OGC API - Maps

GISBox is a one-stop 3D GIS data editing, conversion and publishing platform that supports editing in multiple GIS formats such as OSGB/GEOTIFF/RVT, converting to 3DTiles/Terrain and publishing.

Introduction

OGC API - Maps is a new generation of Web map service standards launched by the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC). It is based on the RESTful architecture and OpenAPI specification. It aims to replace the traditional WMS (Web Map Service) protocol, provide more efficient and flexible map tiles and dynamic map rendering services, and support multi-format output (such as PNG, JPEG, GeoTIFF) and spatial data interaction.

File Structure

Landing Page: Provides basic information and entry points of the API.
API Definition: Describes the API’s functionality, supported resources, and operations.
Collections: Defines map data collections (such as layers, tiles, etc.).
Tiles: Provides access to map tiles (optional).
Conformance: Declares the specifications and extensions supported by the API.

Pros

Standardization and interoperability: Based on OGC standards, it is compatible with mainstream GIS platforms (such as GeoServer and ArcGIS) to achieve cross-system data sharing.
Performance and flexibility: It supports vector and raster tiles, dynamic map rendering, and can be customized on demand (such as zoom level and layer combination) through parameterized requests.

Cons

Function coverage limitations: The current version (such as the core part Draft) has not yet fully implemented all the functions of WMS (such as insufficient support for some complex styles).
Implementation dependencies: The server side needs to support the OGC API - Maps specification (such as GeoServer requires additional installation of plug-ins), which poses compatibility challenges for the migration of old systems.

Application Scenario

It is suitable for scenarios that require efficient loading, rendering and interactive display of geospatial data, such as smart city visualization, real-time traffic monitoring, emergency response systems, etc. It is especially suitable for high-concurrency access and cross-platform data sharing needs.