Hi Ed, I think I can answer some of your questions, I am sure Gabriel + Jody can do a better job though.
Edward Nash wrote:
Hi list,
just a quick question on the complex schema / new feature model - not sure whether it belongs on the geotools or geoserver list, but since we're coming from a WFS/Community Schema viewpoint then I'll put it here.
Either list is fine or even both, support for "complex" data is coming in at both levels. The core model which is the bulk of the work is at the geotools level. The UI, configuration, etc.. is living in the geoserver at the moment.
The question is basically what sorts of classes (for want of a better word) are supported in the complex feature model / WFS for community schemas
- Features: obviously
- Objects: ???
- DataTypes: ???
- Enumerations, CodeLists: ???
In the new model, the idea of a feaure has been somewhat abstracted. Things you will see in the new model are Attributes, Descriptors, and Types. Feature is really just a specialization of an Attribute, FeatureTYpe a specialization of an AttributeType, etc...
Attribute has a type, Descriptor describes an attribute, etc...
If you are familar with xml schema:
<ComplexType name="fooType">
<sequence>
<element name="x" type="xsd:string" minoccurs="1"/>
</sequence>
</ComplexType>
fooType maps to an type naturally, x maps to an attribute + descriptor. The attribute containing mostly the mapping into the java world (ie. an Object of type String). The descriptor containing the multiplicilty and a reference to the type (xsd:string).
I apologize if this makes no sense, and i probably butchered the explanation :). However there are far smarter people then I on this list (*nudge Jody and Gabriel*) who came up with this stuff and can provide a better explanation.
As for deadlines, mid April is accurate for complex support in geoserver. As for geotools, the complex model along with api and documentation wont come until a little later. There has been much activity around this in the community. Jody I beleive came up with some actually timelines. He can better comment.
-Justin
Second quick question, as an outsider looking in on the IRC logs and docs - what is the current timetable for the complex work in terms of milestone / final releases (my understanding is that by mid/late-April there should be something out there, but I could be understanding wrong).
Oh, and third quick question while I'm here - is there support for uom and codeSpace xml-attributes on planned anywhere for the attibute-elements.
Many thanks,
Ed