A page describing the location and use of the WMS servers made publicly available by DPI and the NT Government.

What is the Web Mapping Server (WMS) specification ?


The WMS specification defines a way that software can request maps from a server on the network. It allows programs such as ArcGIS, MapInfo, Google Earth and web applications such as NT Atlas to display maps based on data stored on a remote internet server. It is also easy for programmers to write code that can request a map.. for example the Bush Telegraph site uses the NTLIS WMS server to draw its maps.


WMS allows GIS users to see maps of data that lives on a remote server.


For more detailed information about the specification including information relevant to programmers see: http://portal.opengeospatial.org/files/?artifact_id=1081&version=1&format=pdf


If you are interested in downloading vector (GIS file format) spatial data you may be interested in:


What are the addresses of WMS servers with NT data ?


To add a WMS map to your GIS application your WMS client (ArcGIS, MapInfo, Google Earth etc) will need the address of the WMS server. Below are a couple of servers offered by NT Government.


Publicly available:

ILISMaps / NT Atlas layers: Cadastre, Roads, Planning etc


 Geological Survey layers: (Elevation, Magnetic Intensity.. see http://geoscience.nt.gov.au/giws/


The following statement referrs to the ILISMaps / NT Atlas WMS server:

Data accessed through the ILISMaps / NT Atlas WMS service may be used for internal business purposes only, including use as a reference backdrop in hardcopy reports for clients.  Any commercial use by way of on-sale in digital or hardcopy form or incorporation into commercial products or web service is prohibited unless authorised by licence. Further information on the use of this service can be obtained by telephoning +61 8 8995 5317 or emailing landinfo.dpi@nt.gov.au.



NT Government only

Northern Territory Government users can use the following server to get aerial photography over the territory. This is the same imagery that appears in the NT Visualiser

service.


This is described in more detail here: Viewing NTG Aerial Imagery in ArcGIS and Viewing NTG Aerial Imagery in MapInfo


How can i add a WMS server to ArcGIS / MapInfo / Google Earth?


For help adding a WMS layer to your GIS application consult the manual or call NTLIS GIS Support.



There are some instructions available on this Forum adding the aerial photography WMS to ArcGIS or MapInfo, please note this is only available inside the NTG network.. however these instructions will help you add the above, publically available WMS servers also.



Here is a KML you can use to bring current NTG Cadastre into the Free or Pro versions of Google Earth. Download and double-click the KML file. Zoom in to a location in the territory and the cadastre should come up after a few seconds.

Here is an ArcMAP AXL file you can use automatically pulling in WMS layers from the NT Atlas.


Here is a MapInfo workspace you can use automatically pulling in WMS layers from the NT Atlas.



Some screen shots of WMS in action..


ArcGIS looking at NT Atlas WMS server (see above link)




ArcGIS looking at the DME server:




Free Google Earth looking at the cadastre from ILISMaps / NT Atlas:




MapInfo looking at aerial photography available only inside NT Government:




How can i manually form WMS requests?


For the technically minded here is a typical WMS request.

As with all documents on the forum, if you have any questions please contact GIS Support