Web Mapping Illustrated

Chapter 10. Creating Static Maps

Putting map data into an Internet page or interactive web site may be easier than you think. MapServer is often all you need to make it happen. This chapter shows you how to use MapServer to get your data up on a web site as quickly as possible. Even if what you really want is interactive maps, using MapServer to create static maps may be useful at times, and it's a good way to learn about the program.

MapServer is best known for its web mapping capabilities, but it also comes with a set of standalone command-line tools for personal use. These can be used to create static map images for web pages, documents, or email. This chapter starts with a description of each utility, then walks you through several common mapping tasks using a simple map file. Chapter 4 discussed the process of installing or compiling these utilities while Chapter 11 focuses on using MapServer as an interactive web mapping solution.

MapServer Utilities

MapServer comes with much more than the standard mapserv executable file. The following programs are compiled at the same time as the mapserv file and are usually included in any MapServer installation package. MapServer is more than just a web mapping program. To demonstrate this, the chapter begins with an introduction to some command-line tools. They can be used as standalone applications for making maps without a web server. Details about each program are included.

legend

Creates a graphic image of a legend based on the symbols ...