Back to Solutions

GeoServer

Open Source Geospatial Foundation
Website (Opens in new window) Get in Touch (Opens in new window)

About

Launched: 2001
Record Updated: Dec 09, 2025
Geospatial data tool or platform
GeoServer is a Java-based server that allows users to view and edit geospatial data. Using open standards set forth by the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC), GeoServer allows for great flexibility in map creation and data sharing.
Research Organization Registry (Opens in new window)

Mission

GeoServer is an open source software server written in Java that allows users to share and edit geospatial data. Designed for interoperability, it publishes data from any major spatial data source using open standards.

Key Achievements

In a recent presentation GeoServer was assessed as the most popular Web Map Service (WMS) implementation world wide as measured by number of layers.
For 2025 we have restored our certification with the help of sponsors:
GeoServer is compliant with OGC Web Map Service, Revision 1.3, 1.1.
GeoServer is compliant with OGC Web Feature Service, Revision 2.0, 1.1, 1.0.
GeoServer is compliant with OGC Web Coverage Service, Revision 2.0, 1.1, 1.0.
GeoServer is compliant with OGC OGC API - Features, Revision 1.0.
GeoServer is compliant with OGC Web Map Tile Service, Revision 1.0.
GeoServer is compliant with OGC GeoTIFF, Revision 1.1.
GeoServer is compliant with OGC GPKG, Revision 1.2.
GeoServer implements OGC Web Map Service, Revision 1.0.
GeoServer implements OGC Web Processing Service, Revision 1.0.
GeoServer implements OGC Catalog Services, Revision 2.0.
GeoServer implements community standards Tile Map Services and WMS-C.

Technical Attributes

Maintenance Status

Actively Maintained

Open Code Repository

Implemented
Website (Opens in new window)

Technical Documentation

Implemented
Website (Opens in new window)

Code License

Implemented
Website (Opens in new window)

Open API

Implemented
Website (Opens in new window)

Open Product Roadmap

Implemented
Website (Opens in new window)

Technical Attribute Statements

Programming Languages

  • java

Technology Readiness Level

  • Actual system proven in operational environment

Code Licenses Used

  • GNU General Public License (GPL)

Standards

Hosting Options

  • Through third party vendor only

Service Providers

https://geoserver.org/support/

Community Engagement

Code of Conduct

Implemented
Website (Opens in new window)

Community Engagement

Implemented
Website (Opens in new window)

Community Statements

User Contribution Pathways

  • Contribute to code

Community Engagement Activities

  • Blogs
  • Community calls
  • Conference participation
  • Development sprints
  • Mailing lists and discussion forums (including Slack)
  • Social media

Engagement with Values Frameworks

  • Contributor Covenant Code of Conduct for Open Source and Other Digital Commons Communities

Additional Information

Organizational History

https://docs.geoserver.org/latest/en/user/introduction/history.html

Organizational Structure

Business or Ownership Model

Non-profit organization

Full-time Staff

0

Volunteers

More than 20

Current Affiliations

https://www.osgeo.org
https://www.geosolutionsgroup.com/
https://www.afrigis.co.za/
https://www.geocat.net/
https://camptocamp.com/

Funding

Primary Funding Source

  • Contributions

Financial Reporting Level

  • Provider

Funding Needs

We have ongoing funding needs to cover operational expenses, Open Geospatial Consortium "CITE" certification on the protocols implemented, and increasing expenses due to security vulnerability reporting and regulation in both Europe and the United States.
We have a sponsorship program, and yearly objectives, the above list represents ongoing expenses.
Back to Top