GIS Software
Review of OpenReview of Open--Source GIS Source GIS Applications Applications Lance I. Case, GISPIT/GIS Support Specialist
Huber Resources Corp Old Town, ME 04468Web: www.huberresources.com
Michael SmithState GIS ManagerMaine Office of GIS
Agenda
Free vs. Open Source MapWindow QGIS fGIS Others: gvSIG, AccuGlobe Q & A
A Review of Open-Source GIS Tools
Free Software vs. Open-Source Software Free typically means available at no financial cost, but can still
be proprietary (Google Earth, ArcGIS Explorer)
Open Source typically means that the user can acquire and alter the source code, and redistribute their changes. Typically this is achieved within the license agreement, such as the Gnu Public License (GPL). Open-source software is typically free, but does not have to be.
A Review of Open-Source GIS Tools
Sample List of Free (but proprietary) GIS Software Google Earth
ArcExplorer
ArcGIS Explorer
Not to be covered in this talk Google Earth previously covered (thanks Chris!)
A Review of Open-Source GIS Tools
Sample List of Open-Source GIS Software
MapServer/MS4W
PostGIS
MySQL Spatial
GeoServer
deegree/iGeoPortal
GeoNetwork
OpenLayers
GVSig
uDig
The Open GIS Consortium (OGC) develops standards for open geospatial software, and certifies software as OGC-compliant
MapWindow
QGIS
Thuban
GeoTools
GRASS (yes its still around!)
FWTools/GDAL/OGR
GIMP
ImageMagick
A Review of Open-Source GIS Tools
MapWindowEasy-to-use desktop software for WINDOWS only
Support for shapefiles, SID, JPEG2000 and most other formats
Simple editing capability
Built-in support for enterprise database (PostGIS)
Geoprocessing includes clip, buffer, reproject, resample, georeference
Scripting support VB.NET or C#, also OCX can be embedded in other applications
Metadata manager
BUG in WMS support though problem with raster data
Print setup a bit quirky
Edit large files is pretty slow
A Review of Open-Source GIS Tools
MapWindow EditingEditing tools
Vertices in Red
Table editor
Editing of shapefiles > 5000 features can be very slow
A Review of Open-Source GIS Tools
MapWindow Printing
MapWindow
Easy to install User interface is intuitive Attribute editing is easy Spatial editing not so easy
A Review of Open-Source GIS Tools
QGIS (Quantum GIS)Easy-to-use desktop software for multiple platforms Mac too!
Less functionality than MapWindow, but more solidly built
Multi-platform support a big plus
Support for shapefiles, SID, JPEG2000 and most other formats
Built-in support for enterprise database (PostGIS)
Editing capabilities
GPS support
Tricky install
A Review of Open-Source GIS Tools
QGIS Editing
Editing toolsVertices in White
Table editor
Fast editing
A Review of Open-Source GIS Tools
QGIS Printing
QGIS
Not too difficult to install Similar user interface to other GIS apps Could not load MrSID file WMS loaded but did not render correctly Could not start GPSBabel
fGIS
Forestry GIS designed for natural resource managers at Wisconsin DNR
Wicked easy to install & use, in WINDOS only Supports most common vector and
raster data formats Free version no longer supported Sold as TatukGIS Editor
AccuGlobe
Easy to install and use on WINDOS only Supports common vector and raster
formats Easy to edit vector data Map layout is more robust
GIS App Summary
Support most common vector and raster data
Allow creating & editing of vector data Map production should be robust User interface should be intuitive
Websites
MapWindow: http://www.mapwindow.org/ QGIS: http://www.qgis.org/ fGIS: http://www.forestpal.com/fgis.html gvSIG: http://www.gvsig.gva.es/ (select English) AccuGlobe: http://www.accuglobe.net/
Questions and AnswersQuestions and Answers
GIS SoftwareAgendaSlide Number 3Slide Number 4Slide Number 5Slide Number 6Slide Number 7Slide Number 8MapWindowSlide Number 10Slide Number 11Slide Number 12QGISfGISSlide Number 15Slide Number 16AccuGlobeSlide Number 18Slide Number 19GIS App SummaryWebsitesQuestions and Answers
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