Web services, including web feature services (WFS), are designed to be accessed via a web browser and, consequently, are accessible via URL just like any web site.

To load a USGIN web feature service (WFS) by manually entering a URL, take the following steps:

1. In a web browser of your choice, locate and access the REST page of the desired web service
2. Select and copy the URL of the REST page
3. In the NGDS Data Explorer, deselect any previous active map layers, if any, click the URL button under Available Layers and to the right of the dropdown box
4. In the field that appears, paste the URL of the desired web service REST page
5. Remove the following text from the URL of the REST page:

   /rest

6. Append the following text to the URL of the REST page:

   /WFSServer

7. Press the Enter key

Alternatively, you may achieve the same result by navigating to the web feature service (WFS) capabilities document by clicking the WFS link at the bottom of the REST page. Copy the URL of the capabilities document and paste it into the URL field in the NGDS Data Explorer; remove the string of characters to the right of, and including, the question mark (?). Press the Enter key.

The web service will now be listed as a layer on the map under Available Layers. Expand map layer(s) by clicking [+] Map Layers. Click the Check Box beside the WFS layer(s) you just added to display your data on the map.

After adding web feature services (WFS) as layers to the NGDS Data Explorer, you may remove them by refreshing the client using your web browser’s Reload Current Page button, or by clicking the desired layer and clicking the Remove Layer button.

To continue this tutorial, click the links below.