Skip to main content

Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG)

  • Reference work entry
Encyclopedia of GIS

Synonyms

SVG; Vector graphics for the Web; XML based vector graphics; Document object model; Web graphics standard; Rich client internet applications; SMIL; Open standard

Definition

SVG is a royalty-free and vendor-neutral two‐dimensional web graphics standard developed by the W3C consortium. The XML based markup language describes and integrates vector graphics, raster graphics, text, multimedia, interactivity, scripting and animation. The SVG document consists of a tree-like structure, which can be interpreted by humans and machines. Graphical objects can be grouped, styled, transformed and composited into previously rendered objects. The feature set includes nested transformations, clipping paths, alpha masks, filter effects, template objects and extensibility. As the name indicates, SVG graphics can be scaled while maintaining quality. SVG graphics and applications can be viewed with most modern web browsers natively or by installing a plugin. The SVG standard can be used as...

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Institutional subscriptions

Recommended Reading

  1. Dagan, S.: Math Animated – A hosted teaching aid using graphic animations and interactivity (2005). http://www.mathanimated.com/. Accessed 12 Nov 2006

  2. DOJO: DOJO – the javascript toolkit (2005). http://dojotoolkit.org/. Accessed 12 Nov 2006

  3. Ferraiolo, J., Fujisawa, J., Jackson, D.: Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) 1.1 Specification (2003). http://www.w3.org/TR/SVG11/index.html. Accessed 19 Nov 2006

  4. Hirtzler, M.: Pilat Informative Educative: SVG – PHP – MySQL – JavaScript (2000–2006). http://pilat.free.fr/english/index.htm. Accessed 12 Nov 2006

  5. Inkscape Community: Inkscape, SVG Authoring Tool (2000–2006). http://www.inkscape.org. Accessed 12 Nov 2006

  6. Neumann, A., Winter, A.M.: Carto.net SVG page: articles, examples and tutorials (2000–2006). http://www.carto.net/papers/svg/. Accessed 12 Nov 2006

  7. Neumann, A.: Dynamic Loading of Vector Geodata for SVG Mapping Applications Using Postgis, PHP and getURL()/XMLHttpRequest() (2005). http://www.carto.net/papers/svg/postgis_geturl_xmlhttprequest/. Accessed 12 Nov 2006

  8. Neumann, A.: Use of SVG and ECMAScript Technology for E-Learning Purposes, in: Proceedings of the ISPRS Workshop Commissions VI/1 VI/2, Tools and Techniques for E-Learning, Potsdam, Germany, June 1–3 (2005)

    Google Scholar 

  9. Neumann, A.: SVG GUI (2003–2006). http://www.carto.net/papers/svg/gui/. Accessed 12 Nov 2006

  10. SVG Community: SVG.Org – an SVG community page, news and links for SVG (2004–2006). http://www.svg.org/. Accessed 12 Nov 2006

  11. W3C: Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) – XML Graphics for the Web (1999–2006). http://www.w3.org/Graphics/SVG/. Accessed 12 Nov 2006

  12. W3C: SVG Print Specification (2003–2006). http://www.w3.org/TR/SVGPrint/. Accessed 12 Nov 2006

  13. Williams, J.: Yosemite Hiking Map 2.0 (2006). http://www.carto.net/williams/yosemite/. Accessed 12 Nov 2006

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2008 Springer-Verlag

About this entry

Cite this entry

Neumann, A. (2008). Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG). In: Shekhar, S., Xiong, H. (eds) Encyclopedia of GIS. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-35973-1_1159

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics