GeoServer

GeoServer is an open source server written in Java that allows users to share and edit geospatial data. Designed for interoperability, it publishes data from any major spatial data source using open standards. GeoServer has evolved to become an easy method of connecting existing information to Virtual Globes such as Google Earth and NASA World Wind as well as web-based maps such as Google Maps and Windows Live Local. GeoServer is the reference implementation of the Open Geospatial Consortium Web Feature Service standard, and also implements the Web Map Service and Web Coverage Service specifications.

Goals
GeoServer's goal is to be a node of a free and open Spatial Data Infrastructure. Just as the Apache HTTP Server has democratized the publishing of HTML, GeoServer aims to do the same for geospatial data.

Features
GeoServer reads a variety of data formats, including PostGIS, Oracle Spatial, ArcSDE, DB2, MySQL, Shapefiles, GeoTIFF, GTOPO30, ECW, MrSID, and JPEG2000. Through standard protocols it produces KML, GML, Shapefile, GeoRSS, PDF, GeoJSON, JPEG, GIF, SVG, PNG and more. In addition, one can edit data via the WFS transactional profile (WFS-T). GeoServer includes an integrated OpenLayers client for previewing data layers.

GeoServer additionally supports efficient publishing of geospatial data to Google Earth through the use of network links, using KML. Advanced features for Google Earth output include templates for customized pop-ups, time and height visualizations, and 'super-overlays'.

GeoServer is built upon GeoTools, a geographic information system library.

History
The GeoServer project began in 2001, under the umbrella of The Open Planning Project, as a tool for community planning.

Usage

 * MassGIS (Massachusetts state GIS)
 * TriMet (Transit agency for Portland, Oregon)

License
GeoServer is licensed under the GNU General Public License