[Freegis-list] GML

[Lakshman Gollamudi]

Hi All,
I am a newbie to GIS. I have been looking into GML and am evaluating a
possibility to use GML-SVG for displaying maps. This is purely a study and I
intend to come out with an understanding of what is the best way to render
maps on a browser.
The scneario of my exercise would be something like this:
A user can come to the website and ask for a map. I need to pick the
appropriate map from the set which is essentially in GML format, convert it
to SVG on the fly and then push the SVG to the browser. For now, I am not
including any user interaction on the map like selectig a point etc.
I have the following questions:
1. Why do we need a WFS? I have not been able to understand the concept of
WFS. Can I not use a simple webserver?
2. Do I have to buy a tool that converts GML to SVG on the fly?
Please pardon me if the questions are very trivial.
Regards
Lakshman