[mapserver-users] MapServer v GeoServer

[Rahkonen Jukka]

Hi,

I am listing just the advantages of Geoserver and not the other way.

- Biggest advantage for new or simple minded users like me can be seen here: http://demo.opengeo.org/geoserver/web/
The whole server can be controlled with the admin utility. If one does not like it or wants to do automated tasks it is also possible to use a RESTful alternative or just edit the configuration files manually.
- Layers are automatically configured for both WMS and WFS
- Geoserver does WFS-T with a bunch of backends, of those PostGIS and Oracle have a pretty good support. Mapserver does not do WFS-T, and TinyOWS which is a nice pair with Mapserver is only for PostGIS.
- WFS should be the same standard for all but somehow Geoserver WFS has been more standard than Mapserver WFS.
- Geoserver has an integrated security system for user management.

The next ones are more a matter of taste
- If Java + Tomcat etc. architecture is in use then Geoserver integrates fine into it.
- There are people who love XML configuration files and Geoserver is using them.
- Styling is done with SLD files which also the OGC way.
- There are more graphical styling utilities available for SLD than for styling with a mapfile.

I read the blog from http://s3.cleverelephant.ca/geoweb-mapserver.pdf
It is rather old and readers should investigate what is situation right now with Mapserver 6.0 and Geoserver 2.1 both published yesterday. However, the metaphoras are probably still valid. Mapserver is a cheetah and an oxe while Geoserver is a car (both are fast and strong but one is easier to ride than the other). 

-Jukka Rahkonen-
 



-----Alkuperäinen viesti-----
Lähettäjä: mapserver-users-bounces at lists.osgeo.org puolesta: Jon-Paul Dobson
Lähetetty: to 12.5.2011 18:51
Vastaanottaja: mapserver-users at lists.osgeo.org
Aihe: [mapserver-users] MapServer v GeoServer
 
Hi,

MapServer appears to do most of what I need it too. Is there any reason why
one would choose GeoServer as an alternative? Are there any disadvantages to
MapServer when compared to GeoServer?

Regards,
Jon-Paul.