I go wherever the GeoServer tutorial takes me and it took me to Google Earth rather than Google Maps. No biggie, but I’m all confused now. Which direction do I want to go? Offer both? Because I’m that awesome?

Here’s the extremely simple Google Earth mashup that was done after an infinitely more difficult install of GeoServer and setting my 3 year old Mac into a server. I think I need a new Mac, just ’cause.

With a basic shapefile of the states, I was able to stylize it with a pinkish tint and label each state with its FIPS code. I should point out that Pennsylvania’s State FIPS code is 42 – the answer to life, the universe, and everything.

Anyway, if it’s this simple to overlay shapefiles onto Google Earth……..

Ok, trying to act a little more ‘professional’ here. No talks of Guitar Hero and Wii Play.. did I mention I’m getting the Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games soon? And and, Super Mario Galaxy.. and Super Smash Bros. Brawl?? Because Craig wants to play, not because I want them… nooo….

Sorry. Maps. That’s what I’m here to talk about. I signed up for a Google Maps API Key, meaning I can plot my brewpubs there. And potentially hiking trails as well. But also, I’m looking into GeoServer. From their website:

“GeoServer aspires to be the Apache of spatial data sharing, by providing an open source, freely available implementation of the Open Geospatial Consortium’s (OGC) Web Feature Service (WFS) and Web Map Service (WMS) specifications. We hope to enable greater geographic interoperability by enforcing OGC standards and lowering the barriers to entry for geographic data providers interested in sharing their data.”

Sounds cool and it should allow me to overlay any sort of data on my Google Map. Topography possibly? Contours? Hikers love that, I hear.

So while I try to figure out this GeoServer (I’m stuck on the install!!), take a look at my Google Map. I umm, created a red border, zoomed in and centered it on my apartment, and set the default view to Satellite. Pretty rural out here. There are COWS everywhere, and they stink too.