eAtlas WMS: Environmental Map Layers for the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait

Over 1500 map layers are delivered via a GeoServer-based Web Mapping Service (WMS) operated by the Australian Institute of Marine Science. The service provides environmental research data and reference datasets focusing on the Great Barrier Reef, Wet Tropics rainforests, and Torres Strait, sourced from state and federal agencies. It is co-funded by the National Environmental Research Program Tropical Ecosystems hub and primarily maintained for visualization through the eAtlas and Australian Ocean Data Network portals.

Use Cases

• Visualizing coastal and marine environmental research data based on the described map layers for the Great Barrier Reef.
• Incorporating contextual reference datasets from government agencies into spatial analyses based on the service description.
• Developing mapping applications using cached tile services for faster performance as mentioned in the description.
• Studying the Torres Strait region using the dedicated map layers associated with the Torres Strait eAtlas.

Strengths

• Over 1500 distinct map layers available through the service.
• Includes both primary research data and numerous reference datasets from government sources.
• Service is implemented on Amazon Web Services (AWS) and offers a faster cached tiled version alongside the WMS.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after accessing the service.
• Retrieving the full list of layers via the GetCapabilities document can be slow due to the large number of layers.
• Data freshness should be verified as the last update metadata is a future date (2026-07-13).

Provenance

Source

Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), co-funded by the National Environmental Research Program Tropical Ecosystems hub.

Collection Method

Map layers are delivered via a GeoServer version 2.13 Web Mapping Service (WMS).

Time Range

The primary WMS server has been active since 2011, with a legacy server covering 2008-2011.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-07-13 12:29:01.680223; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Focuses on the Great Barrier Reef, neighbouring coast, Wet Tropics rainforests, and Torres Strait in Australia.