Overview

The three WPS packages are listed below.

Geoserver

Geoserver is a fully featured Web Mapping Server, and WPS integration is available as an addition. It has the advantage of being easier to install and comes pre-configured with a number of WPS processes, but it is not possible to create your own processes.

PyWPS

PyWPS is a small python-based WPS that was originally developed to provide access to modules from GRASS GIS, but now it offers an environment for programming your own processes.

Installation and usage is more complex than for Geoserver as you are required to write your own processes, but it is under active development and has good documentation. It is probably best suited for those with an intermediate or higher level of experience writing python code.

ZOO

ZOO is a WPS written in C, but with support for Python and other common programming languages. It is split into three conceptual parts:

• ZOO-Kernel- this is the program itself
• ZOO-Services- the web services that you wish to use
• ZOO-API- a javascript library based on OpenLayers and Proj4js, designed to make the it easier to create services.

ZOO is the most complex package to install and configure, although the use of OSGeo4W for installation on windows makes it easier. There are lots of good documentation and tutorials on the ZOO website.