Framework for Mapserver GIS APP

Question

Hello guys! Good day!

I'm trying to display on the web (read as create a GIS Web app) topo data layers stored in a POSTGIS/POSTGRES spatial database using mapserver. My problem is, although i happened to come across different framework that 'I' could use, my lack of experience on using mapserver in the first place makes me indecisive of which framework to use. So what is the easiest framework out there to use? I'm using a MS4W pre-packaged mapserver binaries, and i've installed almost all of the additional packages (frameworks) from their site.

Thanks for the help!:) I

Answer 1

• Mapfish (I think python and C based and ideal with mapserver)
• GeoServer (java based)
• Featureserver (RESTful, light and effective)

Other interesting links:

• GEOEXT provides an excellent extension for openlayers
• Boston GIS provides excellent tutorials so does Paul Ramsey and Chris Schmidt
• The mother GIS - Free Open Source Software OSGEO
• FreeGIS - Continually updated list of free and related GIS software

I've used Geoserver and Feature server on multiple occasions, and never got deep into mapserver. I know that Mapserver has a big community and they love helping out, check them out on IRC and their mailing list.