First Open Source Initiative for CARIS
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First Open Source Initiative for CARIS

CARIS, Canada, has released its first open source API. CARIS OSCAR-js, a JavaScript Map API, allows custom web maps to be created and embedded on a website. The API was created to help shape CARIS Spatial Fusion Enterprise and includes tools for navigation, measurement and download, as well as providing a means for developers to create their own custom tools and extensions.

OSCAR-js extends the very popular OpenLayers library and utilises jQueryUI and YUI to help create a feature-rich mapping experience.
 
The API is designed around the creation of map themes. Map themes consist of thematic maps along with optional functionality such as selection, data download or more. OSCAR-js supports the use of Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) web services including Web Map Service (WMS), Web Map Tile Service (WMTS), Web Feature Service (WFS) and Web Coverage Service (WCS) for creating these map themes.
 
In addition to supporting OGC web services, OSCAR-js can connect to CARIS Spatial Fusion Viewer to load map configurations. This allows for centralised site management for web map infrastructures.
 
The source code for the API is available on GitHub under the Apache License 2.0. This will enable the development community to make their own development branches for customisation or as a way to contribute code to the project. Building a dedicated distribution is done easily using Maven 3. To get started, visit the OSCAR-js website. Users will find helpful API documentation and code examples as well as a blog to hear the latest information about OSCAR-js. 

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