Development of a Web Geological Feature Server (WGFS) for sharing and querying of 3D objects

Abstract

In order to adequately fulfil specific requirements related to spatial database integration with 3D modeling tools, this paper presents the development of a generic and open system architecture called Web Geological Feature Server (WGFS). WGFS provides direct access through Web services to 3D geological models. WGFS is based on a three-tier architecture: a client (Gocad), an application server (Apache Tomcat and Deegree) and a DBMS (MySQL). This architecture takes advantage of standard-compliant spatial applications such as WFS and GML standards stemming from OGC and spatial schema from ISO TC/211-Geographic Information. Before introducing the architecture and motivations of some geoinformatics choices, we will remind some important issues that have to be taken into account when such development is planned.