers, a free mapping library, making map generation easier. It also allows for the addition of extensions to implement the tool into websites and applications. GeoServer uses the Web Map Tile Service standard to split published maps into tiles, making them easier to use in web mapping and mobile apps.
GeoServer's contributions can be found in popular maps and virtual globes like Google Earth, NASA World Wind, Leaflet, Google Maps, and Bing Maps. It is constantly being developed and improved for more accurate and easy data-sharing on geographic information systems. GeoServer is a great open-source GIS project that serves as a reference for popular free maps and enables the sharing of geospatial information. While the user interface can be tricky due to its browser-based web administration style, the server is extensively documented, making it accessible to beginners.
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Free|Open-source|Has three versions|Has a built-in mapping library
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