Open Source GIS Ecosystem

Module 1 - GIST 604B

Discovering the Rich World of Open Source GIS

Open Source GIS is an ECOSYSTEM

Not just one tool → Hundreds of projects

Not just desktop → Full technology stack

Not just hobbyist → Professional-grade

🌍 Global community

🔧 Specialized tools for specific needs

🤝 Interoperability by design

Let's explore the landscape...

Category 1: Desktop GIS

Full-featured analysis and mapping

🗺️ QGIS

  • Most popular open source desktop GIS
  • ArcGIS alternative
  • 400+ plugins
  • qgis.org

🌱 GRASS GIS

  • Advanced raster processing
  • Scientific modeling
  • NASA uses it
  • grass.osgeo.org

We'll use QGIS extensively in Module 2!

Category 2: Spatial Databases

Store and query geographic data at scale

🗄️ PostGIS

  • Extends PostgreSQL
  • Enterprise-grade
  • Uber, Lyft use it
  • postgis.net

💾 SpatiaLite

  • Lightweight (SQLite extension)
  • Mobile applications
  • Embedded systems
  • gaia-gis.it

Module 4 deep-dive: PostGIS

Category 3: Programming Libraries

Build custom GIS applications

📚 GDAL/OGR

  • Foundation of EVERYTHING
  • Data conversion, transformation
  • Used by ArcGIS, QGIS, Google, NASA
  • gdal.org

🐍 Python Libraries

  • GeoPandas - Spatial data analysis
  • Rasterio - Raster processing
  • Fiona - Vector data I/O

Module 3 focus: Python GIS programming

Category 4: Web Mapping

Interactive maps in browsers

🍃 Leaflet

  • Lightweight, easy to learn
  • Mobile-friendly
  • Most popular web mapping library
  • leafletjs.com

🗺️ OpenLayers

🚀 MapLibre

  • Mapbox fork (open source)
  • WebGL rendering, 3D
  • maplibre.org

Module 5 focus: Web GIS development

Category 5: Data Processing & Servers

Command-line tools and spatial data servers

⚙️ GDAL/OGR CLI

  • Batch processing
  • Automation workflows
  • Production pipelines

🌐 GeoServer / MapServer

  • Publish spatial data as web services
  • OGC standards (WMS, WFS, WCS)
  • Government agencies use these
  • geoserver.org

Professional workflows = automation

Case Study: QGIS

How open source rivals proprietary software

📅 Journey

  • 2002: Started by Gary Sherman
  • Now: Used by governments, companies worldwide
  • Releases every 4 months
  • 400+ plugins, 40+ languages

👥 Community Model

  • Volunteer developers
  • Company-sponsored developers
  • Global user groups
  • Annual conferences

💪 Result: Professional-grade software, zero fees

Evaluation Framework for M1A2

1️⃣ Project Health

  • ✓ When was last commit?
  • ✓ How many contributors? (bus factor)
  • ✓ Issue response time?
  • ✓ Funding/sponsorship?

2️⃣ Community Strength

  • ✓ Documentation quality
  • ✓ Tutorial availability
  • ✓ Forum/mailing list activity
  • ✓ Stack Overflow presence

🔍 QGIS Example - Where to Look:

Use this framework for M1A2 research!

Evaluation Framework (continued)

3️⃣ Technical Fitness

  • ✓ Does it solve YOUR problem?
  • ✓ Platform support (OS compatibility)?
  • ✓ Dependencies manageable?
  • ✓ Performance adequate?
  • ✓ Integration with other tools?

4️⃣ License Considerations

  • ✓ Can you use commercially?
  • ✓ Must share modifications?
  • ✓ Compatible with your stack?

🔍 QGIS Example - Where to Look:

Technical Fitness:
License Considerations:

Don't just pick the most popular—pick the right fit!

Career Opportunities with Open Source GIS

💼 Job Market Demand

  • Government agencies (transparency, cost)
  • Startups (avoid licensing fees)
  • Consultancies (client flexibility)

📈 Professional Benefits

  • Public portfolio (proof of skills)
  • Not vendor-locked
  • Access to cutting-edge tools

🌍 Real-World Impact

  • Planet: GDAL for satellite processing
  • HOT: Disaster response mapping
  • Smart cities: Open GIS stacks

Open source skills = Marketable skills

Apply This Knowledge

📋 Activity 3

🔬 M1A1 - Open Source License Analysis

🔬 M1A2 - Open Source Discovery

  • View assignment in D2L
  • Research 3 projects (different categories)
  • Apply evaluation framework
  • Compare and analyze

💡 Tips

  • ✓ Pick tools that interest YOU
  • ✓ Don't all choose QGIS—explore!
  • ✓ Use Activity 3 to discover from classmates

Essential Resources

🔗 OSGeo Foundation
Umbrella organization for OSS GIS projects - osgeo.org

🔗 Project Homepages
QGIS.org | GDAL.org | PostGIS.net

🔗 GitHub Topics
Search: gis, geospatial, mapping

🔗 GIS Stack Exchange
Q&A community - gis.stackexchange.com

🔗 GeoForAll Initiative
Educational resources - geoforall.org

Start exploring today!

📊 Quick Poll: Open Source & Your Career

✏️ Poll 3: Open Source Career Relevance

Question: How relevant is open source GIS to your career goals?

🤷 Not relevant → 🔍 Somewhat relevant → 🎯 Very relevant → 💼 Already using professionally

⏱️ Takes 1 minute

→ Vote in Module 1 Polls

Your vote is anonymous • Helps instructor emphasize career-relevant examples

Key Takeaways

✓ Open source GIS = Rich ecosystem (5 categories)

✓ Professional-grade tools rival proprietary

✓ Evaluation framework:
Project health + Community + Technical fit + License

✓ Career-relevant skills

✓ You now have the lens to explore!

🎯 Next: Activity 3 - Share your discoveries

🔬 Then: M1A2 - Deep dive research

Ready to explore? Let's go! 🚀