vMap

vMap is a WebGIS OpenSource software, based on most known and powerfull technologies :

  • PostgreSQL/PostGIS
  • Apache
  • MapServer
  • OpenLayers 3
  • AngularJS
  • Bootstrap
  • LessCSS
  • etc.

It is a WEB on premise program witch indicates each person who wants to use it can install it on it's own server.

1. Using as a WebMapping software

User authentification

Using PostgreSQL, LDAP or even Active Directory, the admin can handle rights management, user groups etc.

Using external cartographical services

The first role of each WebMapping software is to use external data to create maps, on vMap the user can use the following formats to create layers, reorder them and create maps.

  • WMS, WMTS, TMS, XYZ, Bing, GPX, GeoJSON, KML, TopoJSON, etc.

2. Creating WMS services with MapServer

Using external data is great but using your own data is always better, vMap incorporates a MapServer module witch allows you to create layers based on PostgreSQL conections.

To create layers an interactive form helps you to chose a table and create the layer style using MapServer MapFile style.

2.1. Public WMS services

The fist way to do it is using a public PostgreSQL connection to create layers, then everyone could see your data on vMap an even on others cartographical softwares (QGIS, Leaflet etc..)

2.2. Private WMS services

When using confidential data, public services should not be the good way. To handle it vMap proposes privates WMS services.

The good thing aboud this feature is that the layer will be not only access protected, but also filtered by the PostgreSQL user rights.

On the example below two users on the same layer see different data.

User 1

User 2

2.3. Filtrable layers

An other good thing aboud using MapServer module is the layers filter feature. Using the studio (witch is exposed on the nexts chapters) the administrator can create filter forms on the interesting layers.

Then the user can easily filter the viewed data.

3. Query data

There is two ways to query yous data, the first (the normalized) is to use the WMS GetFeatureInfo protocol. This method uses a HTML output format and allows the user to see the data on a table.

To use more advanced features like editing, formamating, export etc. a proper format called business objects was created.

4. Business objects

Business objects are very advanced and has a lot more features than GetFeatureInfo.

4.1. Customizable forms

The forms for update, display or insert data, they are fully customizable and allows the following.

  • 30+ attributes types
  • External data
  • 1 to many relation tables
  • Tabs
  • Customizable JavaScript

4.2. Studio

Creating complex forms without being a developper is on of the most important goals of vMap.

Using a powerfull studio the administrators can graphically manage all the form.

4.3. Other features

Business objects have a lot more features

  • Attribute selection
  • Data export (JSON, CSV, MS-Excel)
  • PDF/.doc reports
  • Real time data

5. Smartphone mode

vMap is also available for mobile devices using a simple browser

You will be able to display, insert and edit data in the same way you do using your computer. A GPS connection is also available to draw features using your current position.

Display data Query layers Draw features

6. Contribution

As an OpenSource project everyone can contribute to the project event without developping skills.

Creating Maps (store)

vMap is a powerfull tool but more important is the way how the data is used.

As a GIS expert and vMap administrator you probably have some maps with symbology, business objects, reports etc. that could interest the comunity.

Using import/export features you can to exchange your maps, data, symology, forms, reports etc. with other users.

To do that go to https://vstore.veremes.net/store/

Core developping

To contribute on the developping a GitLab project is opened https://gitlab.veremes.net/open-source/vmap

7. Install

Try it

A demo server is available on https://demovmap.veremes.net where you can try all the user features, for administration features you will have to install it.

Docker

The most easy way to install vMap is using Docker, vMap is available on docker hub https://hub.docker.com/r/veremes/vmap where you will find an installation documentation.

AWS Marketplace

With an AWS account you will be able to create an EC2 using the marketplace vMap AMI.

Manual

Or you can install it mannulaly on Debian, Ubuntu or even Windows

https://www.veremes.com/produits/vmap (french)