European Data Portal Version 4.3 – User Manual   Page 38 of 57 
 
 
3.3 Visualization of Geo-Spatial Data (map.apps)  
The visualization of ge o-spatial data within the European Data Portal provides previewing 
functionality for spatial open data. The aim is to allow the us er to assess if a dataset meets specific 
requirements in terms of spatial and them atic coverage. The functionality that is pro vided in t he 
header (links to disclaimers and language switching) is consistent in the entire portal. 
3.3.1 How to visualize geo-spatial data from a dataset resource 
Accessing the geo-spatial visualization is achieved via the Data Platform interface. A user searches for 
specific data, enters the data set view of reaso nable results and displays the available distributions 
(see Section 3.2.5). If a dataset distribution is supported by the geo -spatial vi sualization, a globe 
button is displayed (se e Figure 3). This is the entry point into the map viewer application. Supported 
formats are OGC Web Map Service (WMS) and GeoJSON. If the user visits the geo -spatial 
visualization for th e first time, an interactive user tutorial i s provided  to guide the use through 
specific functions of the user interface, similar to this written user manual. 
 
Figure 3 – Dataset Resource Page with Link to Geo-Spatial Visualisation.