The Web Map Tile Service (WMTS) is an open standard developed by the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) aimed at the creation of web services for sharing georeferenced “tile maps.” To achieve this, WMTS pre-divides the map into a series of tiles, each representing a specific zoom level and extent, and stores them on the server. When a user requests a map, the WMTS retrieves the necessary tiles (already generated) and combines them to display the area of interest at the desired zoom level. This approach optimizes the transfer and rendering process of images, since only the necessary tiles are loaded, resulting in improved performance and faster data access.
WMTS allows users to zoom or rotate the map, but not to interact with single objects on it. For this reason, this standard is used exclusively for geospatial data visualization.
In accordance with the Directive (EU) 2019/1024, the Italian Military Geographic Institute has published a WMTS data visualization service for state land borders and toponyms of Italy.
A metadata sheet, containing all needed information, is also associated with the service. This sheet can also be consulted through the National Directory of Spatial Data (RNDT).
The service can be accessed through the link available in the “Access the Service” section. However, in order to view its contents, it is necessary to open this service through dedicated software, i.e., through a geographic information system (GIS).
An internet connection and GIS software to process the service
The service makes it possible to visualize:
– The state land border line, red according to the technical specifications of the Inspire Directive;
– the geographic names of Italy, shown according to rules defined by element importance and display scale.
Links to access the WMTS service and its metadata sheet:
The service is released under a CC BY 4.0 license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ ), use is, therefore, free and open. You may distribute, adjust, create derivative works from the original, even for commercial purposes, provided that the source of the data is acknowledged.
IGMI is not responsible for any kind of direct, indirect or accidental damage resulting from the use of the information collected through the above service.
IGMI, moreover, is the owner administration of the data; in case of use of the data it is mandatory to cite the source.
The service was published on 07-05-2024 and is always active. No deadline is currently expected.
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