Measurement points, assessment results, project boundaries and subsite boundaries are spatial data. To use them in GIS, teams often still rely on separate exports: exporting, importing and then checking that everyone is working with the latest version.
The TerraIndex GeoServer makes current TerraIndex soil investigation data directly available in GIS software such as QGIS, ArcGIS, MapInfo and Onemap. Changes in TerraIndex are reflected in the map layers, while TerraIndex remains the central source.
This article explains what the TerraIndex GeoServer does, how a WFS connection differs from separate exports, which GIS environment suits your team and how to request a free trial connection.
From current soil data to spatial insight
1. TerraIndex
Remains the central source for field data, results and boundaries.
2. GeoServer
Makes current data available as map layers through WFS.
3. Your GIS
Combines, filters and analyses the layers in your chosen GIS environment.
What does the TerraIndex GeoServer do?
The GeoServer is an optional TerraIndex module that makes your data available as map layers in GIS software. It uses WFS (Web Feature Service), an open standard for exchanging geographic features supported by almost all common GIS packages.
TerraIndex remains the source of your investigation data. The GeoServer makes that data available in your GIS, where you combine, filter and visualise it alongside other map layers.
| The TerraIndex GeoServer | The GIS software |
|---|---|
| Makes current TerraIndex data available as map layers | Combines map layers with other sources |
| Reflects changes in TerraIndex in the map layers | Selects, filters and visualises data |
| Keeps TerraIndex as the central source of investigation data | Measures distances and areas and performs spatial analyses |
Exporting TerraIndex data or connecting through WFS
The difference is not just the number of steps, but above all the reliability and currency of the data used for assessments and advice.
An export is a snapshot. The GIS file does not change when a borehole is surveyed at a different position from the planned one, new laboratory results arrive or boundaries are adjusted. If the field team, project manager and consultant work on the same project, different versions can therefore circulate.
With a WFS connection through the TerraIndex GeoServer, TerraIndex remains the central source. GIS map layers reflect the current data in TerraIndex without requiring a new export and import after every change.
| Separate export | WFS connection through the GeoServer | |
|---|---|---|
| Currency | Snapshot at the time of export | Reflects current data in TerraIndex |
| After a change | Export again and replace the file | The map layer is updated from TerraIndex |
| Versions | Several files may circulate | One central source: TerraIndex |
| Collaboration | Check that everyone uses the same version | Everyone works with the same source data |
| Manual steps | Export, import and check | Set up the connection once |
Which TerraIndex data can you use in GIS?
The TerraIndex GeoServer provides access to data including:
| Map layer | How you use it in GIS |
|---|---|
| Field data | View surveyed measurement points and the associated investigation data. |
| Assessment results | View results by layer and filter by topsoil and subsoil. |
| Project boundaries | Compare the investigation site with parcels, Dutch KLIC utility data and environmental data. |
| Subsite boundaries | Assess results for each suspected subsite. |
GIS therefore shows not only where a measurement point lies, but also what was found in each layer and how results differ between depths and subsites.
Practical example: delineating contamination in GIS
Suppose an exploratory soil investigation under Dutch standard NEN 5740 at a former industrial site finds a strongly elevated zinc concentration in the subsoil of one borehole.
In GIS, display current assessment results filtered to the subsoil, with a historical map as the background. The borehole turns out to be next to a former workshop. Surrounding boreholes show no subsoil contamination, but there is no measurement point east of the borehole. Using the measured distance to the parcel boundary, the consultant determines where to place an additional borehole to delineate the contamination.
Once processed in TerraIndex, the additional borehole results become available on the map through the connection. The project manager, consultant and client can then discuss the next step using the same current source data.
More examples can be found in GIS in soil investigations: 10 applications from preliminary investigation to reporting.
Connecting TerraIndex to QGIS, ArcGIS, MapInfo or Onemap
The most suitable GIS environment depends on the GIS expertise and existing working methods in your organisation.
| GIS environment | Suitable for | Learning curve | GeoServer |
|---|---|---|---|
| QGIS / ArcGIS | Teams with GIS experience or an established GIS workflow | Higher, depending on experience | Yes |
| MapInfo | Teams with an existing MapInfo workflow | Higher, depending on experience | Yes |
| Onemap | Soil professionals without specialist GIS training | Low | Yes |
QGIS and ArcGIS are widely used by engineering and consultancy firms. If your organisation already uses one of these packages, load the TerraIndex map layers into that existing environment through WFS.
MapInfo Pro can also read WFS services, allowing you to work with TerraIndex map layers there as well.
Onemap is GeoSquare’s webGIS for professionals who work with geographic information within their own discipline. It runs in a browser and is designed for use without specialist GIS knowledge. You can combine TerraIndex data with other relevant map sources.
Frequently asked questions about the TerraIndex GeoServer
Do I need GIS knowledge to use the GeoServer?
No. The GeoServer makes your data available; how you work with it depends on your GIS environment. Onemap is designed for use based on your professional expertise, without extensive GIS experience. Many practical tasks in QGIS and ArcGIS also require only a limited set of functions, such as loading layers, filtering and measuring.
Will my data remain in TerraIndex?
Yes. TerraIndex remains the central source. The GeoServer makes the data available to your GIS, so you do not need to keep working with new separate export files.
Can I continue using my current GIS software?
Yes. The GeoServer works with QGIS, ArcGIS, MapInfo and Onemap, among others, and with other GIS software that can read WFS services.
What happens when I change data in TerraIndex?
Map layers are updated from the current data in TerraIndex. You do not need to export and import again after every change.
Is GIS only useful for large projects?
No. Value begins with a single concrete question: where are the unusual results, how do measurement points relate to a possible source, and has the contamination been adequately delineated?
Try the TerraIndex GeoServer free with your own data
The best way to assess the value of a direct GIS connection is with your own projects. TerraIndex therefore offers a free, no-obligation GeoServer trial connection, combined with Onemap or your own GIS software.
- Request the trial connection.
- Jeroen ten Kate, account manager at TerraIndex, will contact you personally to arrange the connection.
- Use your own projects as current GIS map layers and assess the benefits for your organisation yourself.
Request a free trial connection →
In the webinar recording, Bram Ardesch and Jeroen ten Kate from TerraIndex, together with Maarten van der Hoek and Wilbert van Dorremolen from GeoSquare, demonstrate the connection in practice. Watch the recording