Web Mapping Illustrated

Using OpenEV

OpenEV was designed as an example of the kinds of tools that can be built on top of various open source GIS libraries. It has a variety of powerful features, is open to complete customization, and includes the ability to add in custom tools written in Python. For the purposes of this chapter, only some of the basic functions (not including Python scripting) will be demonstrated. These include the ability to view various formats of raster and vector data layers, change their colors, create labels, etc. It is also possible to create your own data; check for that in Chapter 9.

Follow along with the examples, and try them yourself to build up your familiarity and comfort with this tool. You will first test your installation of OpenEV, then create some custom maps using the demonstration datasets. Once the basic viewing capabilities are explored, you will learn to create some more sophisticated color classifications, and ultimately produce a 3D model to navigate through.

Installing OpenEV

Chapters 5 and 6 walked you through how to acquire sample data and review it using some simple tools. If you don't already have the MapServer demonstration data and the FWTools downloaded and installed, please refer back to these sections in Chapter 6.

You should have two things: a sample MapServer application known as Workshop and a copy of OpenEV that comes with FWTools. To test that you have OpenEV installed, launch the program. Windows users will launch the OpenEV_FW desktop shortcut. ...