How to add labels to a WMS layer using OpenLayers and GeoServer?

Question

I have point of data in mysql server. I am displaying this layer as WMS using OpenLayers and GeoServer. How can I add label to this layer?

Answer 1

For labeling in WMS from geoserver, you will have to define <TextSymbolizer> which determines what text to display in the label,i.e. the field in your attribute table of the point layer (eg. 'Name' in the following example). You can define font family, color, size, weight and placement of the label. A simple example of style description for points with label is as follows:

<FeatureTypeStyle>
     <Rule>
       <PointSymbolizer>
         <Graphic>
           <Mark>
             <WellKnownName>circle</WellKnownName>
             <Fill>
               <CssParameter name="fill">#FF0000</CssParameter>
             </Fill>
           </Mark>
           <Size>6</Size>
         </Graphic>
       </PointSymbolizer>
       <TextSymbolizer>
         <Label>
           <ogc:PropertyName>name</ogc:PropertyName>
         </Label>
         <Fill>
           <CssParameter name="fill">#000000</CssParameter>
         </Fill>
       </TextSymbolizer>
     </Rule>
   </FeatureTypeStyle>

For more complex examples go through this link:

http://docs.geoserver.org/stable/en/user/styling/sld-cookbook/points.html#point-with-styled-label