[mapserver-users] Is MapServer for me?

[Paul Ramsey]

Klaus Drechsler wrote:
> 
> 1.
> I have a client with a gps receiver. With the gps-coordinates I want
> to query a server and get back the location where I am (city-name or
> street name or both ...) as ***ascii string*** (without a map) ...

Mapserver with Mapscript could do this. There is no rule that you have
to render a map in response to a query. Just run the query in mapscript
and then return the requisite string. The real trick will be figuring
out what constitutes being "on a street" based on a single GPS query
point. (Within 20 meters of a street? If within 20 meters of two
streets, then which street are you "on"?)

> 2.
> Like in task one I have a client with a gps receiver. This time I send
> the gps-coordinates to a server and want a part of a map (as gif/jpg
> or something like that) back where I can see wher I am and the near
> neighbourhood.
> 
> Is there (open source) software that can do the above tasks?
> I found that GRASS could be what I am searching for (I thought), but
> in the GRASS Mailinglist someone told me, that GRASS is overkill and I
> should take a look at MapServer...
> 
> So thats why I ask the professionals in this mailinglist:
> Can mapserver do the above tasks?
> 
> I think that Task 2 is possible, but I need a solution (or ideas) for task 1.
> 
> I hope someone can give me hints on this!
> 
> Bye,
>   Klaus
> 
> --
> Zentrum für Graphische Datenverarbeitung (ZGDV)
> Abt. Mobile Informationsvisualisierung
> email: klaus.drechsler at zgdv.de
>           zgdv at kdnet.de

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     | Paul Ramsey
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