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GIS Views

The GIS Views page is where you manage saved map configurations used for internal dashboards and external GIS connections.

A GIS View defines what spatial data is exposed, how it is grouped, and how it can be accessed by GIS tools such as QGIS.

What Is a GIS View?​

A GIS View is a container for GIS layers.

Each view represents:

  • A specific mapping purpose
  • A curated set of spatial layers
  • A stable external access point for GIS clients

Views do not store data themselves.
They define how data is assembled and presented through layers.

When to Use GIS Views​

GIS Views are intended for:

  • Preparing engineering or planning exhibits
  • Sharing live spatial data with GIS users
  • Creating repeatable, query-driven map outputs
  • Providing controlled read-only GIS access

They are not required for normal application use.

Page Layout Overview​

The GIS Views page is divided into three primary sections:

1. Views List (Left)​

Displays all available GIS Views.

From here you can:

  • Search views by name or description
  • Select a view to inspect its layers
  • Create new views
  • Edit or delete existing views

Each view shows:

  • Name and description
  • Share scope
  • Base map (if defined)
  • Optional metadata (zoom, visibility)

2. Layers & External URLs (Center)​

Once a view is selected, this section shows:

Layers​

  • All layers assigned to the view
  • Visibility status
  • Z-index (draw order)
  • Source table and geometry field
  • Column and filter counts

From here you can:

  • Add new layers
  • Edit existing layers
  • Delete layers

External GIS URLs​

Each view exposes OGC-compatible endpoints for external GIS tools.

These include:

  • OGC API landing page
  • Collections endpoint
  • Per-layer item URLs

These URLs are read-only and safe to share based on the view’s permissions.

These endpoints are what QGIS connects to.

3. Layer Inspector (Right)​

When a layer is selected, the inspector shows:

  • Source table and alias
  • Selected columns and expressions
  • Label field designation
  • Sort order
  • Join definitions (if applicable)

This section is read-only and exists to help users understand:

  • Where data comes from
  • How joins are applied
  • What fields are exposed externally

Creating a New GIS View​

To create a view:

  1. Click + New View
  2. Enter a unique name
  3. (Optional) Add a description
  4. Choose a share scope
  5. (Optional) Select a base map
  6. Save the view

A new view starts with no layers until they are added.

Editing Views​

Editing a view allows you to:

  • Rename the view
  • Change its description
  • Adjust sharing behavior
  • Modify base map settings

Changes take effect immediately and apply to all connected GIS clients.

Deleting Views​

Deleting a view:

  • Removes the view permanently
  • Deletes all associated layers
  • Invalidates external GIS URLs

A confirmation dialog is shown before deletion.

Relationship to GIS Layers​

  • A view can contain many layers
  • Layers cannot exist without a view
  • Views control external access, layers control data structure

Think of views as the entry point and layers as the query engine.

External GIS Access​

Every GIS View can be accessed externally via OGC-compatible URLs.

These URLs are:

  • Read-only
  • Generated automatically
  • Structured for professional GIS tools

For connection details, see:

Permissions & Safety​

GIS Views respect your application’s permission model.

  • Only authorized users can create or modify views
  • External access is limited to what the view exposes
  • No external edits are allowed

This prevents accidental data corruption while enabling powerful GIS workflows.

Summary​

GIS Views define what spatial data exists outside the application.

They:

  • Group GIS layers into meaningful outputs
  • Control external GIS access
  • Provide stable, reusable map configurations

Think of a GIS View as a published map definition, not just a saved filter.