FLOSS GIS Mapping
In February 2007, the South African Cabinet approved a free and open source (FLOSS)
strategy whereby government will migrate its current software to open source software.
This has far reaching implications for all levels of government and various debates are
currently discussed around issues such as the unknown risks and level of maturity of software.
What is however clear, is that a requirement has been placed by National Government.
Within the OSS community, much development is being undertaken on GIS software. There are,
however many debates and uncertainty on the viability of FLOSS for Local Government. On the one
hand, FLOSS proponents claim that FLOSS is viable, and on the other hand, non-FLOSS proponents
state various disadvantages to claim the opposite. This creates a certain risk in the implementation
of FLOSS software, due to uncertainties related to support and software maturity. However, risks needs
to be managed in terms of support of software, customisability and adherence to software and data standards
such as OGSC compliancy. Maturity needs to be assessed in terms of software development maturity and
organisational/departmental maturity.
In order to embrace such technologies, GIS Global Image has embarked on research into the development
of Hybrid Geographical systems. A hybrid software scenario would suggest a combination of Proprietary
software, and FLOSS software where it seems viable. It is important to note that two different systems
are not proposed, but that one merely embrace the advantages of tried-and-tested technologies (such as
what proprietary software has to offer), while also embracing the potential and Governmental requirements
FLOSS has to offer.
Such an approach can manage risks and software maturity issues identified within FLOSS GIS software, where for example,
ESRI Arc GIS Server can be used to manage spatial data into a MS SQL geo-database (which is generally recognised
as mature technologies), from where FLOSS GIS viewer technologies be used to publish GIS data to less GIS
sophisticated users. Alternatively, geo-data are managed within the ESRI ArcMap environment, and interfaced to
Postgres (a FLOSS database) and PostGIS (a FLOSS spatial map interface and alternative to ESRI ARCSDE), from where
FLOSS viewers, such as MapServer create GIS maps on an intra- or
internet platform. Development languages used within this solution include .NET version 2, C# and Javascript. This solution provides for an alternative where ESRI ArcSDE and MS SQL are not
purchased, thus having savings in terms of software licensing.
To view our new mapping software, click here.
This research has culminated in the development of the PAPYRUS product by GIS Global Image. To read more about the
PAPYRUS System follow this link
It is however important to note that each organisation is different and such hybrid systems need to be evaluated
individually to ensure that such a spatial system remains viable. Please contact us if you require assistance.
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