Geo Hound is a browser extension that automatically captures map service links from web pages and centralizes their management. In a previous article, I introduced this tool using a Japanese map service example. To demonstrate its practical value, I'll showcase its application with Wuhan's Unified Planning Map.

Wuhan Unified Planning Map

This platform integrates legally approved regulatory plans, including:

  • Detailed Control Plans for Wuhan Main Urban Area (65 zones)
  • New Town Group Control Plans (155 zones)
  • East Lake Scenic Area Master Plan
  • Municipal infrastructure corridor plans

Managed by Wuhan Planning Bureau, it dynamically updates per national/local regulations.

Access:
http://whonemap.zrzyhgh.wuhan.gov.cn:8020/
(Note: The site uses HTTP instead of HTTPS)

Limitations:

  • Non-standard navigation (scroll wheel pans instead of zooming)
  • Basic vector tiles only (no imagery for comparison)

Geo Hound Implementation

When needing to compare planned land use (e.g., agricultural zones) with actual conditions:

  1. Activate Geo Hound on the planning map site
  2. It detects and formats service URLs for GIS software:

Service Endpoints:

  • QGIS:
    https://mapmobile.wpl.com.cn/ydgis86/rest/services/GZYZT/GZYZTCGCS2000/MapServer
  • ArcGIS:
    https://mapmobile.wpl.com.cn/ydgis86/rest/services/GZYZT/GZYZTCGCS2000/MapServer?f=json

QGIS Workflow

  1. Navigate to ArcGIS REST Servers → New Connection
  2. Paste QGIS endpoint URL
  3. Load planning layers with standard QGIS navigation
  4. Add Tianditu imagery for comparison

    (Tianditu integration guide: QGIS Add China Basemaps)

Ethical Considerations

Some users questioned whether extracting services constitutes "theft." Clarifications:

  1. Public Exposure: Frontend map services are inherently public-facing. Geo Hound merely simplifies discovery.
  2. Risk Awareness: Revealing API keys without domain whitelisting may cause service abuse.
  3. Legitimate Use Cases:
    • Professional GIS analysis
    • Secondary mapping (with copyright compliance)
    • Service vulnerability testing

Future Updates

The developer plans to add spatial data sniffing (GeoJSON/SHP downloads) in upcoming versions.

Installation:
Use the Chrome Web Store version for automatic updates.
(Preview of upcoming feature):