Web Map Servers (WMS) provide optional data layers.  Some Web Map Servers are operated by others and may not be available.  Most WMS resources include many layers.  WMS resources require Internet connectivity.  Note that many other VDA map and geospatial operations do not require Internet.

 

Comparing WMS Layers to Shapefile/Vector Layers

Advantages of WMS

•Web-sourced, not loaded onto local hard drive
•Wide ranging layers typically available from one WMS
•Census WMS provide extensive selection of geographic layer types from a single source (rather than opening many shapefiles)
•Census WMS provide national scope geography combined with smallest geographic area drill-down

 

Disadvantages of WMS

•Inability to control attributes of layers (server side controlled)
•Raster graphics typically provide poor presentation quality
•Rough appearance of boundary lines and labels may limit effective interpretation
•Labeling of geographic objects is typically awkward
•Web-sourced, not local and thus requires Internet

 

Availability

Levels Viewer, 1, 2, 3

All features overview

 

Usage

File>Open>Favorites

After opening a WMS resource, shapefile layers may be added.

 

Related Information

 

Census TIGERweb WMS URLs:

 

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