Import ESRi or WMS layers via API url for data that stays up to date at all times.
Many governments and companies host their data on open data servers. Take advantage of this free data by linking that layer into your Giraffe project.
Access the Layer Upload Applet
Navigate to the Layer Palette, then click “New data layer”
When the Layer Library opens, click “Create new Layer” on the right hand side
The dropdown displays all of the layer type options. Select Esri or WMS
The layer applet will appear in the right hand palette.
Find an API Service
The tricky part is finding the right API url. Web search is your best friend. Try searching query + gis in Google. (IE “NSW parcels GIS”).
Esri
Esri, which stands for Environmental Systems Research Institute, is a leading American multinational company that develops and sells Geographic Information System (GIS) software and technology.
URLs must have
mapserver,featureserver,imageserver, orsceneserverat the end of the link.Private URLs must include the token embedded as a query parameter -
?token=<TOKEN>The api endpoint webpage typically looks like this:
WMS
WMS stands for Web Map Service, an Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) standard for serving and consuming dynamic, georeferenced map images over the internet.
URLs must contain
GetCapabilities.The webpage typically looks like this:
Connect to the Service
Connect to the Server
Paste the URL of the service into the URL box
then click “Fetch Layers”
Select Layer
A visual preview of any of the layers contained within that URL are displayed.
Select one to import.
then click next
Layer details
Name the layer
add a description. By default, Giraffe attempts to import descriptions contained within the layer's metadata.
Click “save layer” to add the layer to your project.