The main module contains the GeoTools public interfaces that are used by other GeoTools modules (and GeoTools applications). Where possible we make use industry standard terms as provided by OGC and ISO standards. The formal GeoTools public api consists of gt-metadata, jts and the gt-main module. The main module contains the default implementations that are available provided to other GeoTools modules using our factory system. Factories are obtained from an appropriate FactoryFinder, giving applications a chance configure the factory used using the Factory Hints facilities. FilterFactory ff = CommonFactoryFinder.getFilterFactory(); Expression expr = ff.add( expression1, expression2 ); If you find yourself using implementation specific classes chances are you doing it wrong: Expression expr = new AddImpl( expression1, expressiom2 );