What are geographic web services?
Geographic web services are standardised ways to access and use geodata over the internet. Instead of downloading files and storing them locally, you retrieve geodata directly from your own software or application via a web service. That means you always use the most current version of the data, without manual updates.
MapServices delivers geodata through various web service protocols, so you can integrate the data into virtually any GIS software, web application or system that supports these standards.
Which web service protocols do we support?
WMS (Web Map Service)
Delivers maps as images (e.g. PNG, JPEG). Ideal for displaying geodata in map viewers and web applications without downloading underlying data.
- Maps as images
- Ideal for visualisation
- Fast display
- Widely supported in GIS software
WFS (Web Feature Service)
Delivers geographic features with attributes. Suitable for downloading, editing and analysing data (incl. GML, GeoJSON).
- Full features and attributes
- Downloadable and editable
- Suitable for analysis
- Incl. GML, GeoJSON
TMS (Tile Map Service)
Delivers maps as pre-generated tiles at multiple zoom levels. Fast and suitable for interactive web maps.
- Pre-generated tiles
- Fast display
- Suitable for web applications
- Multiple zoom levels
WMTS (Web Map Tile Service)
OGC standard for map tiles. Suitable for scalable, cached display, including in mobile apps.
- OGC standard for tiles
- Efficient caching
- Performance optimised
- Suitable for mobile
WCS (Web Coverage Service)
Delivers raster data and coverages (e.g. elevation models, imagery). Suitable where pixel values are required.
- Raster data and coverages
- Elevation models and imagery
- Scientific applications
- Pixel-accurate data
WSDL, XML & SOAP
Open, standardised protocols for integration with diverse systems and platforms.
- Standardised protocols
- Broadly supported
- Flexible integration
- Enterprise-ready
Why use web services?
Always up-to-date data
No more manual downloads. Your application always uses the most recent version of the data.
Efficient data use
Fetch only the data you need, when you need it. No unnecessary downloads of large files.
Easy integration
Integrate geodata directly into your existing software, without complex import procedures or data conversions.
Scalable
Web services scale automatically with your usage — from small projects to enterprise solutions.
Web services and GeoApps
Need web services to visualise and use your geodata? Our GeoApps platform offers ready-made webGIS applications and map viewers that integrate seamlessly with MapServices web services.
With GeoApps you make your geodata accessible online without users needing to install special software. Everything works directly in the browser, on any device — fully integrated with your MapServices web services for always up-to-date data.
GeoApps
Ready-made webGIS applications and map viewers, integrated directly with MapServices.
Visit geoapps.nlWhich datasets are available as a web service?
Almost all MapServices geodata products are available as a web service — from postcode information to building data, elevation data to sustainability maps. Browse our full offering: