WB (Web Bundle)

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

WB files are a special format used in spatial data processing software to support web-based spatial slicing services. This format is particularly used to save and publish terrain data or image data after slicing. As a form of integrated management file, it enables efficient loading and online publishing of data. As a self-contained data package containing the hierarchical structure and metadata of terrain or image slices, WB files are widely used in lightweight deployment scenarios.

File Structure

1. File composition:

• Terrain or image slices (usually following TMS or WMTS standards)
• Slice map structure corresponding to each zoom level
• Metadata (extent information, projection information, zoom level, etc.)

2. **File extension: **.wb
3. Supported software:

• Some Web GIS platforms (support reading through custom plug-ins)

4. Supported projections:

• Mercator projection (EPSG:3857)
• Latitude and longitude projection (EPSG:4326)

Pros

1. Self-contained format: Terrain or image slices can be stored in a single file for easy management and sharing, and are easier to migrate and use than traditional multi-directory structures.
2. Fast loading: WB files can be directly read in supporting software such as GISBox, eliminating the need for caching, with fast loading speed and high rendering efficiency.
3. Web service compatibility: Highly compatible with Web slice services such as WMTS and TMS, and can be quickly deployed to Web maps.
4. Lightweight and compressed: The internal file is optimized and compressed to effectively save disk space and improve display speed.

Cons

1. Low versatility: It is not natively supported in mainstream GIS software (such as ArcGIS or QGIS) and requires special software or plug-ins to read.
2. Poor editability: WB files are usually read-only and do not support direct modification. If the content needs to be changed, it usually needs to be regenerated.
3. The specification is not open: Some of them use private formats, the file structure is not transparent, and the extensibility is limited.

Application Scenario

MVT is suitable for scenarios that require efficient storage and transmission of map data. It has a wide range of applications in visualization and interaction in Web maps, mobile applications, and GIS fields.

Example

1. WB file example.

2. WB file example.

Related GIS files

LYR

MID

MDB

QLR

References

1. https://filext.com/file-extension/WB
2. https://file.org/extension/wb
3. https://fileinfo.com/extension/wb