The Spectrum Spatial repository holds map data definitions in the form of named resources. A named resource is a file that defines the attributes of a particular mapping resource, such as the location of a spatial database or the styles with which a map is to be rendered. Attaching names to resources offers several advantages:
- Allows a resource to be known by its name and not by its properties.
- Allows a resource to be located in one spot but be referenced from many locations, which makes administration of resources easier.
- To change the look or behavior of applications or data, only the resource needs to be changed, not each application or data file.
Named resource files are stored in the repository. A number of sample files that ship with
Spectrum Technology Platform are located at
http://<server>:<port>/RepositoryService/repository/default/Samples
under a particular folder, such as NamedTables. For your own named resources, you can create
any folder name you wish.