Introduction

SVG Map is a specification for the map service platform that uses SVG. It achieves essential functions of Map Services as a basic function by fully applying the function of SVG and enhancing a little geospatial metadata.

A dynamic web server for SVG Map is not indispensable. Of course, it is possible to use it as an option. Because it is possible to construct it as a set of a mere files, even http is not indispensable either. Therefore, SVG Map is also possible stand-alone operation based on the local file system. This characteristic is the same as HTML that is the basis of the Web architecture. It may turn out that this feature is important by investigating the REST architecture thoroughly. And, it might dramatically decrease the cost of the map services.

Protocol

The basis of the protocol for SVG Map is simply a file access by URL. Basically, SVG Map doesn't restrict anything for it. The scheme of URL might be "file:" though it might be "http:". That is, even query part for http is an option in SVG Map.

Functionality

Nevertheless, SVG Map achieves following important functions of map services as a basic function without a dynamic server.

Not only raster map but also vector map support
Geographic coordinates identification
Tiled map system
Hyper-Layering (MashUp of map services)
Stand-alone operation

History

The basic architecture of SVG Map was designed in 1996. Its part was standardized as SVG1.1 (Geographic Coordinate Systems) that had been recommended by W3C in 2003. (See also, SVG Mobile Requirements - Usage Scenarios , SVG 1.1 and SVG Mobile FAQ) And SVG Map Consortium to promote it was established in 2007, and the reference implementation of the viewer was published.

Specification

The specification for SVG Map is published at following URL by SVG Map Consortium.

SVG Map Profile 1.0

Reference implementation

Client

It is a viewer because it targets even the stand-alone operation.

SVG Map Toolkit

Server

The minimum implementation is a mere map data file. Because the server of the minimum implementation is not dynamic, it doesn't have the program code.

Examples of the basic SVG map data

SVG Map

Contents