Is there any real alternative to GeoServer as dynamic map generator in Java?

Question

I'm looking for the most suitable tool for generating dynamic geographical maps in Java (with styles based on custom business data: colors, labels etc. will be dynamically set). After some searching, only GeoServer (and the underlying GeoTools library) seems to fit.

Although I'm really happy with this solution, I'm afraid I might miss something and make some decision based on incomplete input. Any suggestion ? Any viable alternative to compare against ?

Answer 1

Make sure to check out MapServer.

Both MapServer and GeoServer support OGC-compliant WMS requests, so they're basically inter-exchangeable if you use something like OpenLayers.

MapServer's got a handy installer that lets you install every aspect that you might need to get your server and web application going. It runs on Apache, which I find a big advantage over GeoServer, which runs on Jetty (it's all-java).

However, I'm now using GeoServer myself now. It's really easy to administer stuff via its web interface, and overall it just feels pretty polished. Maybe it's because I've been using it for a while now, but I just get stuff done quickly with it.

Answer 2

Take a look at OpenMap. It is a descent alternative to manipulate/display geospatial data.

Answer 3

The thread may be old but in case anyone else is looking for a similar solution it is worth checking out Nasa World Wind.
http://worldwind.arc.nasa.gov/java/