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Understanding WFS: How Web Feature Services Work in GIS

  • Writer: Anvita Shrivastava
    Anvita Shrivastava
  • Jun 12
  • 2 min read

Updated: Jun 13

In the realm of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), the ability to access and share spatial data across different platforms is essential. A key technology that facilitates this process is the Web Feature Service (WFS). But what exactly is WFS, and how does it function?


What is WFS?


An OGC (Open geographic Consortium) standard called WFS (Web Feature Service) enables users to view and work with vector geographic features online. WFS offers real geographic elements (such as points, lines, and polygons) in formats like GML (Geography Markup Language) or GeoJSON, as opposed to WMS (Web Map Service), which gives rendered map pictures.


Sample WFS Service
Sample WFS Service

Key Features of WFS:

  • Access to raw vector data, not just images

  • Feature querying, insertion, updating, and deletion capabilities

  • Interoperability among several GIS platforms

  • Support for spatial queries and sophisticated filtering


How Does WFS Work?


WFS offers several common operations and is based on HTTP protocols. These operations usually include:


  1. Get Capabilities: Provides the available layers and other service metadata.

  2. Explain Feature Type: Offers schema details about a particular feature type.

  3. Get Feature: This function retrieves feature information that corresponds to particular searches.

  4. Transaction: Enables feature creation, deletion, and updating (for WFS-T).


These actions enable the dynamic request, editing, and presentation of geographic data by clients like QGIS, ArcGIS, GeoServer, or custom web applications.


WFS vs WMS vs WCS

Feature

WFS

WMS

WCS

Data Type

Vector

Raster Image

Raster Data

Editable

Yes

No

Sometimes

Queryable

Yes

Limited

Yes

Output Format

GML, GeoJSON

PNG, JPEG

GeoTIFF, NetCDF

Understanding the differences between these services helps GIS professionals choose the right tool for their project.


Why Use WFS in GIS Projects?


1. Instantaneous Data Access


WFS guarantees accuracy and relevance by enabling you to retrieve the most recent feature data straight from a server.


2. Compatibility Across Platforms


WFS encourages data exchange across many GIS platforms without requiring format conversion because it is an open standard.


3. Complex Enquiries


Spatial and attribute-based filtering are supported by WFS. You can save processing time and bandwidth by retrieving only the features that satisfy certain requirements.


4. Editing and Updating Features


WFS-T (Transactional WFS) is perfect for team projects because it allows you to change features right on the server.


Setting Up a WFS


To publish or use a WFS:


  • A WFS-compliant server, such as ArcGIS Server, MapServer, or GeoServer, is required.

  • Clients may be web applications, business systems, or desktop GIS software (such as QGIS).

  • Standardised and well-structured data—ideally in the form of GML or GeoJSON—is required.


A key component of contemporary GIS infrastructure is Web Feature Services. They give users flexible, interoperable access to real-time, queryable, and editable vector data. Whether you're doing environmental research or managing a city's infrastructure, knowing how WFS operates enables you to create more dynamic, data-driven GIS solutions.


For more information or any questions regarding Web Feature Services, please don't hesitate to contact us at


USA (HQ): (720) 702–4849

India: 98260-76466 - Pradeep Shrivastava

Canada: (519) 590 9999

Mexico: 55 5941 3755

UK & Spain: +44 12358 56710



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