GeoRSS

Geographic Really Simple Syndication

GeoRSS is a standard for encoding location as part of a web feed format, providing a way to attach geographic information, such as latitude and longitude coordinates, to RSS feeds. This enhancement allows users and applications to filter and search for content based on geographical locations, making it a powerful tool for disseminating geographically relevant information. It’s handy for applications like mapping services, location-based news aggregation, and any service that might benefit from spatial data.

GeoRSS Formats

1. GeoRSS-Simple is an easy-to-use format that supports basic geometries (point, line, box) for indicating the location of the feed item. It’s designed to be simple enough for anyone with basic XML or RSS knowledge to implement it. For example, a GeoRSS-Simple entry for a point might look like this:

<georss:point>45.256 -71.92</georss:point>

2. GeoRSS GML (Geography Markup Language) is a more complex format that allows for a broader range of geographic objects, including polygons and complex lines. It’s based on the GML standard and can represent more sophisticated geographical features. An example of a GeoRSS GML element might be:

<georss:where>
  <gml:Point>
    <gml:pos>45.256 -71.92</gml:pos>
  </gml:Point>
</georss:where>

GeoRSS feeds can be consumed by mapping software and services, allowing for the dynamic display of geographically tagged information. For instance, news outlets can use GeoRSS to tag news stories with locations, making it possible for users to find news relevant to specific places. Similarly, event listings, weather updates, and even real estate listings can be geographically tagged using GeoRSS, enhancing the user’s ability to find location-specific information.

By integrating GeoRSS into RSS feeds, publishers provide an additional layer of information that enriches the data’s value and usability, especially for applications where the geographical context of the content is important. This capability makes GeoRSS a key technology in the growing geospatial web applications and services field.

• Abbreviation: GeoRSS