Open Source GIS
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PeopleGIS views software technology as merely a means to an end. We do not see GIS software as the most important component of a GIS program, but rather as one of several necessary components that a successful program is built on. Therefore, it makes sense to us that we should consider all software options on behalf of our clients, not just the most popular ones, in order to build the most appropriate GIS for thier use.
Several years ago, we first considered open source software for our clients and found that in many cases it supported all of our client's needs at a very low cost. This was especially true with Internet-based software platforms, which led us to the development of MapsOnline. From that point forward, we have firmly held open source software in the highest regard, and believe that it has its place in the GIS industry.
Open Source software is not necessarily free software. Open Source simply means that the code is available for end-users to review, adapt, enhance, and otherwise use. There are alot of software titles available on the Internet for download for free where end-users cannot review the source code. Additionally, because of the nature of open source code, it rarely possesses the polish of a proprietary software package and therefore requires the attention of a consultant to work with it prior to the software being useful for end-users. Therein lies the reason that most end-users should not consider open source to be entirely free....generally, up-front work is required to make the software successful for communities.
Having worked with a dozen open source software packages, PeopleGIS is in a position to determine whether or not a particular open source solution is appropriate for a client...including an assessment of the costs required to prepare an open source solution for use as compared to an available proprietary solution. This experience ensures that our clients get the right software for their needs, not just the software we are paid to sell.
Make no mistake, open source software is here to stay...and its popularity is growing tremendously each year. At no time in the history of GIS has open source been more popular or more talked about. While PeopleGIS was a pioneer in adopting open source, it is likely that others will follow suit in the years to come. We welcome them to the party, and hope that their contributions only enhance the industry further.
To learn more about open source software and how it can support your GIS program, please contact PeopleGIS.
©2006-2010 PeopleGIS Inc.
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PeopleGIS views software technology as merely a means to an end. We do not see GIS software as the most important component of a GIS program, but rather as one of several necessary components that a successful program is built on. Therefore, it makes sense to us that we should consider all software options on behalf of our clients, not just the most popular ones, in order to build the most appropriate GIS for thier use.
Several years ago, we first considered open source software for our clients and found that in many cases it supported all of our client's needs at a very low cost. This was especially true with Internet-based software platforms, which led us to the development of MapsOnline. From that point forward, we have firmly held open source software in the highest regard, and believe that it has its place in the GIS industry.
Open Source software is not necessarily free software. Open Source simply means that the code is available for end-users to review, adapt, enhance, and otherwise use. There are alot of software titles available on the Internet for download for free where end-users cannot review the source code. Additionally, because of the nature of open source code, it rarely possesses the polish of a proprietary software package and therefore requires the attention of a consultant to work with it prior to the software being useful for end-users. Therein lies the reason that most end-users should not consider open source to be entirely free....generally, up-front work is required to make the software successful for communities.
Having worked with a dozen open source software packages, PeopleGIS is in a position to determine whether or not a particular open source solution is appropriate for a client...including an assessment of the costs required to prepare an open source solution for use as compared to an available proprietary solution. This experience ensures that our clients get the right software for their needs, not just the software we are paid to sell.
Make no mistake, open source software is here to stay...and its popularity is growing tremendously each year. At no time in the history of GIS has open source been more popular or more talked about. While PeopleGIS was a pioneer in adopting open source, it is likely that others will follow suit in the years to come. We welcome them to the party, and hope that their contributions only enhance the industry further.
To learn more about open source software and how it can support your GIS program, please contact PeopleGIS.