The Spatial Space

what gis software is available?

1. ArcGIS: ArcGIS is a comprehensive GIS software suite developed by Esri. It offers a wide range of tools and functionalities for data management, spatial analysis, mapping, and visualization. ArcGIS provides a user-friendly interface and is widely used in various industries for both desktop and web-based GIS applications.
2. QGIS: QGIS (Quantum GIS) is a free and open-source GIS software that provides powerful geospatial analysis capabilities. It offers a user-friendly interface, supports a wide range of data formats, and provides a robust set of tools for data editing, analysis, and cartographic output. QGIS is widely used by researchers, educators, and professionals in GIS and related fields.
3. GRASS GIS: GRASS GIS (Geographic Resources Analysis Support System) is an open-source GIS software focused on geospatial analysis, image processing, and modeling. It provides advanced functionalities for terrain analysis, hydrological modeling, and landscape ecology. GRASS GIS has a command-line interface and is widely used in scientific research and academic environments.
4. MapInfo Pro: MapInfo Pro is a commercial GIS software developed by Pitney Bowes. It offers powerful data visualization, analysis, and mapping capabilities. MapInfo Pro provides a user-friendly interface, supports various data formats, and is commonly used for spatial analysis, location intelligence, and business mapping applications.
5. GeoServer: GeoServer is an open-source server-based software for sharing and publishing geospatial data. It supports the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) standards, allowing users to serve geospatial data as web services, including Web Map Service (WMS), Web Feature Service (WFS), and Web Coverage Service (WCS). GeoServer is widely used for building and managing geospatial web applications.
6. PostGIS: PostGIS is a spatial database extension for PostgreSQL, an open-source relational database management system. It adds support for spatial data types, indexing, and spatial functions to PostgreSQL, allowing storage, query, and analysis of geospatial data. PostGIS is commonly used as a backend for spatial data management in GIS applications.

Open-source and commercial GIS software are two different approaches to meeting geospatial analysis and mapping needs. Open-source GIS software, such as QGIS and GRASS GIS, is developed by a community of contributors and is freely available to use, modify, and distribute. It offers flexibility, extensibility, and the ability to customize the software according to specific requirements.

Open-source GIS software provides a cost-effective solution for individuals, organizations, and educational institutions with limited budgets.

On the other hand, commercial GIS software, such as ArcGIS and MapInfo Pro, is developed and licensed by software companies. It often comes with comprehensive support, extensive documentation, and advanced features tailored to specific industries.

Commercial software is generally known for its user-friendly interfaces, enterprise-level capabilities, and integration with other software systems. It suits organizations with larger budgets, complex GIS needs, and a desire for dedicated technical support. The choice between open-source and commercial GIS software depends on factors such as budget, required features, support needs, and the level of customization desired.

where to get started?

If you’re not sure where to get started, I would recommend QGIS as it’s fairly intuitive and open source:

To get started with QGIS, an open-source GIS software, begin by downloading and installing the latest version from the official QGIS website (https://www.qgis.org). Once installed, explore the user-friendly interface and familiarize yourself with the various tools and functionalities. QGIS provides a comprehensive set of resources for learning and support. Here are some online resources to help you get started:

1. QGIS Tutorials and Training: The official QGIS website offers a wide range of tutorials and training materials, including step-by-step guides and video tutorials. You can access these resources at https://www.qgis.org/en/docs/training_material/.
2. QGIS Documentation: The official documentation provides detailed information on QGIS features, data management, analysis tools, and more. You can access the documentation at https://docs.qgis.org/.
3. QGIS YouTube Channel: The QGIS YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/QGISProjectOfficial) features a collection of video tutorials, demos, and tips shared by the QGIS community. It’s a great resource to learn specific techniques and workflows in QGIS.
4. QGIS Community and Forum: Join the QGIS community through the QGIS mailing list (https://lists.osgeo.org/mailman/listinfo/qgis-user) and QGIS Forum (https://www.qgisforum.org/). These platforms allow you to interact with other users, ask questions, and learn from their experiences.
5. QGIS Training Providers: QGIS has a network of certified training providers (https://www.qgis.org/en/site/forusers/training.html) who offer in-person and online courses. These courses provide structured learning opportunities and hands-on exercises to enhance your QGIS skills.

For acquiring data, QGIS can work with various data sources. Here are some links to online resources where you can find geospatial data:

1. Natural Earth: Natural Earth (https://www.naturalearthdata.com/) provides free, high-quality global vector and raster datasets for various thematic layers, such as land cover, rivers, administrative boundaries, and more.
2. OpenStreetMap: OpenStreetMap (https://www.openstreetmap.org/) is a collaborative mapping project that offers detailed and up-to-date vector data for different regions worldwide. You can download OpenStreetMap data directly from the website or access it through various plugins within QGIS.
3. EarthExplorer: EarthExplorer (https://earthexplorer.usgs.gov/) is a platform provided by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) where you can search, preview, and download a wide range of satellite imagery and other geospatial datasets.
4. DIVA-GIS: DIVA-GIS (https://www.diva-gis.org/) is a website that provides free spatial data for various countries and regions. It offers data on climate, vegetation, land cover, and other thematic layers that can be used within QGIS.
5. Office for National Statistics (ONS): The ONS Geoportal (https://geoportal.statistics.gov.uk/) provides a wide range of geospatial datasets related to demographics, socio-economic indicators, population, and other statistical information for the United Kingdom. You can access various boundary datasets, such as administrative boundaries, postcode boundaries, and census data, from the ONS website.
6. Ordnance Survey (OS) Open Data: Ordnance Survey offers a collection of freely available geospatial datasets through its OS Open Data portal (https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/business-government/products/open-map-data). These datasets include Ordnance Survey OpenMap, OS Open Roads, OS Open Rivers, OS Open Greenspace, and more. These datasets provide detailed mapping information for different features across the UK.
7. Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra) Survey Data: The UK government’s Defra website (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs) provides access to various survey datasets related to the environment, agriculture, and rural affairs. These datasets include land use, agricultural surveys, environmental monitoring data, and more. These datasets can be valuable for environmental analysis and land management projects.

These resources should provide a solid starting point for learning QGIS, accessing geospatial data, and getting hands-on with different GIS projects.