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How to Use WMSThe Explore WMS Layers dialog is a powerful tool that allows you to browse data from GoMMaP partner organizations as well as data provided by any other valid WMS server for which you know the online resource (the server's URL, or web address). This guide provides instructions on how to use the Explore WMS Layers application to view WMS layers.
1. Help AreaThis box contains brief instructions on the use of the Explore WMS Layers interface. Instructions: Consult this box for quick tips on how to use this tool. 2. WMS Server Management ToolsServer list
Instructions: Click the arrow icon on the right of the list to expand the list then select a server. The Layer View box below will refresh, showing a listing of the layers contained in the selected server. Servers Button
Instructions: Click the Servers button to open a new window containing advanced tools for WMS server management. For detailed instructions on managing servers click here. 3. OGC Catalog SearchThe OGC Catalog Search tool allows you to search for WMS data using simple keyword search terms. Instructions: Type a search term into the input box. Replace the words 'enter search terms' with your actual search terms. For example, you could type 'ocean' into the box to search for data that is related to oceans.
If no results are found for your search terms you will see a message in a pop-up window that says: No result found for your search on "your keywords". If results are found they will be shown in the Layer View box below the search tools. The results will be placed in a tree-view format just as layers in a selected server are. Here is an example of the results for a search on "depth".
Notes: For more information on how to use the results in the Layer View box see the next topic. 4. Layer ViewThe Layer View BoxThe Layer View box displays the contents of the selected server or the results of an OGC Catalog Search that you perform in this dialog. Instructions: To view the contents of one of the available GoMMaP partner servers use the pull-down list in the WMS Server Management Tools section above. Select any server you wish and its contents will be displayed in the Layer View box. If you change servers, the contents of the Layer View box will change. Here is an example of what you might see when you select a server:
When you first select a server you will see its name, like this:
Below that is the name given the WMS map service by the originating server's administrator. The individual layers available in the service are listed in a tree view, which is the expanding and collapsing structure used in many web sites and operating systems to manage long list of items. By default the listing of layers is collapsed. To expand the tree and see the listing of layers, click the Each layer has a small icon beside the layer's name, for example:
To preview a layer and select it to be added to the map, click the 5. Layer Preview
The Layer Preview box shows a preview of the selected layer. Instructions: To preview a layer, click on it in the Layer View box to the left of the Layer Preview box. A layer of the layer will appear. For more detailed instructions on the use of the Layer View box see section 4 above. 6. Layer Information BoxThe Layer Information box provides metadata, when available, for a selected layer. Instructions: To view information about a layer select it from the Layer View box. For more detailed instructions on the use of the Layer View box see section 4 above. Notes: Some layers may not have information, or metatdata, provided. This information is added by the administrator of the originating server. 7. ButtonsThe buttons in this section add layers to the map and close the window.
Instructions: To add more than one layer select another layer and use the button again.
Instructions: To close the diaolog click this button. |
The Server list contains a number of WMS servers provided by GoMMaP partner organizatoins. You can select any one of the servers in the list to view a listing the layers it contains, preview layers and add them to your map.
The Servers button allows you to manage the Server List. It opens a new window in which you can perform advanced functions on the servers in the server list. You can also add additional servers that are not currently in the list if you know their online resources.
This is the search tems box. Type your search terms in here.
Once you have entered your search terms click the Search button.
icon. This will expand the list and the icon will be replaced by the 
icon. To collapse the list click that icon.
button beside the layer name, or click the layer name itself. You will then see a preview in the Layer Preview window (see section 5 below). Some metadata will appear, if available, in the Layer Information box (see section 6 below). Once you have clicked this icon and you can see the preview the layer can be added to your map by clicking the Add Layer button.
The Add Layer button adds the selected layer to the map.
The Close button closes the Expore WMS Layers dialog.