Looking for web and desktop tools with GML support

Diving into GML: Finding the Right Tools for Your Geospatial Data

So, you’re working with geospatial data and keep hearing about GML, huh? Geography Markup Language – it’s a mouthful, I know. But trust me, it’s a pretty crucial piece of the puzzle when it comes to sharing and storing location-based info. Think of it as a universal translator for GIS data, allowing different systems to “talk” to each other i. This article is all about finding the right web and desktop tools to handle GML like a pro.

Why All the Fuss About GML?

GML is essentially a structured way to describe geographic features, their characteristics, and how they relate to each other i. It’s built on XML, which means it’s super flexible and can be adapted to fit all sorts of needs i. Plus, it plays nice with different spatial reference systems, which is a big win when you’re dealing with data from various sources i.

While you could technically read GML yourself (it’s human-readable, after all!), it’s usually generated automatically by software or web services, like the Web Feature Service (WFS) i. The real beauty of GML is that it separates the data from how it’s displayed, making it perfect for storing and moving information around i.

Desktop Tools: Your GML Powerhouses

When it comes to desktop GIS applications, you’ve got some seriously powerful options for working with GML. Let’s take a look:

• QGIS: This open-source gem is my go-to for a lot of things, and GML is no exception. It’s fantastic for viewing and converting GML data to other formats i. And the best part? It’s free and relatively easy to get the hang of i.
• gvSIG Desktop: Another open-source contender, gvSIG is a solid choice for managing all sorts of geographic information, including GML i. Think of it as a complete package for capturing, storing, analyzing, and sharing your data i.
• ArcGIS Desktop: Esri’s ArcGIS is a big player in the GIS world, and it handles GML Simple Features (GMLSF) without breaking a sweat i. You might need the Data Interoperability extension for some advanced stuff, but basic GML support is included i.
• OpenJUMP GIS: If you’re a fan of Java, OpenJUMP is worth checking out. This open-source GIS can read and write simple GML files and even lets you tweak the geometry and attributes i.
• SuperMap: Looking for something that works across different platforms? SuperMap supports importing CityGML and other BIM model data, making it a versatile option i.

Web-Based Viewers: GML on the Go

Don’t want to install anything? No problem! There are plenty of web-based GML viewers that let you peek inside those files without any software:

• Focus GML Viewer: This free tool lets you open and inspect GML files right in your browser i. It’s especially handy if you’re working on road or infrastructure projects i. Just be aware that you’ll need to create a Focus account to use it i.
• Aspose GML Viewer: Need a quick way to visualize your Geo Data? Aspose has you covered with their online viewer. It’s fast, easy to use, and lets you save the results without needing any extra software i.
• CityGMLViewer JS: Privacy-conscious? This browser-based viewer runs entirely in JavaScript, so your GML file never leaves your computer i. Pretty cool, right?

Keeping Your GML in Check: Validation Tools

Making sure your GML data is valid is super important for avoiding headaches down the road. Here are a few tools to help you keep things in order:

• XML Schema Validator for Berlin Geodata: If you’re working with geodata in the Berlin area, this tool is a lifesaver for validating your GML against XML schemas i.
• INSPIRE Validation Service: Need to comply with INSPIRE standards? This service will validate your datasets against the GML standard (ISO 19136) and INSPIRE application schemas i.
• FME: This powerful data integration platform lets you validate GML output using the XMLValidator transformer and the INSPIRE Writer i.

A Few More Tools to Have in Your Arsenal

• GML-Toolbox: This toolbox is a jack-of-all-trades for handling spatial data in various formats, including CityGML and XPlanGML i. It can read, write, validate, and even transform coordinate systems i.
• citygml4j: If you’re a Java developer working with 3D city models, citygml4j is your new best friend. It’s an open-source library and API that makes processing CityGML data a breeze i.

Editing GML: Proceed with Caution!

While viewing GML data is easy, editing it directly can be a bit tricky i. GML is really designed for transporting data, so not all software supports direct editing i. In most cases, it’s best to convert the GML data to a more editable format like GeoPackage or Shapefile, make your changes, and then export it back to GML i.

Don’t Confuse Your GMLs!

One quick note: “GML” also stands for Game Maker Language, which is used in the GameMaker game engine i. If you’re a game developer, you might be looking for tools like GMEdit, which are designed for editing GameMaker code i. Just wanted to clear up any confusion!

Final Thoughts

The world of GML tools is vast and varied. Whether you need to view, edit, validate, or simply explore GML data, there’s a tool out there for you. The key is to understand your specific needs and choose the tool that best fits the bill. So, go forth and conquer your geospatial data!