Announcement - MapServer Browser Client (Another one)

David Bitner osgis.lists at GMAIL.COM
Thu Dec 22 07:16:37 PST 2005


I have seen some demos of GISmo.  It's a great interface and I would
love to get my hands on some of the code.

David

On 12/21/05, Dean C. Mikkelsen <dcmikkelsen at shaw.ca> wrote:
> Hi there.
>
> I have not responded in quite some time to the list, but having been
> following the comings and goings quite a lot.
>
> I think that this would be a good addition to the community.
>
> For myself, a simple demonstration site would be useful - to show the type
> of functionality that we should be able to implement once the code is
> available to the community.
>
> I do like I what I see in the images provided.
>
> Cheers,
> Dean
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: UMN MapServer Users List [mailto:MAPSERVER-USERS at LISTS.UMN.EDU] On
> Behalf Of Bob Basques
> Sent: Wednesday, December 21, 2005 3:34 PM
> To: MAPSERVER-USERS at LISTS.UMN.EDU
> Subject: [UMN_MAPSERVER-USERS] Announcement - MapServer Browser Client
> (Another one)
>
>
> All,
>
> I'm looking for feedback on the following.   We've put a Simple but
> powerful Web Interface together in our office that builds against
> MapServer-CGI.  We would like to put the Code out into the Community as
> we think it has a lot of potential.
>
> I'm making this Project (proposal) Announcement here first to gage
> interest.  I've put up a few screen shots as well with links intersprsed
> in this message.   Depending on Interest we'll put up a Simple demo as a
> follow-up, are there suggestions for a data set to use?  I could use the
> MapServer Demo, or????
>
> Thanks and read on . . . .
>
> -----------------------
>
> Announcement of "GISmo" for MapServer (and other Raster Map Services)
> http://pwultra5.ci.stpaul.mn.us/tmp/gismo_images/gismo_ss1.jpg
>
> "GISmo" is the name, and Map viewing is the game.
>
> The City of Saint Paul, Public Works has been using MapServer for
> Mapping Distribution via the Web for a little over two years now with
> outstanding results.  Our needs list was short but finite.
>
>    * How to distribute up-to-date mapping data.
>    * Enable the data owners to maintain their own data sets for
>      distribution and provide an easy publishing mechanism.
>    * Use one source of data (MapServer) for all Clients.  We
>      implemented the system for Internet Browsers as well as AutoCAD
> User sessions, and it
>      can be extended to other formats/clients as needed.
>    * The User Interface needed to be very Simple to operate, little to
> no training required in it's use.
>    * Ability to integrate with other Web Based Systems.
>
> The list above looks short but it did have it's problems with
> implementation.   We went through a couple of different versions before
> getting to where we are now.  What we have now is a good base to start
> from and seems like the logical point to present it to a larger
> audience, the MapServer Community.
>
> -----------------
>
> GISmo is a XML based web Client for viewing MapServer Web Services or
> any other Raster based Service, for that matter.
> http://pwultra5.ci.stpaul.mn.us/tmp/gismo_images/gismo_ss2.jpg   It
> could easily be extended to handle WMS calls for example.    This Client
> Page gets it's Imagery from The MapServer via a MAP file but using a
> separate Map File per layer. Something akin to WMS only inside of a
> single MapServer Service.  This can be extended to hit other MapServer
> Services as well BTW.  Assuming there is interest to proceed with
> development further (we're going to keep moving on it internally either
> way) it may suggest some different ways to handle the MapServer Map file
> Layouts. http://pwultra5.ci.stpaul.mn.us/tmp/gismo_images/gismo_ss2.jpg
>
> Short list of the Capabilities of the "GISmo" package:
>
>   * User Customizable Catalog View (assuming you know XML, the plan is
> to build a Catalog maker as well)
>   * Cross-Browser
>         o FireFox 7 (tested)
>         o IE( tested)
>         o Should work for the most part in Opera too
>   * Multiple layer Control
>         o external to the MapServer, IE a layer can break and the
>           whole service keeps on running, this allows for data
> administrators
>           to update their respective layers at will)
>         o The layers are assembled in the Browser via DHTML  stacking,
>           so only the images are retrieved once the interface is loaded,
> and only the images after that.
>   * XML based Main Page
>         o Can originate as a local page for those that want to make
>           their own view into the available Layers.
>         o Settings for Initial view parameters for each layer.
>           (ON/OFF, FADE-Value, etc)
>   * GISmo view Panes.
>         o Layer "Catalog" Chooser View
>               + Cascaded Layer listings
>         o "Visible Layers" Control
>               + Layer Stacking ("Z" value of layer) user Control.
>               + opacity control (fading of individual layers)
>
> http://pwultra5.ci.stpaul.mn.us/tmp/gismo_images/gismo_ss3_bg-unfaded.jpg
>
> http://pwultra5.ci.stpaul.mn.us/tmp/gismo_images/gismo_ss3_bg-faded.jpg
>         o Map Layer View
>               + Automatic re-sizing of the Map View upon browser re-size.
>               + Attribute Viewer based on MapServer Templating of a
>                 IMAGEMAP.
>               + ToolTip Popups for ImageMaps on a per layer Basis.
> These ImageMaps can be swapped out for viewing by the Users in the
> client for each View limit.
>
> http://pwultra5.ci.stpaul.mn.us/tmp/gismo_images/gismo_ss3_popup.jpg
>               + Sticky Tooltips
>
> http://pwultra5.ci.stpaul.mn.us/tmp/gismo_images/gismo_ss1.jpg
>   * Systems Integration Hooks to other (non-spatial) data services.
>
> http://pwultra5.ci.stpaul.mn.us/tmp/gismo_images/gismo_ss4_infra1.jpg
>          o Sticky Tools Tips contain HTML code for linking to other
> Systems, a Field Photo in this Case:
>
> http://pwultra5.ci.stpaul.mn.us/tmp/gismo_images/gismo_ss4_infra2.jpg
>
> The Client is DHTML with multiple transparent Layers on top of one
> another.   There is no middle ware required unless you consider the
> multiple Map files a middle ware piece.  Other than the MapServer Web
> Service, there is no requirement for any additional service, this is not
> to say that other services can't be hooked to, because we are internally
> hooking into three other services that are spatially enabled with our
> GISmo interface, a Infrastructure Maintenance Management Tool, An
> Address Lookup/Geocoding Tool, and a Field Photography lookup tool that
> can be easily converted into a Simple Document Management tool that is
> spatially enabled (Think Documents with a Spatial Index). Some of these
> other tools may be considered for additional projects to submit to the
> Community as well, but I thought we should just start out slow.
>
> The back end data storage is a shared Folder structure with assigned
> Folder for SHP/MAP file and Database/MAP file locations.  With this
> Folder structure in place, each Data layer owner has complete control
> over their respective data layer and how often it's updated.  The Front
> end Catalog "MapBook" description is simply a XML file that describes
> the basics of where the MAP files for MapServer are located and some
> basic view parameters for use during startup of the interface.  See the
> end of this message.  This simple XML file can originate externally to
> the MapServer Web Service.  It allows a Admin to set up and interface
> with just the layers they are interested in displaying.
>
> Basically, the components are as standalone as possible and don't depend
> on each other where ever possible.  All services can be run
> independently of one another.
>
> We're prepared to put this code out (giving back to the MapServer
> Community) as Open source.   We're actively using these JavaScript LIBs
> internally, and can put together a sample database for use.  I may even
> modify one of the Sample datasets distributed with MapServer to work
> with this interface.   The Libs that are distributed to this Open source
> effort will be the same one we use internally so they will be kept up as
> we modify/bug-fix them.
>
> All that's required for set will be a separate Map File per viewable
> layer desired.  Internally we have assigned folders with a somewhat
> strict Folder tree that denotes Ownership, Type of Data, Responsibility,
> and date of data release.
>
> We'll be setting up a Demo service within the next couple of weeks to
> gage feedback on whether we should proceed.
>
> There are also some complimentary utilities (mostly PERL based) :
>
>   * "Fusion" - Print facility that takes the separate images and fuses
>     them together into a single image for printing. We're adding onto
> this a PDF output format
>
>
> Basic structure looks like this:
>
> XML
> |
> \--XSL
>    |
>    |--Client Code (Page Origination, Catalog description)
>    |
>    |--URL.JS          - Resizing and Map Population controller
>    |
>    |--OPACITY.JS      - Layer Opacity controller
>    |
>    |--DUCKLOADER.JS   -
>    |
>    |--POPUPS.JS       - ToolTip Controller
>    |
>    |--POINTMANAGER.JS -
>    |
>    \--MENUS.JS        -
>
>
> Thanks
>
> Bob Basques
> GIS Systems Developer - Public Works
> 25 West 4th Street, 1000 CHA
> City of Saint Paul, Mn 55102.
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> XML "Map Book" File:
>
> <?xml version="1.0"?>
> <?xml-stylesheet type="text/xsl" href="./gambit_rlb.xsl"?>
>
>
> <mapbook title="GISmo2">
>
>         <group title="Administrative and Political Boundaries">
>                 <map title="Cities" zindex="10" opacity="50">
>                         <file>
>
> /pearl/SHP/SAINT_PAUL/PUBLIC_WORKS/CITIES/cities_ramseymn-f.map
>                         </file>
>                 </map>
>
>         </group>
>         <group title="Elevation">
>                 <map title="contours_1ft">
>                         <file>
>
> /pearl/DB/SAINT_PAUL/PUBLIC_WORKS/CONTOURS/contours_1ft.map
>                         </file>
>                 </map>
>         </group>
>         <!--<group title="Base Maps, Scanned Maps and Charts">
>         </group>-->
>
>         <group title="Imagery and Photographs">
>         <!--    <map title="geospan">
>                         <file>
>
> /pearl/DB/SAINT_PAUL/PUBLIC_WORKS/GEOSPAN/geospan.map
>                         </file>
>                 </map>-->
>                 <service name="geospan" title="Street Level Photos -
> GEOSPAN" points="1">
>                         <url>/gis/geospan/cgi-bin/geospan.pl</url>
>                         <input type="layers" name="layers"/>
>
>                         <point type="combined" name="point"/>
>                         <input type="hidden" name="r_min" value="10"
> title="Minimum Distance from Picture"/>
>                         <input type="hidden" name="r_max" value="100"
> title="Maximum Distance from Picture"/>
>
>                         <input type="hidden" name="theta_tol" value="30"
> title="Degrees from centre of Picture"/>
>                 </service>
>
>                 <map title="Aerial Photos 2003 - Horizons" zindex="-1">
>                         <file>
>
> /pearl/RASTER/RAMSEY_COUNTY/PUBLIC_WORKS/AERIAL_HORIZONS/horizons_2003.map
>                         </file>
>                 </map>
>                 <map title="Aerial Photos 2001 - Kodak Citipix" zindex="-1">
>                         <file>
>
>
> /pearl/RASTER/SAINT_PAUL/PUBLIC_WORKS/AERIAL_CITIPIX/citipix_2001.map
>                         </file>
>                 </map>
>                 <map title="Aerial Photos 1985 - RCSWCD" zindex="-1">
>                         <file>
>
> /pearl/RASTER/RAMSEY_COUNTY/PUBLIC_WORKS/AERIAL_RAMSEY/rswcd_1985.map
>                         </file>
>                 </map>
>                 <map title="Aerial Photos 1974 - RCSWCD" zindex="-1">
>                         <file>
>
>
> /pearl/RASTER/RAMSEY_COUNTY/PUBLIC_WORKS/AERIAL_RAMSEY/rswcd_1974.map
>                         </file>
>                 </map>
>                 <map title="Aerial Photos 1953 - RCSWCD" zindex="-1">
>                         <file>
>
> /pearl/RASTER/RAMSEY_COUNTY/PUBLIC_WORKS/AERIAL_RAMSEY/rswcd_1953.map
>                         </file>
>                 </map>
>                 <map title="Aerial Photos 1940 - RCSWCD" zindex="-1">
>                         <file>
>
>
> /pearl/RASTER/RAMSEY_COUNTY/PUBLIC_WORKS/AERIAL_RAMSEY/rswcd_1940.map
>                         </file>
>                 </map>
>         </group>
>         <group title="Water Resources (INLAND)">
>                         <map title="Lakes and Rivers">
>                                 <file>
>
> /pearl/SHP/MINNESOTA/MNDOT/LAKES/lakes.map
>                                 </file>
>                         </map>
>
>         </group>
>         <group title="Geodetic Networks and Control Points">
>                 <map title="Property Lines">
>                         <file>
>
> /pearl/RASTER/SAINT_PAUL/PUBLIC_WORKS/PROPERTY/property.map
>                         </file>
>                 </map>
>                 <map title="Benchmarks">
>                         <file>
>
>
> /pearl/SHP/SAINT_PAUL/PUBLIC_WORKS/BENCHMARKS/benchmarks.map
>                         </file>
>                 </map>
>                 <map title="Monuments">
>                         <file>
>
> /pearl/SHP/SAINT_PAUL/PUBLIC_WORKS/MONUMENTS/monuments.map
>                         </file>
>                 </map>
>         </group>
>         <group title="Land Ownership">
>
>                 <map title="Parcels  - Rubbersheeted" opacity="50">
>
> <file>/pearl/SHP/SAINT_PAUL/PUBLIC_WORKS/PARCELS/parcels_rubber.map</file>
>                 </map>
>         </group>
>         <!--<group title="Planning and Development">
>         </group>
>         <group title="Recreation and Tourism">
>         </group>-->
>         <group title="Facilities, Buildings and Structures">
>                 <group title="Bridges">
>                         <map title="Bridge Outlines">
>
>                                 <file>
>
> /pearl/SHP/SAINT_PAUL/PUBLIC_WORKS/BRIDGES/bridge_maps.map
>                                 </file>
>                         </map>
>                 </group>
>                 <group title="Planimetrics">
>                         <map title="planimetrics_lines">
>                                 <file>
>
> /pearl/SHP/RAMSEY_COUNTY/PUBLIC_WORKS/PLANIMETRICS/planimetrics_lines.map
>                                 </file>
>
>                         </map>
>                         <map title="planimetrics_poly">
>                                 <file>
>
> /pearl/SHP/RAMSEY_COUNTY/PUBLIC_WORKS/PLANIMETRICS/planimetrics_poly.map
>                                 </file>
>                         </map>
>                 </group>
>         </group>
>         <group title="Transportation">
>
>                 <map title="Streets (TLG)" default="true">
>                         <file>
>
> /pearl/SHP/SAINT_PAUL/PUBLIC_WORKS/CENTERLINES_TLG/tlg01.map
>                         </file>
>                 </map>
>                 <map title="Streets (TLG) With Address Ranges"
> default="true">
>                         <file>
>
> /pearl/SHP/SAINT_PAUL/PUBLIC_WORKS/CENTERLINES_TLG/tlg01_add_ranges.map
>                         </file>
>                 </map>
>
>                 <group title="Traffic Operations">
>                         <map title="Signals">
>                                 <file>
>
> /pearl/SHP/SAINT_PAUL/PUBLIC_WORKS/SIGNALS/signals.map
>                                 </file>
>                         </map>
>                         <map title="Signs">
>                                 <file>
>
> /pearl/SHP/SAINT_PAUL/PUBLIC_WORKS/SIGNS/sign_points.map
>                                 </file>
>
>                         </map>
>                         <map title="Stripings">
>                                 <file>
>
> /pearl/SHP/SAINT_PAUL/PUBLIC_WORKS/PAVEMENT_STRIPINGS/stripings.map
>                                 </file>
>                         </map>
>                         <map title="Markings">
>                                 <file>
>
> /pearl/SHP/SAINT_PAUL/PUBLIC_WORKS/PAVEMENT_MARKINGS/markings.map
>                                 </file>
>
>                         </map>
>                         <map title="Street Lights">
>                                 <file>
>
> /pearl/SHP/SAINT_PAUL/PUBLIC_WORKS/LIGHTING/lighting.map
>                                 </file>
>                         </map>
>                         <map title="Intersections">
>                                 <file>
>
> /pearl/SHP/SAINT_PAUL/PUBLIC_WORKS/INTERSECTIONS/intersections.map
>                                 </file>
>
>                         </map>
>                         <map title="Parking Meters">
>                                 <file>
>
> /pearl/SHP/SAINT_PAUL/PUBLIC_WORKS/METERS/meters_parking.map
>                                 </file>
>                         </map>
>                 </group>
>         </group>
>         <group title="Utilities and Communications">
>
>                 <group title="Sewers">
>                         <map title="Catch Basins">
>                                 <file>
>
> /pearl/SHP/SAINT_PAUL/PUBLIC_WORKS/CATCHBASINS/catchbasins.map
>                                 </file>
>                         </map>
>                         <map title="Sewer Permit Points">
>                                 <file>
>
> /pearl/SHP/SAINT_PAUL/PUBLIC_WORKS/SEWERS/permit_points.map
>                                 </file>
>
>                         </map>
>                         <map title="Sewer Test">
>                                 <file>
>
> /pearl/SHP/SAINT_PAUL/PUBLIC_WORKS/SEWERS/sewer_test.map
>                                 </file>
>                         </map>
>                 </group>
>                 <group title="Water Supply">
>                         <map title="Mains">
>
>                                 <file>
>
> /pearl/SHP/SPRWS/MAPPING/MAIN/main.map
>                                 </file>
>                         </map>
>                         <map title="Hydrants">
>                                 <file>
>
> /pearl/SHP/SPRWS/MAPPING/HYDRANT/hydrant.map
>                                 </file>
>                         </map>
>                         <map title="Valves">
>
>                                 <file>
>
> /pearl/SHP/SPRWS/MAPPING/CONTROL_VALVE/control_valve.map
>                                 </file>
>                         </map>
>                 </group>
>         </group>
>         <group title="Annotation">
>                 <map title="Scale Bar" default="true">
>                         <file>
>
>                                 /usr/local/GIS/gambit/mapfiles/scalebar.map
>                         </file>
>                 </map>
>         </group>
>         <group title="Places and Things">
>                 <view title="Zoom To County"
> >539368,134025,604711,222260</view>
>                 <view title="Zoom To City"
> status="default">544668,135639,598640,174180</view>
>                 <view title="Zoom To
> Downtown">572682,155285.5,578462,160037.5</view>
>
>                 <map title="Selected Point" status="invisible">
>                         <file>
>                                 /usr/local/GIS/gambit/mapfiles/point.map
>                         </file>
>                 </map>
>                 <service name="fido" title="Find Asset by ID" points="0">
>                         <!-- <url>/gis/fusion/cgi-bin/fusion.pl</url>-->
>                         <url>/gis/fido/cgi-bin/fido.pl</url>
>                         <input type="user" name="id" value="" title="ID:"/>
>
>                 </service>
>                 <link title="STAMP
> Search">/gis/address/cgi-bin/gambitLookup.pl</link>
>                 <map title="amanda05">
>                         <file>
>
> /pearl/SHP/SAINT_PAUL/LIEP/AMANDA/amanda05.map
>                         </file>
>                 </map>
>                 <map title="Address Numbers">
>                         <file>
>
>
> /pearl/DB/SAINT_PAUL/PUBLIC_WORKS/ADDRESS/numbers_only.map
>                         </file>
>                 </map>
>                 <map title="address2">
>                         <file>
>
> /pearl/DB/SAINT_PAUL/PUBLIC_WORKS/ADDRESS/address2.map
>                         </file>
>                 </map>
>
>
>                 <map title="STAMP">
>
>                         <file>
>
> /pearl/DB/SAINT_PAUL/PUBLIC_WORKS/ADDRESS/STAMP.map
>                         </file>
>                 </map>
>         </group>
>
> </mapbook>
>



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