GIS-Publisher: Simplifying web-based GIS application development for enhanced data dissemination

Abstract

[Abstract]: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are complex systems that store, organize, process, and present geographically referenced data. Developing GIS requires specialized knowledge of algorithms, data structures, and geospatial concepts, along with the ability to implement scalable and efficient solutions for managing massive volumes of spatial data from various sources and providing user-friendly interfaces. This article introduces GIS-Publisher, a tool built using the Software Product Line (SPL) approach, which is a method of systematically creating a family of software products from shared core assets managing similarities and controlling variability. With GIS-Publisher, users without software development expertise can quickly and easily create web applications from directories containing shapefiles, a popular format for geographic data. The tool automates system deployment across various environments, including local computers, Secure Shell (SSH) remote servers, and Amazon Web Services (AWS) instances. Additionally, GIS-Publisher enables users to specify different styles using Styled Layer Descriptions (SLDs) for each shapefile, providing complete control over the visual representation of geographic data. This study details the features, benefits, and implementation of GIS-Publisher, demonstrating how it can accelerate GIS development and deployment.