[Geotools-gt2-users] Generation of image with country outlines and routes between locations

[Markus W. <mw...@me...>]

Hello.

I'm searching for a way to integrate in a web application the graphical
display of a route between locations on a map.

From what I've read so far, geotools seems appropriate for the job. I'm
unsure however what the correct way to do this would be, especially how to
generate the lines between the locations.

The steps to create the map seem to be

1) Generate a DataSource for the country outlines.

2) Generate a FeatureSource for the cities.

3) ??? How to create lines between selected cities? I would expect this to
be a feature of geotools?

4) Set styles

5) Create a MapContext

5) Add layers to MapContext for the different DataSources and
FeatureSources.

6) Put MapContext on MapPane.

7) Render image.

Is this sequence correct?

What would the best source for the necessary geo data be? I need country
outlines and positions of cities for the populated parts of the earth. The
data would not have to be free of cost, so commercial sources would be OK. A
free source is hard to find when regualar updates are wanted, I guess?

What format would be the preferred one for use with geotools? Is shapefile
the easiest / most stable to use?

Any hint on how to implement this would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,
Markus