[Mapserver-dev] [XML] Proposal for a MapScript XML Data Model Project and Discussion

[Sean Gillies]

Greetings,

One of the things that I would most like to see in 2004 is more serious
discussion about the future of an XML map configuration format for
MapServer.  To this end, I've written up a proposal on the MapServer
Wiki.  Will you please read it and consider joining in the discussion?
I'm very interested in learning about how other MapServer users and
developers imagine using XML.

http://mapserver.gis.umn.edu/cgi-bin/ 
wiki.pl?MapScriptXMLDataModelProjectProposal
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MapServer users regularly wish for an XML format map configuration.  
They wish it for different reasons and there has not yet been any  
coordinated effort to realize it. The time has come for users and  
developers who desire an XML map configuration to form a special  
interest group to plan for its future.

A initial plan for the project is:

1. Recruit interested parties

2. Register the project as a MapServer component in the Bugzilla

3. Identify, dicuss and document use cases and risk factors

4. Propose a standard XML format for MapScript objects

5. Test code using proposed standard with MapScript

6. Incorporate XML standard into MapServer

We'll use the MapServer developers email list with a [XML] in the
subject line for discussion, copy important stuff to the Wiki, and
also maintain URL links between the Wiki and issues in Bugzilla.
No need to create any new frameworks for the project.

The project could greatly benefit some users by stage 4: a standard
will allow us to program and share Perl, PHP, and Python modules  
specializing in reading and writing the format. Ideally, this stage  
will be reached in time to present at the 2nd MapServer Users Meeting.

Interested persons should sign themselves on to

http://mapserver.gis.umn.edu/cgi-bin/ 
wiki.pl?MapScriptXMLDataModelProjectRoster

and subscribe to the mapserver-dev list. Next they should begin to add  
to the Wiki documents. It should be very interesting to see what kind  
of applications are out there waiting for a standard XML map  
configuration format. For examples, check out

http://mapserver.gis.umn.edu/cgi-bin/ 
wiki.pl?MapScriptXMLDataModelProjectUseCases.


A peaceful and prosperous New Year to all,
Sean


--
Sean Gillies
sgillies at frii dot com
http://users.frii.com/sgillies