Using the Importer extension

Here are step-by-step instructions to import multiple shapefiles in one operation. For more details on different types of operations, please see the Importer interface reference

  1. Find a directory of shapefiles and copy into your GeoServer data directory.

    Note

    You can always use the Natural Earth Quickstart data for this task.

  2. Log in as an administrator and navigate to the Data –> Import Data page.

  3. For select Spatial Files as the data source.

    ../../_images/using_datasource.png

    Data source

  4. Click Browse to navigate to the directory of shapefiles to be imported.

  5. The web-based file browser will show as options your home directory, data directory, and the root of your file system (or drive). In this case, select Data directory

    ../../_images/using_directory.png

    Directory

  6. Back on the main form, select Create new next to Workspace, and enter ne to denote the workspace.

    Note

    Make sure the Store field reads Create new as well.

    ../../_images/using_workspace.png

    Import target workspace

  7. Click Next to start the import process.

  8. On the next screen, any layers available for import will be shown.

    Note

    Non-spatial files will be ignored.

    ../../_images/using_layerlist.png

    Import layer list

  9. In most cases, all files will be ready for import, but if the the spatial reference system (SRS) is not recognized, you will need to manually input this but clicking Advanced

    Note

    You will need to manually input the SRS if you used the Natural Earth data above. For each layer click on Advanced and set reprojection to EPSG:4326.

    ../../_images/using_advanced.png

    Advanced import settings

  10. Check the box next to each layer you wish to import.

    ../../_images/using_layerlistchecked.png

    Setting the layers to import

  11. When ready, click Import.

    Warning

    Don’t click Done at this point, otherwise the import will be canceled.

  12. The results of the import process will be shown next to each layer.

  13. When finished, click Done.

    Note

    Recent import processes are listed at the bottom of the page. You may wish to visit these pages to check if any difficulties were encountered during the import process or import additional layers.

    ../../_images/using_recent.png

    Recent imports