SuperMap iServer

SuperMap iServer are composed of SuperMap iServer .NET and SuperMap iServer Java, which are enterprise GIS products with SOA. It can be employed to construct powerful, highly scalable enterprise network application systems and network services with the features of seamless aggregation of multitier and multi-level service, centralized service management. This product runs on the server side, it can deliver the same GIS services as professional desktop GIS products to web client sides; it can also seamlessly aggregate with other Internet services. In summary, it is a multitier scalable GIS developing framework with SOA.
SuperMap iServer .NET and SuperMap IS Java have the same product structure. The main difference between the two lies in the host running platform, the former one is based on .NET framework while the latter one is based on Java platform.

System Architecture

SuperMap iServer is composed of following layers:

　　◆ GIS Application service Layer

This layer contains spatial data visualization, spatial data professional analysis, spatial data management and spatial data editing, which are implemented by different engines and published in service manner.

　　◆  Business architecture service layer

This layer seamlessly aggregates multi source services by aggregation management support library including services provided by SuperMap iServer products, services based on external standards, such as WMS, WFS, Web Service, KML. Though this layer’s service aggregation, spatial data from various sources and functions will be integrated together to publish to the client sides.

　　◆ Business architecture integration layer

This layer correlates aggregated service on business architecture service layer with controls provided by SuperMap iServer to get spatial data offered by the service on business architecture integration layer, and integrate with other service architecture on the same layer. So a complete enterprise level Web application is available.

Figure 2 Business flowchart of SuperMap iServer

Technical Features

　　◆ Universal GIS core technology

The core of SuperMap iServer is coded in standard and high performance C/C++, which realizes cross platform interoperability, efficient accessibility, graphics display, spatial analysis as well as excellent performance for complex computing.

　　◆ Full Components Service Oriented Architecture

SuperMap iServer provides an open architecture with encapsulated components from coarse grain to fine grain on different service layers. Publication components of various services based on OGC specifications are available on the service layer, such as WFS component, KML component etc., through which spatial data share can be achieved. Meanwhile, SuperMap iServer offers a series of access components for standard services, by which external spatial data is easily obtained to implement spatial data interoperation. On the Web developing layer, SuperMap iServer offers visualized controls and components, the interfaces provided by which can be invoked to implement desired GIS functions. In SuperMap iServer products, C/S based component developing model is introduced into every layer of Internet service system, greatly reducing developing difficulties of the services on each layer, this architecture is a breakthrough in Internet service system developing model.

　　◆ Multi-level cache mechanism for iServer

SuperMap iServer delivers a multi-level cache mechanism. Its Intelligent Cache Cluster (IC&C) and intelligent client technology are to optimize performance on different layers, realizing efficient data and application caching. What’s more, the intelligent client technique features local caching; download resuming, local rendering, real-time local data capturing, which effectively reduce data volume of service access and web transmission, and enhance massive data processing capability and parallel access ability greatly. Moreover, SuperMap iServer provides a flexible cache setting component for developers to customize caching strategy according to specific systems to facilitate SuperMap iServer to effectively provide data services.

　　◆ Clustering technology of hierarchical network model

SuperMap iServer provides clustering technology of hierarchical network model, by which GIS services are linked together to provide GIS services for unlimited applications or users to get better scalability and usability. Clustering is effectively adapted to changes of load and communication pressure, laying a solid foundation for improvement of usability. New clustering allows every node in the cluster to open different workspace data, therefore, a wider range of maps are able to be dynamically published.

　　◆ Optimized multi-process and multi-threading technology

SuperMap iServer has adopted Universal GIS Core, so it supports multi-process and multi-threading technology to increase the access volume of concurrent users and reduce average response time.

　　◆ Web service and support SOA integration

Web service technology is embedded into SuperMap iServer, SuperMap Web Service and WebControls are available. Extendable data exchange protocol XML is adopted, making interoperation, data exchange and integration among heterogeneous systems easier. In addition, SuperMap iServer allows developers to encapsulate their own Web Service and integrate with SuperMap Web Service, which provide these developers with wide value-added opportunities.

Advantages of SuperMap Web Service are as follows:

　　○ Easy integration among heterogeneous system
　　○ High security with standard network protocols and communication ports
　　○ Easy maintenance and update
　　○ Reusability on higher levels

　　◆ Developing controls for various levels encapsulated using Aiax

SuperMap iServer provides a variety of developing tools for various layers, including Web tier controls, client side controls. These controls are encapsulated using Aiax technology, which increases system’s concurrent responsibility and display effect on client side. Functionality and its user interface can also be separated so great flexibility is available.

　　◆ Powerful massive image data publishing

Traditional WebGIS software has limited capability to cope with massive spatial data, SuperMap iServer improves core representation engine for image data, remarkably enhance image publishing with support for TB level image publishing.

Figure 3 Massive Image Publishing with SuperMap iServer

　　◆ Services built with Metadata

SuperMap iServer products are open service systems, where the configuration of assemblies is dynamically assembled via configuration files in XML format. Applications with different service contents can be constructed by different configurations, and the parameters required by the system can be set in the configuration files. If no options are specified in the configuration file, default settings will be used to ensure the system to work properly. System parameter setting can not only be configured after system installation but also can be adjusted and controlled during running process of the service by remote management in web manner without interrupting services. Meanwhile, this hot-swappable feature makes system management and adjustment very convenient and ease of use.

　　◆ Support 64 bit system

64 bit CPU and operating system are future directions in IT industry. Every application will be gradually implanted to support or be compatible with 64 bit OS. SuperMap iServer fully support 64 bit OS.

Main Functionality

　　◆ General-purposed enterprise service framework with SOA spatial information.
　　◆ Support GIS service aggregation management library.
　　◆ Spatial metadata service.
　　◆ The publication of dynamic KML service and spatial information in GeoRSS format.
　　◆ Support for overlaying map to external GeoWeb applications such as Google Maps, Virtual Earth and Open Layers etc.
　　◆ Clustering service with hierarchical network model.
　　◆ Multi-level and multi-tier service extension.
　　◆ Service oriented components.
　　◆ Service configuration management tool based on standard Internet browser.
　　◆ Support for standard OGC specifications.
　　◆ Support for a variety of standard Internet browsers, desktop applications and mobile applications.
　　◆ Online spatial data editing.
　　◆  Online advanced spatial analysis.

To cater to a variety of requirements from different lines of industry, SuperMap iServer platforms deliver a range of comprehensive, flexible and scalable GIS services. A wide range of developing choices are available to Web tier developers such as visualized control development, script development, component class library development; personalized custom GIS service can be developed by service layer developers via service components of the Service GIS product. Below is the detailed description of main functionalities.

　　◆ WebGIS Service

　　      ○  Spatial data management service

SuperMap iServer products provide spatial data management service based on server. Through SuperMap SDX+ Engine, comprehensive and advanced spatial data service is available.

　　      ○  Spatial data publishing

SuperMap iServer also offers spatial information publishing based on servers, where spatial data in a variety of data formats can be integrated into the map for publishing. End users are then able to access and browse the spatial information via standard browsers, mobile devices, desktop applications etc.

　　     ○  Professional spatial analysis service

SuperMap iServer delivers professional spatial analysis service based on servers, including network analysis, closest facility analysis, public transport transfer analysis, overlay analysis, buffer analysis etc. These analysis services play an important role in tourism, telecommunications and power supply, etc.

Figure 4 Shortest path analysis

　　◆ Online editing service for spatial data

SuperMap iServer delivers server based online editing service for spatial data with no plug-in required. Multi-user editing for simple objects over the web is allowed; it is also allowed to modify spatial data and its attribute data of a map service, which greatly reduces system maintenance workload.

　　◆ Aggregate and publish multi-source spatial data

SuperMap iServer supports to aggregate external multi-source spatial data service, allowing external data or map such as KML and GeoRSS to aggregate or interoperate with the local service via service aggregation management. It also supports dynamic publishing KML service and GeoRSS spatial information as well as implements overlaying the map to external applications such as Google Maps, Virtual Earth, and Open Layers etc.

　　◆ Custom service extension

SuperMap iServer provides spatial metadata service; developers can extend the metadata service for a specific industry according to their specific needs.

　　◆ Server cluster with a hierarchical network model

SuperMap iServer optimizes the task scheduling and transferring strategies for clustering servers as well as adds support for many network protocols, which not only enhances concurrent accessibility, reduces response latency to the client requests but also provides uninterrupted service by letting other servers to take over the tasks of the malfunction server within the cluster (see Figure 5).

Figure 5 Cluster Architecture

Target Users

SuperMap iServer offers an integral solution from development, configuration, and deployment to publishing; it is suitable for a variety of users in web applications.

GIS professionals - SuperMap iServer delivers a range of services for GIS professionals from GIS data editing, sharing, to web publication and even services published by other users can be shared.

Application developers - people specialized in application development is not necessary to be proficient in GIS, they can directly use GIS services provided by professionals to customize or build application systems. SuperMap iServer provides a number of developing choices for various environments. Developers can feel free to choose implementation methods according to system requirements, for example, pure JavaScript developing, developing based on visualized controls and so on.

Non professionals - they can, with no GIS background, use Web Service techniques to integrate GIS services to their own business system.

Network administrators - they can integrate the GIS services offered by SuperMap iServer with other service systems to form an integral and seamless workflow.

Application Developing Modes

SuperMap iServer is not only large complex Internet system with powerful GIS service but also an enterprise level service oriented GIS development platform, which is a main characteristic that SuperMap iServer differs from other Web GIS applications.

SuperMap iServer delivers a variety of developing modes from UI customization, Web application to customized engine developing or custom service programs with all kinds of SDKs to meet users’ requirements. Based on middleware, SuperMap iServer allows users to choose their favorite programming languages (C#, VB.NET, Managed C++, JavaScript, Java etc.) and developing tools (VS.NET, C#Builder, Web Matrix, Dreamweaver, Jbuilder etc). Even for a non GIS software engineer, SuperMap iServer guarantees an easy developing environment for a GIS project.

　　◆ AjaxSDK development on the web tier

SuperMap iServer product suite provides AjaxControls on the Web tier as well as script GIS service object AjaxScripts on the client side. Both the two modes can implement powerful GIS functions, including map visualization, spatial analysis, map editing and so on. Although the GIS functionality is very similar, the script GIS service object and visual controls are independent with each other. Users of SuperMap iServer can choose appropriate developing mode according to their experience and qualification of the desired system.

SuperMap iServer has newly added controls such as Magnifier, Navigation and ScaleBar etc. SuperMap iServer .NET platform further supports IIS7 hosting environment.

　　◆ Application templates with rich functions

User friendly application templates are available to those two developing modes above, including fast transplanting template, reusable template and so on, for direct reuse with strong support for the desired project.

　　◆ Web tier component development

SuperMap iServer contains a group of GIS components on web tier, which implement powerful GIS functionalities. The application systems developed based on these components support the widest range of client sides, such as standard Internet browsers, mobile devices, desktop applications etc.

　　◆ Custom engine development

SuperMap iServer allows users to extend system functionality and integrate with SuperMap iServer functions and services, which is substantially useful for industry application oriented developers by developing the specialized engine for a specific industry to reduce development duration of concrete projects.

A Complete GIS Project Solution

SuperMap iServer is constructed on the unified core technology, SuperMap GIS Universal with a fine compatibility with other products of SuperMap 2008 series. It can get direct access to the maps produced by SuperMap Deskpro and SuperMap Objects etc. Meanwhile, SuperMap GIS 2008 series deliver a complete solution for GIS industries.

Figure 6 Integration with SuperMap GIS

Future of SuperMap Service GIS Products

SuperMap iServer .NET and SuperMap iServer Java products are based on mainstream .NET and Java technologies with openness, flexible architecture, Powerful GIS services, rapid massive data publication, and IC&C technique, convenient Internet developing choice with visualized AjaxControls, support for multiple operating systems multiple clients multiple types of web servers and so on. SuperMap Service GIS products are committed to delivering excellent products and services with advanced technologies to Internet users and developers.

In the future, SuperMap iServer will offer further support to data integration and SOA. More GIS functions will be added and more precise spatial analysis services will be available. As to map application services, both common and specialized modules will be available to LIS, military/emergency information system and so on. Therefore, developers are only necessary to mainly focus themselves on application developing.

SuperMap iServer products will be an enterprise level Service GIS platform with increasing openness architecture. SuperMap iServer products are aiming at the products of component based services, web based servers, client-side based representation, with standardized communication protocols and providing specific developing templates for various industries. In additional to that, SuperMap iServer will be a GIS product suite with more humanization.