The Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) Web Map Server interface implementation specification (WMS) allows map servers to create and send standard map images over the Web as GIF, PNG, or JPEG in a manner that lets client software overlay and display multiple maps from multiple servers – and even different vendors. The use of WMS as an extension to the Clearinghouse allows existing data holdings, described in metadata, to be viewed in this standard way, giving prospective data clients the chance to visually explore the spatial data behind the Clearinghouse from potentially multiple sites.

OGC Map Viewer

This map viewer displays data sets currently being served from INSIDE Idaho to The National Map.  Users may zoom in, zoom out, re-center, and change the visibility of the individual map services. 

Metadata Containing Links to OGC-Compliant Map Viewer

Users may select a metadata record below and click on the "View in OGC Map Viewer" button contained in the metadata.  By doing so, the layer will be dynamically passed to a map viewer.

This demonstrates visual exploration of the spatial data through metadata.

Give it a try:

• Click on "County Boundaries" link below.  (A new browser window will open contating the metadata record).
• Click on "View in OGC Map Viewer" button.  (A new map viewer browser window will open with with the layer name appearing in the "Passed Layer" field). 
• Click on "Add" button.  
• Check the box next to the "County Boundaries" layer.
• Click on "Redraw Map" button.  (The layer will be displayed in the map viewer).

Note:  You can add multiple layers if you leave the map viewer browser window open.

This functionality is also available through the FGDC Clearinghouse.  The layers are passed to a Clearinghouse OGC-compliant map viewer in Reston, Virginia.

Transportation Networks

Major Roads

Inland Water Resources

Major Rivers

Administrative and Political Boundaries

County Boundaries

Cultural, Society, and Demographic

Major Cities