Introduction to Open Source GIS

1
Introduction to Open Source GIS

• David McIlhagga, President
• DM Solutions Group

2
What is Open Source and How Does it Work

• Freely available software and source code with
  limited licensing restrictions on distribution
• Collaborative, community-based software
  development process
• Proactively engages software users with software
  developers
• The Internet provides the backbone for a virtual
  software development team

3
Benefits of the Open Source Model

• No licensing fees
• Resources are allocated to building applications
  and enhancing software, not licensing multiple
  machines
• Enables development of highly customized
  applications based on clients needs
• Vibrant user community
• Development priorities are driven by end-user
  needs
• Issues can be resolved in-house

4
Making Open Source a Reality in Your Organization

• Before purchasing commercial software, consider
  the full requirements of your organization and
  total costs of a commercial vs. open source
  approach
• Engage software experts early in the process of
  adopting technology to assess its potential for
  your organization
• Identify the capabilities of your staff and
  contractors who will be available to you. Ensure
  you have adequate support internally or from
  contractors for the technology you are adopting
• Monitor the activity within the open source
  community for the software you are considering
  adopting

5
Fertile Environments for Open Source

• Distributed data environments
• Widespread deployment of custom software
• Strong in-house skills or access to skilled
  contractors
• Need for highly customized applications with
  unique requirements

6
Case Study Open Source technologies for the
Oceanographic Community

7
The Oceans Community - Ripe for Open Source

• Highly Distributed Community
• Community has common technical needs and
  requirements
• Some of these stakeholders have little or no
  access to funding for purchasing software
• This community that has not been well served by
  traditional land-oriented GIS
• Community that is willing to work together, share
  and learn from each others experiences

8
Building the Integrated Ocean Observing System -
The Open Source Way

• Collective community funds are used to support
  enhancements to shared software. Pay once, and
  everyone gains.
• Through Collaborative technologies such as Twikis
  and online bug tracking software -- information
  on best practices, software problems and next
  steps can be shared and communicated
• An engaged community provides superior feedback,
  documentation and testing within the community,
  keeping overall costs of software development
  down
• As other communities leverage the enhancements
  funded by the community, cost of maintenance is
  shared with other like-minded communities.

9
MapServer An Open Source Success Story

• Embodies the open source philosophy
• Strong set of efficient and reliable capabilities
• Built with proven open source technologies
• Active and open development and user communities
• Developed on client needs, not commercial
  interests

10
The Future for Open Source Technologies

• More accessible Internet
• Adoption of open standards
• Tighter integration among open source
  technologies
• More demanding applications
• Rapidly maturing and growing user and developer
  communities