Is there any real alternative to GeoServer as dynamic map generator in Java?

Question

I'm looking for the most suitable tool for generating dynamic geographical maps in Java (with styles based on custom business data: colors, labels etc. will be dynamically set). After some searching, only GeoServer (and the underlying GeoTools library) seems to fit.

Although I'm really happy with this solution, I'm afraid I might miss something and make some decision based on incomplete input. Any suggestion ? Any viable alternative to compare against ?

Are you looking for a web map server or will a desktop GIS do? — R.K., Sep 22 '12 at 04:13

Wouter van Nifterick · Answer 1 · 2011-02-09T04:10:23.447

Make sure to check out MapServer.

Both MapServer and GeoServer support OGC-compliant WMS requests, so they're basically inter-exchangeable if you use something like OpenLayers.

MapServer's got a handy installer that lets you install every aspect that you might need to get your server and web application going. It runs on Apache, which I find a big advantage over GeoServer, which runs on Jetty (it's all-java).

However, I'm now using GeoServer myself now. It's really easy to administer stuff via its web interface, and overall it just feels pretty polished. Maybe it's because I've been using it for a while now, but I just get stuff done quickly with it.

score 3 · Accepted Answer · edited Sep 04 '20 at 01:57

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Take a look at OpenMap. It is a descent alternative to manipulate/display geospatial data.

edited Sep 04 '20 at 01:57

Kevin

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answered Jan 06 '11 at 16:07

Thanks ! I actually did encounter this while searching, but at a first glance it didn't seem to be as flexible and powerful as GeoServer. I'll have a closer look. – Costi Ciudatu Jan 06 '11 at 16:30
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OpenMap is completely different to GeoServer with completely different list of features. Is not an alternative. Are different software. – angelcervera May 06 '13 at 06:54
It is an alternative as a library for building a Java app with maps, which GeoServer could be used for, but it is not an alternative as a standalone map server. (It also seems to have stopped updating at the end of 2016.) – Kevin Sep 03 '20 at 17:33

score 2 · Answer 3 · answered Sep 12 '12 at 22:52

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The thread may be old but in case anyone else is looking for a similar solution it is worth checking out Nasa World Wind.
http://worldwind.arc.nasa.gov/java/

answered Sep 12 '12 at 22:52

DABrake

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That is neat, but underneath, it is GeoServer. Still worth considering instead of maintaining all the aspects of GeoServer yourself. – Kevin Sep 03 '20 at 17:30

Is there any real alternative to GeoServer as dynamic map generator in Java?

3 Answers3