introduction of open source software for gis education - researchgate

41
See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236330326 INTRODUCTION OF OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE FOR GIS EDUCATION Course project of A Nordnatur Intensive Course OpenSource GIS, GPS and Crowd Sourcing in University of Copenhagen, Skovskolen Data · April 2013 CITATIONS 0 READS 6,203 1 author: Kauri Kiiman Estonian University of Life Sciences 2 PUBLICATIONS 0 CITATIONS SEE PROFILE All content following this page was uploaded by Kauri Kiiman on 03 June 2014. The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

Upload: others

Post on 22-Feb-2022

4 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: introduction of open source software for gis education - ResearchGate

See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236330326

INTRODUCTION OF OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE FOR GIS EDUCATION Course

project of A Nordnatur Intensive Course OpenSource GIS, GPS and Crowd

Sourcing in University of Copenhagen, Skovskolen

Data · April 2013

CITATIONS

0READS

6,203

1 author:

Kauri Kiiman

Estonian University of Life Sciences

2 PUBLICATIONS   0 CITATIONS   

SEE PROFILE

All content following this page was uploaded by Kauri Kiiman on 03 June 2014.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

Page 2: introduction of open source software for gis education - ResearchGate

A Nordnatur Intensive Course OpenSource GIS, GPS and Crowd Sourcing in University of

Copenhagen, Skovskolen

INTRODUCTION OF OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE FOR

GIS EDUCATION

Course Project

Name: Kauri Kiiman School: Estonian University of Life Sciences Degree program: geodesy (master) E-mail: [email protected]

March 2013

Page 3: introduction of open source software for gis education - ResearchGate

2

Preface

This project compiles material prepared in the framework of the course „A Nordnatur

Intensive Course OpenSource GIS, GPS and Crowd Sourcing” from February 2013 to

April 2013.

The content is based on research in GIS and the open source software.

The goal of this paper is introduce GIS and assist GIS users towards understanding the

potential role of open source software to educate new GIS users.

This paper will provide a basic introduction of some of the available free and open

source GIS software for both – GIS teachers and students.

“Everything is related to everything else, but near things are more related than distant

things.” Waldo Tobler

Page 4: introduction of open source software for gis education - ResearchGate

3

Table of Content

1. Introduction and overview ................................................................................................................. 5

1.1. What is GIS and why? ........................................................................................................................ 5

1.1.1. Benefits of GIS? ....................................................................................................................... 6

1.1.2. What can you do with GIS? ................................................................................................ 7

1.1.3. The Geographic Approach ....................................................................................................... 8

1.2. Open Source free software ........................................................................................................... 10

1.2.1. What is free software? ........................................................................................................... 10

1.2.2. What is open source software? ........................................................................................... 10

1.2.3. When should we use open source software? ................................................................ 11

2. GIS Software ........................................................................................................................................... 13

2.1 Introduction of GIS software ........................................................................................................ 13

2.2.1. GIS Software Concepts ........................................................................................................... 13

2.2.2. GIS Software Categories ........................................................................................................ 14

2.2. List of geographic information systems software ............................................................... 15

2.2.1. Notable commercial or proprietary GIS software ....................................................... 15

2.2.2. Open source software ............................................................................................................ 17

3. Popular open source software examples for GIS ..................................................................... 20

3.1. Basic desktop GIS ............................................................................................................................. 20

3.1.1. KOSMO ......................................................................................................................................... 21

3.1.2 gvSIG .............................................................................................................................................. 22

3.1.3. uDig ............................................................................................................................................... 23

3.1.4. Quantum GIS (QGIS) ............................................................................................................... 24

3.2. Remote Sensing Software ............................................................................................................. 26

3.2.1. ImageJ ........................................................................................................................................... 26

Page 5: introduction of open source software for gis education - ResearchGate

4

3.2.2. OSSIM ............................................................................................................................................ 27

3.2.3. ImageLinker ............................................................................................................................... 28

3.2.4. OpenEV ........................................................................................................................................ 29

3.2.5. ILWIS Open ................................................................................................................................. 30

3.2.5. Opticks ......................................................................................................................................... 31

3.3. 3D Visualization Tools ................................................................................................................... 32

3.3.1. ParaView ..................................................................................................................................... 32

3.3.2 NASA World Wind .................................................................................................................... 33

3.3.3. ossimPlanet ................................................................................................................................ 34

3.4. Other Open Source GIS software................................................................................................ 35

3.4.1. Server-side IMS ......................................................................................................................... 35

3.4.2. Client-side mapping browser tools ................................................................................... 36

3.4.3. Spatial Analysis Programming Tools and Library ....................................................... 36

3.4.4. Spatial databases ...................................................................................................................... 37

Conclusion ....................................................................................................................................................... 38

References ....................................................................................................................................................... 39

Page 6: introduction of open source software for gis education - ResearchGate

5

1. Introduction and overview

GIS is acronym for geographic information system. An integrated collection of computer

software and data used to view and manage information about geographic places,

analyze spatial relationships, and model spatial processes. A GIS provides a framework

for gathering and organizing spatial data and related information so that it can be

displayed and analyzed. [1]

1.1. What is GIS and why?

A geographic information system (GIS) integrates hardware, software, and data for

capturing, managing, analyzing, and displaying all forms of geographically referenced

information.

Many of the issues in our world have a critical spatial component

Land management

Emergency Response

Hazard Mitigation

Property lines, easements, right of ways

Data on land values, taxation, assessment

Business site selection, advertising

Proximity of ‘our’ land to other facilities (pollution, hunting, municipal, federal,

state)

“I don’t know what’s over that hill” is a common problem. What is adjacent to the land we

are using? [2]

GIS allows us to view, understand, question, interpret, and visualize data in many ways

that reveal relationships, patterns, and trends in the form of maps, globes, reports, and

charts. A GIS can be thought of as a system—it digitally creates and "manipulates"

spatial areas that may be jurisdictional, purpose, or application-oriented.

A GIS helps you answer questions and solve problems by looking at your data in a way

that is quickly understood and easily shared. GIS technology can be integrated into any

enterprise information system framework. [3][4]

Page 7: introduction of open source software for gis education - ResearchGate

6

GIS is unique:

GIS handles spatial information

GIS makes connections between activities based on spatial proximity

Creates relationships between otherwise unrelatable data [2]

1.1.1. Benefits of GIS?

GIS benefits organizations of all sizes and in almost every industry. There is a growing

awareness of the economic and strategic value of GIS. The benefits of GIS can be divided

into five basic categories:

Cost Savings and Increased Efficiency

GIS is widely used to optimize maintenance schedules and daily fleet movements.

Typical implementations can result in a savings of 10 to 30 percent in operational

expenses through reduction in fuel use and staff time, improved customer service, and

more efficient scheduling.

Better Decision Making

GIS is the go-to technology for making better decisions about location. Common

examples include real estate site selection, route/corridor selection, evacuation

planning, conservation, natural resource extraction and so on. Making correct decisions

about location is critical to the success of an organization.

Improved Communication

GIS-based maps and visualizations greatly assist in understanding situations and in

storytelling. They are a type of language that improves communication between

different teams, departments, disciplines, professional fields, organizations, and the

public.

Better Recordkeeping

Many organizations have a primary responsibility of maintaining authoritative records

about the status and change of geography. GIS provides a strong framework for

managing these types of records with full transaction support and reporting tools.

Managing Geographically

GIS is becoming essential to understanding what is happening—and what will happen—

in geographic space. Once we understand, we can prescribe action. This new approach to

Page 8: introduction of open source software for gis education - ResearchGate

7

management—managing geographically—is transforming the way that organizations

operate. [3]

1.1.2. What can you do with GIS?

People can do a lot of things if they can and they have skills to use GIS. Here is a little list

what you can to with GIS:

Map Where Things Are

Mapping where things are lets you find places that have the features you're looking for

and to see patterns.

Map Quantities

People map quantities to find places that meet their criteria and take action. A children's

clothing company might want to find ZIP Codes with many young families with relatively

high income. Public health officials might want to map the numbers of physicians per

1,000 people in each census tract to identify which areas are adequately served, and

which are not and so on.

Map Densities

A density map lets you measure the number of features using a uniform areal unit so you

can clearly see the distribution. This is especially useful when mapping areas, such as

census tracts or counties, which vary greatly in size. On maps showing the number of

people per census tract, the larger tracts might have more people than smaller ones. But

some smaller tracts might have more people per square mile—a higher density.

Find What's Inside

Use GIS to monitor what's happening and to take specific action by mapping what's

inside a specific area. For example, a district attorney would monitor drug-related

arrests to find out if an arrest is within 1,000 feet of a school—if so, stiffer penalties

apply.

Find What's Nearby

GIS can help you find out what's occurring within a set distance of a feature by mapping

what's nearby.

Page 9: introduction of open source software for gis education - ResearchGate

8

Map Change

Map the change in an area to anticipate future conditions, decide on a course of action,

or to evaluate the results of an action or policy. By mapping where and how things move

over a period of time, you can gain insight into how they behave. For example, a

meteorologist might study the paths of hurricanes to predict where and when they

might occur in the future. [2]

1.1.3. The Geographic Approach

Geography is the science that studies the lands, the features, the inhabitants, and the

phenomena of the Earth. Geomatics is a branch of geography that has emerged since the

quantitative revolution in geography in the mid-1950s. Geomatics involves the use of

traditional spatial techniques used in cartography and topography and their application

to computers. Geomatics has become a widespread field with many other disciplines,

using techniques such as GIS and remote sensing. Coupled with GIS, geography is

helping us to better understand the earth and apply geographic knowledge to a host of

human activities. [5]

The outcome is the emergence of The Geographic Approach—a new way of thinking and

problem solving that integrates geographic information into how we understand and

manage our planet. This approach allows us to create geographic knowledge by

measuring the earth, organizing this data, and analyzing and modeling various processes

and their relationships. The Geographic Approach also allows us to apply this knowledge

to the way we design, plan, and change our world. Next steps are important for the The

Geographic Approach [3] [5]:

Step 1: Ask

Frame the Question

Approaching a problem geographically involves framing the question from a location-

based perspective. What is the problem you are trying to solve or analyze, and where is

it located? Being as specific as possible about the question you're trying to answer will

help you with the later stages of The Geographic Approach, when you're faced with

deciding how to structure the analysis, which analytic methods to use, and how to

present the results to the target audience.

Page 10: introduction of open source software for gis education - ResearchGate

9

Step 2: Acquire

Find Data

After clearly defining the problem, it is necessary to determine the data needed to

complete your analysis and ascertain where that data can be found or generated. The

type of data and the geographic scope of your project will help direct your methods of

collecting data and conducting the analysis. If the method of analysis requires detailed

and/or high-level information, it may be necessary to create or calculate the new data.

Creating new data may simply mean calculating new values in the data table or

obtaining new map layers or attributes but may also require geoprocessing.

Step 3: Examine

Examine the Data

You will not know for certain whether the data you have acquired is appropriate for

your study until you thoroughly examine it. This includes visual inspection, as well as

investigating how the data is organized (its schema), how well the data corresponds to

other datasets and the rules of the physical world (its topology), and the story of where

the data came from (its metadata).

Step 4: Analyze

Analyze the Data

The data is processed and analyzed based on the method of examination or analysis you

choose, which is dependent on the results you hope to achieve. Do not underestimate

the power of "eyeballing" the data. Looking at the results can help you decide whether

the information is valid or useful, or whether you should rerun the analysis using

different parameters or even a different method. GIS modeling tools make it relatively

easy to make these changes and create new output.

Step 5: Act

Share Your Results

The results and presentation of the analysis are important parts of The Geographic

Approach. The results can be shared through reports, maps, tables, and charts and

delivered in printed form or digitally over a network or on the Web. You need to decide

on the best means for presenting your analysis. You can compare the results from

different analyses and see which method presents the information most accurately. And

you can tailor the results for different audiences. For example, one audience might

Page 11: introduction of open source software for gis education - ResearchGate

10

require a conventional report that summarizes the analyses and conveys

recommendations or comparable alternatives. Another audience may need an

interactive format that allows them to ask what-if questions or pursue additional

analysis.

1.2. Open Source free software

1.2.1. What is free software?

“Free software” means software that respects users' freedom and community.

Roughly, the users have the freedom to run, copy, distribute, study, change and improve

the software. With these freedoms, the users (both individually and collectively) control

the program and what it does for them.

When users don't control the program, the program controls the users. The developer

controls the program, and through it controls the users. This non free or “proprietary”

program is therefore an instrument of unjust power. Thus, “free software” is a matter of

liberty, not price. To understand the concept, you should think of “free” as in “free

speech,” not as in “free beer”.

A program is free software if the program's users have the four essential freedoms:

The freedom to run the program, for any purpose.

The freedom to study how the program works, and change it so it does your

computing as you wish. Access to the source code is a precondition for this.

The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor.

The freedom to distribute copies of your modified versions to others. By doing

this you can give the whole community a chance to benefit from your changes.

Access to the source code is a precondition for this. [6]

1.2.2. What is open source software?

People has started using the term “open source” to mean something close (but not

identical) to “free software”. Open source software is a type of "free" software to be

accessed, used or modified by their user groups and developers. There are many similar

terms to describe this kind of software, such as “free software”, “libre software”, “open

software”, etc. One key feature to distinguish open source software from other types

Page 12: introduction of open source software for gis education - ResearchGate

11

(such as proprietary software and shareware) is their “free software licenses”, which

explicitly define the legal rights to users with freedoms to run, study, change,

redistribute, and access the source codes of the licensed software. All open source

software is required to be “licensed”. The procedure of implementing “free software

licenses” is necessary to protect their users’ legal rights and to ensure the freedoms of

the software.

Prefer the term “free software” because, once you have heard that it refers to freedom

rather than price, it calls to mind freedom. The word “open” never refers to freedom. [6]

1.2.3. When should we use open source software?

Both proprietary GIS software and open source GIS software are equally important for

GIS education. In practice, open source stands for criteria a little weaker than those of

free software. As far as we know, all existing free software would qualify as open source.

Nearly all open source software is free software, but there are exceptions. First, some

open source licenses are too restrictive, so they do not qualify as free licenses.

Fortunately, few programs use those licenses.

Second, and more important, many products containing computers (including many

Android devices) come with executable programs that correspond to free software

source code, but the devices do not allow the user to install modified versions of those

executables; only one special company has the power to modify them. We call these

devices “tyrants”, and the practice is called “tivoization” after the product where we first

saw it. These executables are not free software even though their source code is free

software. The criteria for open source do not recognize this issue; they are concerned

solely with the licensing of the source code.

Many GIS teachers select proprietary GIS software for GIS education because students

can learn the mainstream software skills and have advantages in the job markets. On the

other hand, some GIS teachers prefer to use open source software because it is free of

cost and allows for the freedom to modify and distribute GIS applications. This paper

will not argue which direction is better for GIS education, but rather suggest when GIS

teachers should or could use open source software. In the following situations, it may be

a good opportunity to consider open source software in your classes:

Page 13: introduction of open source software for gis education - ResearchGate

12

Teachers would like to explore the possibility of teaching GIS in a very short

period, but do not have immediate financial support from schools or software

vendors to purchase GIS software.

Students would like to install and try GIS software on their home computers.

School computers are using non-Windows operating systems, such as MacOSX or

Linux.

Teachers would like to highlight a certain aspect of GIS functions, such as

database management, web mapping, remote sensing, or spatial analysis, and

they may realize that commercial GIS packages do not provide these individual

functions, or the cost of adding these additional functions are too expensive.

Teachers would like to demonstrate some unique GIS functions to students

tomorrow. (Most commercial GIS software will take more than one week to

finalize the licensing with vendors. You can download and use open source

software immediately.) [6][7]

Page 14: introduction of open source software for gis education - ResearchGate

13

2. GIS Software

2.1 Introduction of GIS software

Software that is used to create, manage, analyze and visualize geographic data, i.e. data

with a reference to a place on earth, is usually denoted by the term ‘GIS software’.

Typical applications for GIS software include the evaluation of places for the location of

new stores, the management of power and gas lines, the creation of maps, the analysis of

past crimes for crime prevention, route calculations for transport tasks, the

management of forests, parks and infrastructure, such as roads and water ways, as well

as applications in risk analysis of natural hazards, and emergency planning and

response. For this multitude of applications different types of GIS functions are required

and different categories of GIS software exist, which provide a particular set of functions

needed to fulfill certain data management tasks. We will first explain important GIS

software concepts, then list the typical tasks accomplished with GIS software, describe

different GIS software categories, and finally provide information on software producers

and projects. [8]

2.2.1. GIS Software Concepts

To represent a geographic object in a GIS, e.g. a building or a tree or a forest, a data

representation has to be established first. GIS usually provide two different possibilities

to represent (a geographic phenomenon): the raster representation and the vector

representation. In the raster representation a regular mesh of cells is used, where every

cell records the value of the attribute that describe the phenomenon - like the RGB

values in a digital image. Raster’s are typically used to represent variables that are

continuous over space, such as terrain elevations or land cover. In the vector model,

which is commonly used to store objects that are spatially discrete, every object is

represented by a (vector) geometry (e.g.; a point, a line, or a polygon) and value fields

that describe the non-spatial object properties, the so-called ‘attributes’, in a table. For

instance, a building might be represented by rectangle geometry and have attached two

fields that describe the construction year and the owner.

In GIS software geographic objects that have the same geometric and attribute

representation are typically grouped in so-called ‘layers’ to simplify data management

Page 15: introduction of open source software for gis education - ResearchGate

14

tasks. For instance, all buildings that are represented by polygons and have information

on owner and construction year are grouped in a layer ‘buildings’. In Figure 1 we show

the typical graphical user interface of a GIS software package that includes the concept

of geometries (map view) connected to values in tables (attribute view), as well as

layers that contain one class of objects (e.g. rivers). [4][8]

2.2.2. GIS Software Categories

Different types of GIS software exist with different functionality, as not every GIS user

needs to carry out all of the above tasks. For instance an assistant in the public services

department of a city may only provide information on house owners to construction

companies and does not need to edit the cadastral dataset. Figure 1 summarizes commonly

used GIS software categories.

Figure 1. Different types of GIS software

Desktop GIS usually serve all GIS tasks and are sometimes classified into three functionality

categories: GIS Viewer, GIS Editor, and GIS Analyst. Spatial Database Management Systems

(DBMS) are mainly used to store the data, but often also provide (limited) analysis and data

manipulation functionality. WebMap Servers are used to distribute maps and data over the

internet1. Similarly, WebGIS Clients are used for data display and to access analysis and

query functionality from Server GIS over the internet or intranet. Libraries and Extensions

provide additional (analysis) functionality that is not part of the basic GIS software, for

instance functions for network and terrain analysis, or functions to read specific data

formats. Finally, Mobile GIS are often used for field data collection.[8]

Page 16: introduction of open source software for gis education - ResearchGate

15

Software Manufacturers and Projects

GIS software is not only provided by companies but increasingly also by free and open source

software projects. While commercial vendors usually offer products for all of software

categories, open software projects often concentrate on a single category, e.g. desktop GIS or

WebMap server. The key players in the GIS software market today are Autodesk, Bentley,

ESRI Inc., GE (Smallworld), Pitney Bowes (MapInfo), and Intergraph. GIS software

companies tend to target specific application domains. For instance, ESRI’s ArcGIS product

tends to be mainly used for business analysis, planning, and environmental applications,

while Autodesk, GE and Bentley products are rather used in utility and facility

management. Competitive GIS software that is developed by free software projects exists as

well - especially with respect to server applications (MapServer, GeoServer) and spatial

DBMS (PostGIS). Free desktop GIS projects, such as Quantum GIS and gvSIG, currently

experience growing user communities. Such free GIS software rather complements the set of

proprietary software instead of competing with it. [8]

2.2. List of geographic information systems software

2.2.1. Notable commercial or proprietary GIS software

Desktop GIS

*Almost all of the below companies offer Desktop GIS and WebMap Server products.

Some offer Spatial DBMS products as well.[9]

Companies with high market share:

MapInfo by Pitney Bowes Software – Powerful desktop GIS MapInfo Professional is

enhanced with many plug-ins including MapInfo Drivetime for route analysis, MapInfo

Engage 3D for 3D and statistical analysis, MapInfo MapMarker for Geocoding.

Autodesk – Products that interface with its flagship AutoCAD software package include

Map 3D, Topobase, and MapGuide.

Bentley Systems – Products that interface with its flagship MicroStation software

package include Bentley Map and Bentley Map View.

Erdas Imagine by ERDAS Inc – Produ www.scanpointgeomatics.com cts include Leica

Photogrammetry Suite, ERDAS ER Mapper, ERDAS ECW JPEG2000 SDK (ECW (file

format)) are used throughout the entire mapping community (GIS, Remote Sensing,

Photogrammetry, and image compression) and ERDAS APOLLO.

Page 17: introduction of open source software for gis education - ResearchGate

16

Esri – Products include ArcView 3.x, ArcGIS, ArcSDE, ArcIMS, ArcWeb services

and ArcGIS Server.

IGiS by ScanPoint Geomatics Ltd. – A complete GIS.

Intergraph – Products include G/Technology, GeoMedia, GeoMedia

Professional, GeoMedia WebMap, and add-on products for industry sectors, as well

as photogrammetry.

RemoteView by Overwatch – RemoteView is one of the most widely used imagery

analysis tools within the US government to collect geospatial intelligence.

Smallworld – developed in Cambridge, England (Smallworld, Inc.) and purchased

by General Electric. Used primarily by public utilities.

SuperMap Inc. – Chinese company of GIS software. It produces Desktop, Component

and Service GIS for Asia and global markets.

Companies with minor but notable market share

Aquaveo – Developers of GMS, WMS, SMS, which are modular hydrology programs with

3D mapping features.

GeoConcept & opti-time – Business oriented GIS packages with 3D, 4D, Geomarketing,

optimization features

Cadcorp – Products include Cadcorp SIS, GeognoSIS, mSIS and developer kits.

Caliper – Products include Maptitude, TransModeler and TransCAD.

Dragon/ips – Remote sensing software with GIS capabilities.

ENVI – Utilized for image analysis, exploitation, and hyperspectral analysis.

Field-Map – GIS tool designed for computer aided field data collection, used mainly for

mapping of forest ecosystems.

Geosoft – GIS and data processing software used in natural resource exploration.

IDRISI – GIS and Image Processing product developed by Clark Labs at Clark University.

Affordable and robust, it is used for both operations and education.

Manifold System – GIS software package.

Belsis – CAD and GIS solutions available as Desktop and Web application products.

Netcad – Desktop and web based GIS products developed by Ulusal CAD ve GIS

Çözümleri A.Ş..

Page 18: introduction of open source software for gis education - ResearchGate

17

RegioGraph by GfK GeoMarketing – GIS software for business planning and analyses;

company also provides compatible maps and market data.

Spatialinfo – provides GIS solutions for telecommunication networks. Products include

spatialNET, spatialWEB, spatialOFFLINE, spatialCONFLATOR, ADDRESSmanager and

MAPupdater.

Spatial DBMS

Boeing's Spatial Query Server – Spatially enables Sybase ASE.

DB2 – Allows spatial querying and storing of most spatial data types.

Informix – Allows spatial querying and storing of most spatial data types.

Microsoft SQL Server 2008 – The latest player in the market of storing and querying

spatial data. GIS products such as MapInfo and Cadcorp SIS can read and edit this data

while ESRI and others are expected to be able to read and edit this data within the next

few months.

Oracle Spatial – Product allows users to perform complex geographic operations and

store common spatial data types in a native Oracle environment. Most commercial GIS

packages can read and edit spatial data stored in this way.

PostGIS – Based on the free PostgreSQL database.

Teradata – Teradata geospatial allows storage and spatial analysis on location-based

data which is stored using native geospatial data-types within the Teradata database.

VMDS – Version managed data store from Smallworld.

Spatial Data Transformation Tools

Safe Software – Spatial ETL products including FME Desktop, FME Server and

the ArcGIS Data Interoperability Extension.

2.2.2. Open source software

*The development of open source GIS software has - in terms of software history - a long

tradition with the appearance of a first system in 1978. Numerous systems are available

which cover all sectors of geospatial data handling. [9]

Page 19: introduction of open source software for gis education - ResearchGate

18

Desktop GIS

GRASS GIS – Originally developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: a complete GIS.

gvSIG – Written in Java. Runs on Linux, Unix, Mac OS X and Windows.

ILWIS (Integrated Land and Water Information System) – Integrates image, vector and

thematic data.

JUMP GIS / OpenJUMP ((Open) Java Unified Mapping Platform) – The desktop GISs

OpenJUMP, SkyJUMP, deeJUMP andKosmo all emerged from JUMP.[3]

MapWindow GIS – Free desktop application and programming component.

Quantum GIS (QGIS) – Runs on Linux, Unix, Mac OS X and Windows.

SAGA GIS (System for Automated Geoscientific Analysis) –- A hybrid GIS software. Has a

unique Application Programming Interface (API) and a fast growing set of geoscientific

methods, bundled in exchangeable Module Libraries.

uDig – API and source code (Java) available.

Besides these, there are other open source GIS tools:

Capaware – A C++ 3D GIS Framework with a multiple plugin architecture for

geographic graphical analysis and visualization.

FalconView – A mapping system created by the Georgia Tech Research Institute for the

Windows family of operating systems. A free, open source version is available.

Kalypso – Uses Java and GML3. Focuses mainly on numerical simulations in water

management.

TerraView – Handles vector and raster data stored in a relational or geo-relational

database, i.e. a frontend for TerraLib.

Whitebox GAT – Transparent GIS software.

Other geospatial tools

*Apart from Desktop GIS exists a variety of other GIS software types. For its

categorization see GIS software. A general overview of GIS software projects for each

category was done in 2012. Below is a similar listing of open source GIS projects.

Web map servers

GeoServer – Written in Java and relies on GeoTools. Allows users to share and edit

geospatial data.

MapGuide Open Source – Runs on Linux or Windows, supports Apache and IIS web

servers, and has APIs (PHP, .NET, Java, and JavaScript) for application development.

Page 20: introduction of open source software for gis education - ResearchGate

19

Mapnik – C++/Python library for rendering - used by OpenStreetMap.

MapServer – Written in C. Developed by the University of Minnesota.

OpenMap – Java-based mapping toolkit from BBN Technologies.

Spatial database management systems

PostGIS – Spatial extensions for the open source PostgreSQL database, allowing

geospatial queries.

SpatiaLite – Spatial extensions for the open source SQLite database, allowing geospatial

queries.

TerraLib – Provides advanced functions for GIS analysis.

Software development frameworks and libraries (for web applications)

GeoBase (Telogis GIS software) – Geospatial mapping software available as a Software

development kit, which performs various functions including address lookup, mapping,

routing, reverse geocoding, and navigation. Suited for high transaction enterprise

environments.

Geomajas – Open source development software for web-based and cloud based GIS

applications.

MapFish – Aggregates the power of OpenLayers, ExtJS and GeoExt.

OpenLayers – Open source AJAX library for accessing geographic data layers of all

kinds, originally developed and sponsored by MetaCarta.

Software development frameworks and libraries (non-web)

GeoTools – Open source GIS toolkit written in Java, using Open Geospatial

Consortium specifications.

GDAL / OGR

Orfeo toolbox

Cataloging application for spatially referenced resources

GeoNetwork open source – A catalog application to manage spatially referenced

resources

Other tools

Chameleon – Environments for building applications with MapServer.

MapPoint – A technology ("MapPoint Web Service", previously known as MapPoint

.NET) and a specific computer program created by Microsoft that allows users to view,

edit and integrate maps. [9]

Page 21: introduction of open source software for gis education - ResearchGate

20

3. Popular open source software examples for GIS

*This chapter is based on Ming-Hsiang Tsou and Jennifer Smith article: Free and open

source software for GIS education.[10][11][12][13][14]

The following chapter will introduces some useful open source software for GIS

education. To provide an easy-to-follow guidance for GIS educators, related open source

software has been categorized into five domains*:

Basic desktop GIS

Remote sensing software

3D visualization tools

Others (Web mapping servers and clients, spatial programming tools and

libraries, spatial databases)

*Details of open source software have been illustrated for the first three categories (basic

desktop GIS, remote sensing software and 3D visualization tools). Only summarized

descriptions for the rest of open source GIS software have been provided due to the project

limits.

3.1. Basic desktop GIS

Basic desktop GIS software can provide basic GIS functions, such as data input, map

display, spatial query, attribute query and spatial analysis. Most open source desktop

GIS software can be installed on multiple operating systems (Windows, MacOS, Linux

and so on). However, one common problem in open source desktop GIS software is the

lack of advanced cartographic functions and symbolization. Of course, some offer the

capability to export the mapping results as a scalable vector graphic (SVG) format to

subsequently edit it in OpenOffice Draw (another open source software) or utilize

cartographic support with InkScape.

Page 22: introduction of open source software for gis education - ResearchGate

21

3.1.1. KOSMO

Available: http://www.opengis.es/ (download file size: 108MB - available OS: Windows

and Linux)

Figure 2. Program Kosmo desktop [1.4]

KOSMO (figure 2) is one of the most popular (Java-based) open source desktop GIS,

providing a nice Graphic User Interface (GUI), GIS data editing tools, and spatial analysis

functions. KOSMO was developed based upon OpenJUMP, which is a light and simple

version of open source desktop GIS, offering very limited graphic and symbol functions.

KOSMO has improved cartographic and spatial analysis functions from OpenJUMP,

providing a friendly and comprehensive GIS package for desktop computers. One major

advantage of both OpenJUMP and KOSMO is the capability for users to edit/modify

vertices (a very detailed level of segment nodes) in vector-based layers.

Page 23: introduction of open source software for gis education - ResearchGate

22

3.1.2 gvSIG

Available http://www.gvsig.com (file size: 89MB, available OS: Windows, Linux and

MacOS X)

Figure 3. gvSIG Desktop [1.5]

gvSIG (figure 3) was developed by the European GIS community offering multiple

language user interfaces. More than ten different languages (including Spanish, French

and Chinese) can be selected to display the menus and tools. This feature is extremely

useful to teach GIS in a non-English-spoken community.

gvSIG is well known for its flexible GIS data input format. You can use various GIS data

formats (both vector and raster) and online resources (such as WMS, WCS and WFS).

gvSIG has nice vector data editing functions. Users can easily digitize lines by snapping

vertices to existing nodes and generate correct topology. With an easy-to-configure

locator map, gvSIG immediately reveals where you are in your dataset. Some GIS

professionals believe that gvSIG is becoming close to replacing ESRI ArcMap software.

Page 24: introduction of open source software for gis education - ResearchGate

23

3.1.3. uDig

Available http://udig.refractions.net/ (file size: 94 MB, available OS: Windows, Linus,

and MacOS ).

uDig (figure 4) is also a popular Java-based desktop GIS software. The name, uDig,

stands for “User-friendly Desktop Internet GIS”. Therefore, uDig offers strong capabilities

to integrate Web mapping technologies, such as WMS, WFS, remote ArcSDE, WCS,

GeoRSS and KML. The uDig website includes great tutorials and walkthrough documents

for first-time users. uDig is built upon IBM's Eclipse platform with a “clean” user

interface. uDig provides several good GIS functions, including the Styled Layer

Descriptor (SLD) support, Web Catalog Server support, and thematic mapping with

advanced symbology. uDig is also a great choice for Desktop GIS software.

Figure 4. Program uDIG desktop [1.6]

Page 25: introduction of open source software for gis education - ResearchGate

24

3.1.4. Quantum GIS (QGIS)

Available http://www.qgis.org/ (file size: 89MB, available OS: Windows, UNIX, Linux,

and MacOS).

Quantum GIS (QGIS) provides a very nice integration with Python, a scripting language

to customize or automate GIS functions. Python is probably the most popular GIS

programming language now because ESRI ArcGIS also adopts Python for their

programming functions. There are many different versions of QGIS available for

download. After the download, it may be necessary to change the installation directory

for QGIS to a root folder (such as C:\QGIS) rather than accepting the default [/programs

files] directory if you are using Windows Vista or Windows 7. You may have some

problems installing this program initially because of file written permission problems.

Changing the default installation directory to a root folder may solve this issue.

QGIS supplies a really good manual and tutorials. (Available:

http://www.qgis.org/en/documentation/manuals.html). The software provides useful

GIS tools in spatial analysis, geoprocessing, geometry, and data management tasks. Two

unique features of QGIS include the linkage (expendable) to GRASS functionalities and

the support of DWG file formats. QGIS (figure 5) supports basic ESRI shapefiles and

coverage formats, but not personal geodatabases. It also includes good Web linkages,

including WMS and WFS.

Figure 5. Quantum GIS Desktop

Page 26: introduction of open source software for gis education - ResearchGate

25

3.1.5. GRASS

Available: http://grass.osgeo.org/ (file size: 88MB, available OS: Windows, MacOS,

Linux)

GRASS (figure 6) is one of the oldest public domain GIS software in existence and has

become open source for quite some time. The full name of GRASS is “Geographic

Resource Analysis Support System”. The U.S. Army Construction Engineering Research

Laboratories originally developed GRASS in 1985. It offers comprehensive GIS analysis

functions for both vector and raster datasets. The original user interface of GRASS was in

command line only. Quantum GIS can embed all GRASS functions via a graphic user

interface (GUI) for easier public use. Multiple data input formats are available, including

MySQL, .DBF, Post GIS, and SQLite There are many federal government agencies using

GRASS for their GIS projects, including NOAA, NASA, and the US Census Bureau. A wide

range of applications and extensions of GRASS have been created for different needs of

scientific research.

Figure 6. GRASS GIS Map Display [1.7]

In general, there are many excellent open source software packages in the category of

basic Desktop GIS. GIS educators can select the appropriate software that suits their

classroom needs and/or hardware arrangements.

Page 27: introduction of open source software for gis education - ResearchGate

26

3.2. Remote Sensing Software

Compared to basic Desktop GIS, there are fewer selections of open source remote

sensing software packages. While there are fewer, these programs still offer many

advanced and comprehensive tools for image processing, enhancement, and analysis.

3.2.1. ImageJ

Available: http://rsbweb.nih.gov/ij/ (file size: up to 42MB – depending on OS)

(Available OS: Windows, Linux and Mac OS X).

ImageJ (figure 7) was developed at the National Institutes of Health as an open source

software package. ImageJ allows users to open, display, edit, process, and analyze 8-bit,

16-bit and 32-bit images in the following formats: TIFF, GIF, JPEG, PNG, DICOM, BMP,

PGM and FITS. By downloading or writing additional plug-ins, you can open and process

additional image formats and numerous new functions as well (plugins:

http://rsb.info.nih.gov/ij/plugins/index.html). ImageJ includes comprehensive

processing capabilities such as geometric transformations, image enhancement (edge

detection, sharpening, smoothing, etc.) and color processing

(http://rsbweb.nih.gov/ij/features.html). The program can also stack multiple images in

one display that are correlated spatially or temporally with the same size and bit depth,

allowing the user to scroll through them interactively.

Figure 7. Screenshot of ImageJ examples [1.8]

Page 28: introduction of open source software for gis education - ResearchGate

27

3.2.2. OSSIM

Available www.ossim.org (minimum size (depending upon OS): 382MB, OSSIM and

OSSIM Planet are available for Windows, Linux, and Mac).

OSSIM is a software program that includes numerous advanced image processing tools

to support GIS, remote sensing, and photogrammetry. Under constant development,

OSSIM aims to improve its processing abilities while funded under a number of US

government agencies. The full name of OSSIM is Open Source Software Image Map, which

has been nicknamed “awesome” by their first government customer. OSSIM provides

useful tutorials in PDF (available: http://download.osgeo.org/ossim/tutorials/ ) and a

user guide (http://download.osgeo.org/ossim/docs/pdfs/ossim_users_guide.pdf). Some

functions in the program include: supporting numerous map projections and datum’s,

sensor modeling, native file access, ortho rectification, elevation support, vector and

shapelib support, histogram matching, and tonal balancing .

Figure 8. Screenshots of programm OSSIM tools [1.9]

Page 29: introduction of open source software for gis education - ResearchGate

28

3.2.3. ImageLinker

Through their Visual Chain Editor (VCE), users can create, connect and change “image

chains” (multiple images). Users can also utilize and/or create plugins within

ImageLinker to add new functionality to the program.

Figure 9. Screenshot of ImageLinker displaying two images. [1.10]

Nice tutorial is available:

http://download.osgeo.org/ossim/docs/pdfs/ImageLinker_Tutorial.pdf

Page 30: introduction of open source software for gis education - ResearchGate

29

3.2.4. OpenEV

Available http://openev.sourceforge.net (file size: up to 26.7MB, available OS: Windows,

Linux, Irix, and Solaris)

Figure 10. Screenshot of an image display in OpenEV. [1.11]

OpenEV is a software program that displays and analyzes vector and raster data and

offers a library for developers to construct new applications

(http://openev.sourceforge.net/). First created by Atlantis Scientific (now Vexcel), the

program was later obtained by Microsoft and developed into the satellite imagery

viewer available now. OpenEV can display large datasets, from georeferenced images to

elevation data in 2D and 3D. Some of the features include image enhancement, image

comparison, overlay and on-screen digitizing for image analysis. [11]

Page 31: introduction of open source software for gis education - ResearchGate

30

3.2.5. ILWIS Open

Available http://52north.org (file size: up to 17.8MB zipped, Available OS: Windows)

ILWIS Open, short for Integrated Land and Water Information System, was developed by

ITC (the International Institute for Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation) in the

Netherlands. ILWIS is a combination of both a GIS and remote sensing package that can

display, process and analyze image (raster), vector and thematic data. Documentation

can be downloaded at http://52north.org/downloads/ilwis/documentation, detailing a

very comprehensive explanation of the features and capabilities of ILWIS (begin with

preface). Features available for vector data include digitizing, display, interpolation,

calculations and more. For raster data, the functions include creation of digital elevation

models, slope, aspect, distance calculation, and more. With satellite images, some of the

features users can execute include statistics, filters, mosaic, georeferencing,

classifications and histograms. Importantly, when you are ready to create the final

output of your data, ILWIS offers annotation functions and printable outputs.

Figure 11. Screenshot from ILWIS [1.12]

Page 32: introduction of open source software for gis education - ResearchGate

31

3.2.5. Opticks

Available http://opticks.org/confluence/display/opticks/Welcome+To+Opticks

(file size: up to 49MB zipped files, available OS: Windows, Solaris, and limited support

for Linux).

Opticks is a remote sensing software package that supports many types of imagery and

remote sensing data such as motion imagery (videos), Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR),

multi-spectral, and hyper-spectral data. [12] First developed by Ball Aerospace &

Technologies Corporation for the US Air Force, Opticks was originally created for

hyperspectral analysis and designed to be less complicated to use than the ENVI

software [13]. In 2007, Opticks was released to the public as an open source software

package. Supported data include: NITF, GeoTIFF, JPEG2000, ENVI, Raw formatted files,

HDF5, Hyperion, DTED, Shapefiles (.shp and from ArcSDE), CGM, AOI/ROIs, ENVI,

Spectral, ASPAM/PAR, Annotations, and Color Maps/Tables . There are extensive

Opticks functions accessible such as displaying false color images, histogram production,

added annotations, creation of animations, all available bands, linking frames,

georeferencing, performing filters, automation, and creating your own algorithms. There

are also available extensions for additional functionality as well as the ability to develop

your own extensions.

Figure 12. Screenshot of Opticks, a classification [1.13]

Page 33: introduction of open source software for gis education - ResearchGate

32

3.3. 3D Visualization Tools

In response to the growing popularity of 3D GIS data and geovisualization, several open

source programs are being developed. Through the addition of a new dimension, users

can both analyze and visualize more spatial object relationships and spatial patterns

than previously available. This additional display space offers room for creativity in

visualization. Users are able to not only map elevation of desired objects, but display and

represent attribute data with height as well. Some popular open source 3D visualization

software packages are introduced below.

3.3.1. ParaView

Available http://www.paraview.org/ (file size: up to 119MB, available OS: Windows,

MacOSX, Linux).

ParaView was first publicly released in 2002. The program can analyze very large

datasets and has the ability to display data in 3D. Some of the different file formats

supported include VTK, polygonal files, EnSight, Plot3D, and many more because users

can provide their own readers. There are many features offered in ParaView such as

filters, extracting and displaying contours, clipping/cutting features, grid computations,

statistics and display. Extensions can add functionality to the software program through

download or by scripting your own in the Python language.

Figure 12. Screenshot of ParaView interface [1.14]

Page 34: introduction of open source software for gis education - ResearchGate

33

3.3.2 NASA World Wind

Available: http://worldwind.arc.nasa.gov/download.html (file size: 16MB, available OS:

Windows, but the new World Wind Java SDK will operate for Windows, MacOS, & Fedora

Core 6, file size: 24.69MB).

Originally released in 2004, NASA World Wind is a virtual globe that displays satellite

images from NASA and USGS, aerial photos, topographic maps and GIS data on a 3D

virtual earth [14]. Aside from Earth, World Wind has provided other planets (Moon,

Mars, Venus and Jupiter) for display and exploration as well. The website includes an

easy to follow key chart instructing the user how to navigate the virtual globe with their

keyboard and mouse. Users can import shapefiles, kml/kmz files, and other geospatial

data to display on the virtual globe. With an embedded digital elevation model (DEM)

and bathymetry, World Wind visualizes objects in 3D, viewable when you zoom into

different features that have height and depth, including trenches and ridges. With the

high-resolution visualization, it is a great tool for analysis and display because of the

great detail it provides. Upon zooming in, political boundaries, place names, and latitude

and longitude gridlines can be seen if desired for enhanced visual effects. Like many

other programs, World Wind also allows for new plug-ins to add new functionality such

as displaying new paths, polygons, and names. USGS has also developed a set of

geoprocessing tools that work inside WorldWind.

Figure 13. Screenshots of data visualized in the NASA World Wind Interface [1.15]

Page 35: introduction of open source software for gis education - ResearchGate

34

3.3.3. ossimPlanet

Available: http://www.ossim.org/OSSIM/ossimPlanet.html (file size depending upon

OS: minimum 192MB, available OS: Linux, Mac, Windows).

ossimPlanet is an accurate 3D virtual globe built upon the OSSIM software for

visualization and remote collaboration. It can handle many commercial and government

datasets including OSSIM Geo-Spatial Formats, GDAL Geo-Spatial Formats, kml/kmz files

and Predator UAV mpg clips. The virtual globe renders elevation and tree topography on

the fly, enriching the visual display for users of ossimPlanet. To help users begin, there is

a good instruction manual available for each operating system on the web site (windows

manual, http://download.osgeo.org/ossim/installers/windows/ossimPlanetUsers.pdf).

It is important to note that users must have a three-button mouse in order to navigate

the virtual globe.

Figure 14. Screenshot of ossimPlanet [1.13]

Page 36: introduction of open source software for gis education - ResearchGate

35

3.4. Other Open Source GIS software

The following open source software packages can provide advanced GIS functions, such

as web mapping services, advanced spatial analysis and spatial databases. If GIS teachers

need to create specialized GIS courses in their labs or programs, these software may be a

good choice.

Web mapping servers and clients

The whole GIS industry is moving into the direction of Internet GIS and Web mapping.

Thousands of Web GIS applications have been created and used in many websites [15]

However, most commercial Internet Map Servers (IMS) are very expensive and not

affordable for GIS educators. Open source IMS can provide a good alternative for GIS

educators to create and introduce web mapping services to their students. There are

two types of web mapping software: server-side IMS and client-side map browser tools.

3.4.1. Server-side IMS

MapServer

Available: http://mapserver.org/

MapServer is probably the oldest and the most popular open source IMS. The platform

was originally developed at the University of Minnesota in 1994 with NASA funding.

MapServer is a CGI program (common gateway interface). CGI is an early Internet GIS

technology. Therefore, the user interface and mapping functions are limited in

comparison to other IMS that use advanced AJAX or FLEX technologies. Despite this,

performance of MapServer is still useful for most basic web mapping services.

GeoServer

Available: http://geoserver.org/display/GEOS/Welcome

GeoServer is also a popular Java-based open source IMS, created by The Open Planning

Project in 2001. GeoServer can provide advanced Web mapping protocols such as OGC's

WMS and WFS. It can also provide transactional editing. The generic web interface is

very interactive and easy to use.

MapGuide Open Source

Available: http://mapguide.osgeo.org/

MapGuide has a very unique situation in terms of open source software license.

AutoDesk created MapGuide originally as proprietary software. In 2005, AutoDesk

Page 37: introduction of open source software for gis education - ResearchGate

36

released MapGuide as open source under LGPL and made the source codes available for

open source developers. The installation procedure of MapGuide server is more

complicated than other IMS, which may be challenging for beginners. MapGuide Open

Source can provide a very powerful map engine and advanced client-side map browser

tools and technologies.

3.4.2. Client-side mapping browser tools

OpenLayers

Available: http://openlayers.org/

OpenLayers is a client-based JavaScript library that can be customized in a HTML

document for displaying map data. OpenLayers does not create its own mapping images

from GIS databases, but instead displays map layers derived from other (external) IMS

engines. Thus, it is a client-side application rather than an IMS. Openlayers is a very

powerful client-side mapping tool offering great performance, but requiring a certain

level of programming skill in order to use or customize its interface. Additionally,

because it is based on JavaScript and it does not work well in Internet Explorer web

browsers.

Mapfish

Available: http://mapfish.org/

Mapfish is also a JavaScript-based client-side mapping tool created by utilizing the Pylon

Python web framework. Similar to OpenLayers, Mapfish is compliant with various IMS

output protocols, such as WMS, WFS, KML, GML, etc.

3.4.3. Spatial Analysis Programming Tools and Library

STARS (Space-Time Analysis of Regional Systems)

Available: http://regionalanalysislab.org/index.php/Main/STARS

STATS is an easy-to-use open source software designed for the analysis for areal data

(such as counties or zip-code areas) measured over time. Program is created with the

Python programming language.

PySAL

Available http://geodacenter.asu.edu/projects/pysal

Page 38: introduction of open source software for gis education - ResearchGate

37

PYSAL is an open source library of tools for spatial analysis developed by the GeoDa

Center at Arizona State University.

3.4.4. Spatial databases

PostGIS

Available http://postgis.refractions.net/

PostGIS is the most popular open source GIS database engine built upon the PostgreSQL

object-relational database. Many developers consider that PostGIS is a strong challenger

to several commercial GIS databases, such as Oracle Spatial and Microsoft SQL Server

Spatial.

GearScape

Available: http://www.fergonco.es/gearscape/

GearScape is another good open source tool to develop GIS databases. If you are looking

for software to learn/teach spatial SQL, GearScape is a good instructional tool because it

provides a spatial SQL implementation and the results of the queries are shown directly

on the active map.

Summarized

Most of these open source tools and packages can be accessed from:

The Open Source Geospatial Foundation http://www.osgeo.org/

OpenGeo website http://opengeo.org

Page 39: introduction of open source software for gis education - ResearchGate

38

Conclusion

Although many private GIS software companies such as ESRI, Microsoft and Google

played an important role for GIS development in the past, the Open Source Software

Society has become a stronger player in the GIS industry.

The process to adopt open source GIS may not so quick in comparison to commercial

solutions, but it is affordable and importantly, offers customization of the software for

your needs.

With the introduction of this project, I was hoped that GIS educators and learners can

realize the potential of open source GIS software for their courses.

For example: QGIS – it has come a long way in the last few years, it has database support,

it has now good support OGC standards like VMS and WFS, and its support almost any

format. NASA World Wind can offer an excellent virtual earth demo by linking to

multiple NASA satellite images and the WMS layers directly.

Paul Ramsey had said (paper: “The State of Open Source GIS”):

"The change to open source requires a different mindset. Rather than one programme or

one suite of programs delivering everything you need, you go over to different programs

that all communicate with each other and use the same (standard) protocols and data

formats."

I hope that this little project proves to be useful for GIS educators: to try open source GIS

software.

In the market (internet) there are lot of different kinds of programs – you just need to

choose, what best fit for you. But remember: data is what matters, not software,

programs are just tools. Find a tool that does what you want with your data and

workflows, don`t force your workflows and data to bend to the software needs.

As GIS technology develops every year, some of the information for open source

software, what is mentioned in this project, may be out-of-date or incorrect. If you have

comments, some new ideas, find new open source GIS software’s or you see any errors

in this project – please note me and send: [email protected]

I will incorporate your suggestions into the next project, where I will correct that and

hopefully there are some new materials too.

Page 40: introduction of open source software for gis education - ResearchGate

39

References

[1] ESRI GIS Dictionary. (2013). Retrieved March 18, 2013, from

http://support.esri.com/en/knowledgebase/GISDictionary/term/GIS

[2] Introduction to Geographic Information Systems. (2011) Retrieved March 20, 2013,

from

http://www.lib.virginia.edu/scholarslab/resources/class/mlbs/introToGIS.pdf

[3] ESRI GIS overview. Retrieved 20, 2013, from

http://www.esri.com/what-is-gis/overview

[4] Wikipedia, Geographic information systems, Retrieved March 15, 2013, from

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geographic_information_system

[5] Wikipedia, Geography, Retrieved March 15, 2013, from

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography

[6] GNU Operating System, The free software, Retrieved March 15, 2013, from

http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/free-sw.html

[7]=[9] Tsou, M. and Smith, J. (2011) Free and Open Source software for GIS education,

National Geospatial Technology Center of Excellence, Retrived March 6, 2013, from

http://geoinfo.sdsu.edu/hightech/WhitePaper/tsou_free-GIS-for-educators-

whitepaper.pdf

[8] Steiniger, S. and Bocher, E. (2009) An overview on current free and open source

desktop GIS developments, International Journal of Geographical Information Science,

23:10, 1345 - 1370.

[9] Wikipedia, List of geographic information systems software, Retrieved March 7,

2013, from

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_geographic_information_systems_software

[11] Ramsey, P. (2007). The State of Open Source GIS. Refractions Research, Victoria, BC,

Canada.

[12] Wikipedia, GRASS GIS, Retrieved March 24, 2013, from

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GRASS_GIS

[13] Wikipedia, OpenEV, Retrieved March 24, 2013, from

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpenEV

[14] Wikipedia, Optics, Retrieved March 24, 2013, from

Page 41: introduction of open source software for gis education - ResearchGate

40

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opticks

[15] History of Optics, Retrieved March 27, 2013, from

http://opticks.org/confluence/display/opticks/History+of+Opticks

[16] NASA World Wind, Retrieved March 27, 2013, from

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASA_World_Wind

Pictures and figures (from Google):

Title page pictures:

[1.1]http://www.hopkinsvilleky.us/agencies/planning-commission/planning-page

photos/gis.jpg

[1.2] http://www.mdpi.com/1999-5903/4/2/451

[1.3] http://publicworks.nl/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/socrata_open_data.png

Figures:

[1.4] http://live.osgeo.org/_images/kosmo3.jpg

[1.5]http://outreach.gvsig.org/sites/gvsigoutreach.drupalgardens.com/files/CU_PER_ca

tastro_municipal_2.png

[1.6] http://udig-news.blogspot.com/2012/09/udig-132-released.html

[1.7] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Wxgui-atm.png

[1.8] http://img.teck.in/imagej.jpg

[1.9] http://www.ossim.org/OSSIM/OSSIM.html

[1.10] http://live.osgeo.org/_images/ossim-imagelinker3.jpg

[1.11] http://earth.unibuc.ro/images/588.png

[1.12] http://fatwaramdani.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/pca_using_ilwis7.jpg

[1.13]http://img.brothersoft.com/screenshots/softimage/o/opticks-208211-

1233481273.jpeg

[1.14] http://technology.qatar.tamu.edu/rc/paraview.JPG

[1.15] http://www.bullsworld.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/eoli.jpg

[1.16] http://wiki.osgeo.org/images/a/a2/KoreaOverview.jpg

View publication statsView publication stats