The difference between simple and complex features
In the previous chapter, we looked at how to efficiently store and serve vector data. One of the things we did not discuss is how GeoServer considers the vector data that you store in your database and, therefore, how it is served in a vector format through WFS.
Simple features – GeoServer's default
GeoServer considers all vector data, irrespective of the storage format, to be simple features. There are three simple feature profiles defined by the Open Geospatial Consortium, and GeoServer delivers features similar to the simplest profile, SF-0.
Note
For more details on the OGC simple features specification, take a look at the information on OGC's website at http://www.opengeospatial.org/standards/sfs.
A simple feature, delivered through WFS, is the one where there is a straight one-to-one mapping between the underlying data storage format and the output XML file. For example, data stored in a database table is delivered by WFS in an XML output...
