WS26: A Leaflet map with Node.js, MongoDB and Heroku

Trainers: John S. McCrae (1Spatial)

Schedule: Tuesday Morning 9-13

Places: 20

Abstract:

A fun introduction to building a simple slippy map application with Node.js and MongoDB, using Heroku - a platform as a service (PaaS) that enables developers to build and run applications entirely in the cloud. I wanted to explore the Node.js environment with a view to building a very simple mapping application. Initial searches didn’t reveal too much in the way of Leaflet, Node.js and MongoDB examples other than the OpenShift plug example by Steve Pousty, which is a great start but I wanted a few more layers and an excuse to use the Jade template engine. I attended an informative workshop by Steve Pousty at the Portland OR FOSS4G event, same bundle, but with Flask rather than Node.js. I decided to put a simple tutorial together in the hope that others might benefit from my efforts. Initially I found Node.js to be rather intimidating, it’s really not, but there are many third party Node.js programs, these vary from example to example and can potentially be overwhelming. My suggestion would be to start off simple, figure out what you need and as you learn more and start exploring. I have found the Heroku environment to be ideal for my application development needs, it's easy to use and removes the hassle from the build leaving me to focus on the fun parts. My main objective is to give something back to a community that has provided me with so much.

Tags: Heroku, MongoDB, leaflet, Node.js

Additional Information:

The workshop is designed to facilitate easy entry level access to developing a simple Node.js application and is aimed at people who have had little or no prior experience but are looking for a 'way in'. The Heroku environment offers a hassle free solution that will allow attendees to focus on the DB and map components rather than the Dev-ops - this also removes a lot of the infrastructure and setup challenges of a workshop of this kind.

I am a consultant at 1Spatial, we work with users and creators of the largest geospatial databases on earth, helping them collect, manage, plan, maintain, publish and interpret location-specific information.