Quick Start

Get started with GeoLite - Maps, Dashboards, Documents & HTML

Welcome to GeoLite

This Quick Start guide will help you get started with creating Maps, Dashboards, Documents, and HTML pages in GeoLite, as well as managing users and permissions.

Note: Most creation and management features require Admin access. Regular users can view and interact with content that has been shared with them.

Creating Maps

Maps allow you to display geographic data from your GeoServer with customizable basemaps and interactive features.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Access Map Builder
    Navigate to the Map Builder by clicking "New Resource" → "Map" in the header (Admin only), or go directly to map_builder.php.
  2. Select Basemaps
    Choose one or more basemaps:
    • OpenStreetMap (default open-source map)
    • Carto Light (light theme)
    • Carto Dark (dark theme)
  3. Choose WMS Layers
    Select WMS (Web Map Service) layers from your GeoServer. These layers will be displayed on top of your basemap.
  4. Enable Features
    Configure optional map features:
    • Popups: Show information when clicking on map features
    • Zoom Buttons: Add zoom in/out controls
    • Opacity Controls: Allow users to adjust layer transparency
  5. Set Initial Extent
    Optionally set the initial map view (center point and zoom level), or capture your current position.
  6. Enter Map Details
    Provide a Map Title (required) and an optional description to help identify your map.
  7. Generate and Save
    Click "Generate Map" to preview your map, then click "Save to Database" to save it.

Tip: After saving, your map will appear on the home page and can be viewed by users with appropriate permissions.

Creating Dashboards

Dashboards combine multiple widgets (maps, charts, tables, counters, and text) into a single interactive view for data visualization.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Access Dashboard Builder
    Click "New Resource" → "Dashboard" in the header (Admin only), or navigate to dashboard_builder.php.
  2. Add Widgets
    Drag widgets from the sidebar onto the canvas:
    • Map: Interactive map with GeoServer layers
    • Chart: Data visualization (bar, line, pie charts)
    • Table: Display tabular data
    • Counter: Show counts, sums, or averages
    • Text: Add descriptions and annotations
  3. Configure Widgets
    Click the gear icon (⚙️) on any widget to configure its settings, data source, and appearance.
  4. Reposition Widgets
    Drag widgets by their header to reposition them on the canvas.
  5. Resize Widgets
    Drag the bottom-right corner of any widget to resize it.
  6. Save Dashboard
    Click "Save Dashboard" and enter a title and description. Your dashboard will be saved and accessible from the Dashboard Library.

Tip: Dashboards can be exported as PDF for reports and presentations using the "Export PDF" button.

Creating HTML Pages

HTML Pages allow you to create custom web pages with full HTML, CSS, and JavaScript support.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Access HTML Pages
    Click "New Resource" → "HTML Page" in the header (Admin only), or navigate to html_pages.php.
  2. Create New Page
    Click the "Create New HTML Page" button.
  3. Enter Page Details
    Provide a title and description for your HTML page.
  4. Write HTML Content
    Enter your HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code in the editor. You have full control over the page structure and styling.
  5. Save and Preview
    Click "Save" to save your HTML page. You can then view it from the main library.

Tip: HTML pages can embed maps, charts, and other GeoLite resources using iframes or JavaScript APIs.

Creating Documents

Documents allow you to upload and share PDFs, Word documents, images, and other file types.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Access Documents
    Click "New Resource" → "Document" in the header (Admin only), or navigate to documents.php.
  2. Upload Document
    Click the "Upload New Document" button.
  3. Select File
    Choose a file from your computer. Supported formats include PDF, Word documents, images, and more.
  4. Enter Document Details
    Provide a title and description for your document. This helps users identify the document in the library.
  5. Save
    Click "Upload" to save your document. It will appear in the library and can be viewed or downloaded by users with appropriate permissions.

Tip: Documents are stored securely and can be accessed by users based on their permission settings.

Managing Users

User management allows administrators to create, edit, and manage user accounts in the system.

Accessing User Management

Only administrators can access user management. Navigate to it by:

  1. Logging in as an administrator
  2. Clicking "Administration" → "Manage Users" in the header
  3. Or navigating directly to users.php

Creating a New User

  1. Click the "Create User" button
  2. Fill in the required information:
    • Username: Unique identifier for login
    • Password: User's password (stored securely)
    • Full Name: Display name
    • Email: User's email address
    • Group: Select "Admin" or "User"
    • Active: Check to enable the account
  3. Click "Create User" to save

Editing a User

  1. Click the pencil icon (✏️) on any user row
  2. Update the user details as needed
  3. To change password: Enter a new password, or leave blank to keep the current password
  4. Click "Save Changes"

Deleting a User

  1. Click the trash icon (🗑️) on any user row
  2. Confirm the deletion
  3. Note: You cannot delete your own account

User Roles

Role Access Permissions
Admin Everything Full access to all content and user management
User Restricted Only sees items explicitly granted by admins

Important: Admin group has automatic full access - no need to set permissions. User group starts with NO access and must be granted permissions per item.

Managing Permissions

Permissions control what content users can view, edit, or delete. This is essential for securing your GeoLite installation.

Accessing Permission Management

  1. Navigate to "Administration" → "Manage Users"
  2. Click the "Manage Permissions" button or tab

Granting Permissions

To grant access to content for the User group:

  1. In the Permissions section, select the appropriate tab:
    • Maps: Manage map permissions
    • Dashboards: Manage dashboard permissions
    • Documents: Manage document permissions
    • HTML Pages: Manage HTML page permissions
  2. Find the item you want to share and click "Edit"
  3. Check the appropriate permission boxes:
    • ☑️ View: User can see the item in the library and open it
    • ☑️ Edit: User can modify the item
    • ☑️ Delete: User can delete the item
  4. Click "Save Permissions" to apply

Permission Levels

Permission What It Does
View User sees the item in library and can open it
Edit User can modify the item
Delete User can delete the item

Important Notes:

  • Users need View permission to see an item
  • Edit and Delete require View permission
  • Admin group has automatic full access - no need to set permissions
  • User group starts with NO access - must grant permissions per item

Getting Started

Ready to begin? Follow these steps to get started:

  1. Login
    If you haven't already, login to GeoLite using your admin credentials.
  2. Create Your First Resource
    Start by creating a Map, Dashboard, Document, or HTML Page using the guides above.
  3. Manage Users
    Create additional user accounts and set appropriate permissions for them.
  4. Share Content
    Use the permission management system to share your content with specific users or groups.

Default Admin Credentials: Username: admin, Password: geolite
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Change the default password immediately for security!