A web map service implementation for the visualization of multidimensional gridded environmental data

Article


Blower, J., Gemell, A., Griffiths, G., Haines, K., Santokhee, A. and Yang, X. 2013. A web map service implementation for the visualization of multidimensional gridded environmental data. Environmental Modelling and Software. 47, pp. 218-224. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsoft.2013.04.002
TypeArticle
TitleA web map service implementation for the visualization of multidimensional gridded environmental data
AuthorsBlower, J., Gemell, A., Griffiths, G., Haines, K., Santokhee, A. and Yang, X.
Abstract

We describe ncWMS, an implementation of the Open Geospatial Consortium's Web Map Service (WMS) specification for multidimensional gridded environmental data. ncWMS can read data in a large number of common scientific data formats – notably the NetCDF format with the Climate and Forecast conventions – then efficiently generate map imagery in thousands of different coordinate reference systems. It is designed to require minimal configuration from the system administrator and, when used in conjunction with a suitable client tool, provides end users with an interactive means for visualizing data without the need to download large files or interpret complex metadata. It is also used as a “bridging” tool providing interoperability between the environmental science community and users of geographic information systems. ncWMS implements a number of extensions to the WMS standard in order to fulfil some common scientific requirements, including the ability to generate plots representing timeseries and vertical sections. We discuss these extensions and their impact upon present and future interoperability. We discuss the conceptual mapping between the WMS data model and the data models used by gridded data formats, highlighting areas in which the mapping is incomplete or ambiguous. We discuss the architecture of the system and particular technical innovations of note, including the algorithms used for fast data reading and image generation. ncWMS has been widely adopted within the environmental data community and we discuss some of the ways in which the software is integrated within data infrastructures and portals.

KeywordsOpen Geospatial Consortium; Web Map Service; NetCDF; Gridded data; Environmental science; Visualization
Research GroupArtificial Intelligence group
PublisherElsevier
JournalEnvironmental Modelling and Software
ISSN1364-8152
Publication dates
PrintSep 2013
Publication process dates
Deposited20 Mar 2015
Output statusPublished
Publisher's version
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Copyright Statement

Open Access funded by Natural Environment Research Council
Under a Creative Commons license

Additional information

Available online 20 June 2013

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsoft.2013.04.002
Web of Science identifierWOS:000322351600018
LanguageEnglish
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