Creating Geospatial Maps with MapServer and GDAL from Pluralsight

Maps are a great way to visually convey all manner of data. This course will quickly have you creating your own custom maps with MapServer, one of the most popular open source mapping solutions.

Nowadays, maps are ubiquitous, and for good reason. Maps allow us to convey all manner of data visually and, quite often, beautifully. Understanding how to create your own custom maps from base geospatial data is an excellent skill for both designer and developer alike. In this course, Creating Geospatial Maps with MapServer and GDAL, you'll begin by installing MapServer and GDAL quickly and easily. You'll then create your first map using freely available data and learn how to apply custom styles to make the map your own. Next, you'll move on to more advanced concepts such as creating maps programmatically using MapScript, inspecting and modifying data using the GDAL suite, and querying data. When you've finished with this course you'll have your own WMS and WFS standards compliant server ready to go and start sharing your own amazing maps with others across the web.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Introduction

Your First Map

MapScript

Introducing the GDAL Suite

Querying Spatial Datasets

Sharing Your Maps and Geospatial Data Using WMS & WFS

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops practical geospatial skills and expertise

Taught by an expert instructor with a recognized track record in the field

Provides a comprehensive introduction to geospatial mapping

Covers the basics of creating custom maps using MapServer and GDAL

Explores advanced concepts such as programmatically creating maps and querying geospatial data

Teaches how to set up a WMS and WFS standards compliant server to share maps

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Creating Geospatial Maps with MapServer and GDAL with these activities:

Watch a video tutorial on MapServer

Show steps

This activity will introduce you to the basics of MapServer in a more guided manner, allowing you to follow along and ask questions as they arise.

Show steps

Find a video tutorial on MapServer
Watch the tutorial

Review Geospatial Data Concepts

Show steps

Reviewing geospatial data concepts will prepare you to hit the ground running when this course begins.

Browse courses on Geospatial Data

Show steps

Read articles about geospatial data
Watch videos about geospatial data
Take a quiz on geospatial data

Review Python Basics

Show steps

This course requires some knowledge of Python, so reviewing the basics will help you in the long run.

Browse courses on Python

Show steps

Read articles about Python basics
Watch videos about Python basics
Take a quiz on Python basics

Eight other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all 11 activities

Complete the MapServer online tutorial

Show steps

This activity will help you practice your MapServer skills and gain a deeper understanding of the material.

Show steps

Go to the MapServer online tutorial page
Complete the tutorial

Practice loading geospatial data and creating a basic map

Show steps

This activity is designed to give you a first-hand opportunity to apply the skills you will learn. This is perfect for laying the groundwork to build and enhance your project as the course progresses.

Browse courses on Maps

Show steps

Download and install MapServer and GDAL
Create a new MapServer project
Add geospatial data to your project
Create a basic map using the MapServer web client

Map Customizations Hands-on

Show steps

Creating your own maps from different data and customizing those maps will help you solidify your understanding of the process of mapping data.

Show steps

Gather your data
Create a map using MapServer
Customize the map to your liking

GDAL Tutorial Walkthrough

Show steps

GDAL is an open source geospatial data processing library, so the tutorials will help you learn how to access and process geospatial data.

Show steps

Find a GDAL tutorial
Follow the tutorial
Practice using GDAL

Map Critique

Show steps

Sharing your work with peers and receiving feedback will not only help you learn from others but also force you to think more critically about your own work.

Show steps

Find a peer group
Share your maps with the group
Receive feedback from the group

MapServer Code Exercises

Show steps

Complete these exercises to practice using the MapServer code and gain a better understanding of how it works.

Show steps

Find MapServer code exercises
Complete the exercises
Debug your code if necessary

Write a blog post about your experience using MapServer

Show steps

This activity is aimed to help you reinforce your newly learned skills and knowledge. It also provides an opportunity to share your newfound expertise with others, thereby deepening your understanding.

Show steps

Choose a topic related to MapServer that you want to write about
Research the topic and gather information
Write a blog post that is clear, concise, and informative
Publish your blog post and share it with others

Create a Map Portfolio

Show steps

Creating a portfolio of your maps will help you to showcase your skills and understanding of mapping data.

Show steps

Gather your maps
Create a website or online portfolio
Upload your maps to your portfolio
Share your portfolio with others

Career center

Learners who complete Creating Geospatial Maps with MapServer and GDAL will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Cartographer

Cartographers create and design maps using a variety of software and techniques. They work with data from a variety of sources, including satellite imagery, aerial photography, and GIS data. Creating Geospatial Maps with MapServer and GDAL will help you develop the skills you need to become a cartographer, including how to create custom maps, apply custom styles, and share your maps with others.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cartographer

Geospatial Developer

Geospatial developers develop software applications that use GIS data. They work with a variety of programming languages and technologies, including Python, Java, and C++. Creating Geospatial Maps with MapServer and GDAL will help you develop the skills you need to become a geospatial developer, including how to create custom maps, apply custom styles, and share your maps with others.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geospatial Developer

GIS Analyst

GIS analysts use GIS software to analyze and visualize spatial data. They work with a variety of data sources, including satellite imagery, aerial photography, and GIS data. Creating Geospatial Maps with MapServer and GDAL will help you develop the skills you need to become a GIS analyst, including how to create custom maps, apply custom styles, and share your maps with others.

See salaries and explore the career path for GIS Analyst

Urban Planner

Urban planners develop plans for the development and use of land in urban areas. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including government agencies, businesses, and community groups. Creating Geospatial Maps with MapServer and GDAL will help you develop the skills you need to become an urban planner, including how to create custom maps, apply custom styles, and share your maps with others.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Environmental Scientist

Environmental scientists study the environment and its components, including the air, water, land, and organisms that live in it. They work with a variety of data sources, including satellite imagery, aerial photography, and GIS data. Creating Geospatial Maps with MapServer and GDAL will help you develop the skills you need to become an environmental scientist, including how to create custom maps, apply custom styles, and share your maps with others.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Conservationist

Conservationists work to protect and manage natural resources, such as forests, water, and wildlife. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including government agencies, businesses, and community groups. Creating Geospatial Maps with MapServer and GDAL will help you develop the skills you need to become a conservationist, including how to create custom maps, apply custom styles, and share your maps with others.

See salaries and explore the career path for Conservationist

Spatial Data Analyst

Spatial data analysts use GIS software to analyze and visualize spatial data. They work with a variety of data sources, including satellite imagery, aerial photography, and GIS data. Creating Geospatial Maps with MapServer and GDAL will help you develop the skills you need to become a spatial data analyst, including how to create custom maps, apply custom styles, and share your maps with others.

See salaries and explore the career path for Spatial Data Analyst

Remote Sensing Analyst

Remote sensing analysts use satellite imagery and other data to study the Earth's surface. They work with a variety of data sources, including satellite imagery, aerial photography, and GIS data. Creating Geospatial Maps with MapServer and GDAL will help you develop the skills you need to become a remote sensing analyst, including how to create custom maps, apply custom styles, and share your maps with others.

See salaries and explore the career path for Remote Sensing Analyst

Data Scientist

Data scientists use data to solve problems and make decisions. They work with a variety of data sources, including satellite imagery, aerial photography, and GIS data. Creating Geospatial Maps with MapServer and GDAL will help you develop the skills you need to become a data scientist, including how to create custom maps, apply custom styles, and share your maps with others.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialist

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) specialists use GIS software to create and manage spatial data. They work with a variety of data sources, including satellite imagery, aerial photography, and GIS data. Creating Geospatial Maps with MapServer and GDAL will help you develop the skills you need to become a GIS specialist, including how to create custom maps, apply custom styles, and share your maps with others.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialist

Business Analyst

Business analysts use data to make recommendations and decisions. They work with a variety of data sources, including satellite imagery, aerial photography, and GIS data. Creating Geospatial Maps with MapServer and GDAL will help you develop the skills you need to become a business analyst, including how to create custom maps, apply custom styles, and share your maps with others.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Statistician

Statisticians use data to make predictions and draw conclusions. They work with a variety of data sources, including satellite imagery, aerial photography, and GIS data. Creating Geospatial Maps with MapServer and GDAL will help you develop the skills you need to become a statistician, including how to create custom maps, apply custom styles, and share your maps with others.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

Marketing Analyst

Marketing analysts use data to understand customers and make marketing decisions. They work with a variety of data sources, including satellite imagery, aerial photography, and GIS data. Creating Geospatial Maps with MapServer and GDAL will help you develop the skills you need to become a marketing analyst, including how to create custom maps, apply custom styles, and share your maps with others.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Analyst

Environmental Planner

Environmental planners develop plans for the protection and management of the environment. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including government agencies, businesses, and community groups. Creating Geospatial Maps with MapServer and GDAL will help you develop the skills you need to become an environmental planner, including how to create custom maps, apply custom styles, and share your maps with others.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Planner

Geodetic Surveyor

Geodetic surveyors measure and map the Earth's surface. They work with a variety of data sources, including satellite imagery, aerial photography, and GIS data. Creating Geospatial Maps with MapServer and GDAL will help you develop the skills you need to become a geodetic surveyor, including how to create custom maps, apply custom styles, and share your maps with others.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geodetic Surveyor