Getmapping has upgraded the mapping layers it makes available via WMS (Web Mapping Service). The WMS layer suite now includes all Ordnance Survey PSMA (Public Sector Mapping Agreement) datasets, all Ordnance Survey OpenData mapping and Getmapping’s own nationwide high resolution aerial photography.
Increasingly popular, WMS is a standard protocol for streaming georeferenced map imagery over the Internet to web based applications, GIS and CAD software. WMS feeds load only the imagery that a user actually needs to see rather than a whole dataset, which can often result in lengthy load times or delays when panning and zooming. Aerial photography which is a large dataset can put a heavy strain on a network especially when it is being accessed by many users at the same time. Having an external source available through WMS reduces network load and the costs associated with data storage, update and management.
Getmapping combines all map scale layers into one WMS feed. This means that the feed detects the level of zoom and displays the most appropriate scale of mapping delivering only the data required. For example, with Ordnance Survey mapping when fully zoomed in, the WMS will display MasterMap, and then when zooming out say from a building to a neighbourhood it will display 1:10,000 scale mapping.
“Managing key datasets like Ordnance Survey maps requires considerable resource, not only the servers to host them but also the software and manpower to manage the regular updates provided by Ordnance Survey. By taking a WMS feed instead organisations such as Local Authorities can be sure of fast, cost effective access to the latest versions of the data,” said Dave Horner Managing Director of Getmapping. Read More
