[mapserver-users] help with converting Geoserver site to Mapserver

[Frank Warmerdam]

Justin Bailey wrote:
> So, I have two questions:
>  
> 1) Is there a utility I could download that can convert a Geoserver 
> installation to Mapserver?

Justin,

I am not aware of such a converter.

> 2) I *think* (crossing fingers) that the only thing I need to do, on the 
> application side, is to convert the following Javascript call...
>  
> var wms = new OpenLayers.Layer.WMS("World", "geoserver/wms?service=wms", 
> {layers: 'countries', bgcolor: 0x000055});

This part will remain large the same with the exact "geoserver/wms?service=wms"
string changing a bit depending on the name you set your MapServer WMS as.

> ...into its equivalent Mapserver call.  There are four countries.* files 
> in the geoserver repository:
>  
> countries.dbf
> countries.prj
> countries.shp
> countries.shx
>  
> How do I create countries.map to serve these files, and what mapserv.exe 
> call should I use?

MapServer works with shapefile easily so these files do not need to be
altered.  You really need to try reading through the mapserver documentation
- particularly the new user resources and the basic mapserver tutorial.

Your case does not appear complex on the face of it, so you just need to
invest a day.  One of the books about mapserver might also be a workwhile
investment if you can get one quickly enough.

While I don't envy you being put in this position, what needs to be done
should be doable in a few days even starting from little knowledge of
the topic assuming the styling and other requirements are not complex.

Good luck,
-- 
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I set the clouds in motion - turn up   | Frank Warmerdam, warmerdam at pobox.com
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and watch the world go round - Rush    | Geospatial Programmer for Rent