PostGIS

Website

postgis.refractions.net

Categories

#Maps #Mapping And GIS #Web Mapping #Maps & Navigation

gvSIG Desktop

Website

gvsig.org

Categories

#Maps #Mapping And GIS #Web Mapping #Maps & Navigation

PostGIS features and specs

• Open Source
  PostGIS is open-source, meaning it is free to use and has a strong community support for development and troubleshooting.
• Integration with PostgreSQL
  PostGIS extends PostgreSQL, a robust relational database management system, providing powerful geospatial capabilities along with traditional SQL features.
• Rich Geospatial Functions
  PostGIS offers a comprehensive range of geospatial functions and data types, making it suitable for complex spatial queries and analyses.
• Cross-platform Support
  Being cross-platform, PostGIS can run on various operating systems including Windows, Linux, and macOS, offering flexibility in deployment.
• Active Community and Documentation
  PostGIS benefits from an active user community and extensive documentation, which aids in learning and problem-solving.
• Scalability
  Built on PostgreSQL, PostGIS inherits its scalability features, which support large datasets and extensive query capabilities.
• Customization and Extension
  PostGIS's open architecture allows for customization and the development of extensions to meet specific geospatial needs.

Possible disadvantages of PostGIS

• Complexity
  The setup and maintenance of PostGIS can be complex for users without prior experience in PostgreSQL or geospatial databases.
• Performance Overhead
  For extremely large datasets and very high-performance needs, the additional geospatial functionality can introduce some performance overhead.
• Learning Curve
  There is a significant learning curve associated with mastering PostGIS, particularly for users who are not familiar with GIS or SQL.
• Resource Intensive
  Running intensive geospatial queries can be resource-intensive, requiring significant memory and processing power.
• Limited Advanced GIS Features
  While PostGIS offers extensive GIS features, it may fall short compared to specialized GIS software for certain advanced spatial analytics or visualization tasks.
• Dependency on PostgreSQL
  As PostGIS is an extension to PostgreSQL, users are dependent on PostgreSQL updates and limitations, which might not always align with geospatial needs.

gvSIG Desktop features and specs

• Open Source
  gvSIG Desktop is an open-source Geographic Information System (GIS) software that allows users to access its functionalities without any licensing fees, encouraging community contributions and transparency.
• Multi-platform
  The software is available on multiple operating systems including Windows, Linux, and MacOS, making it accessible to a wide range of users across different platforms.
• Extensive Format Support
  gvSIG Desktop supports a wide range of file formats such as SHP, DXF, DWG, DGN, and many raster formats, allowing users to work with diverse geospatial data sets.
• Plug-in Architecture
  Its plug-in architecture enables users to extend the core functionalities by adding custom plugins, enhancing the flexibility and adaptability of the software.
• Community Support
  With a robust user community, users can benefit from shared knowledge, forums, and documentation, which facilitates troubleshooting and learning.

Possible disadvantages of gvSIG Desktop

• Steep Learning Curve
  New users may find gvSIG Desktop complex to learn due to its extensive capabilities and technical interfaces, potentially requiring significant time to become proficient.
• Performance Issues
  Some users may experience performance lag or software crashes, especially when working with large datasets or running intensive operations.
• Limited Resources
  Compared to commercial GIS solutions, gvSIG may have fewer resources for updates or new feature development, potentially impacting the pace of improvements.
• Compatibility Concerns
  There might be compatibility issues when integrating or exchanging data with other proprietary GIS systems, which can hinder workflows that involve multiple software tools.
• Documentation Gaps
  While there's a wealth of community knowledge, some users may find official documentation lacking in certain areas, making it challenging to find specific information.

Analysis of PostGIS

Como Instalar o PostgreSQL com PostGIS | ALL com GEO

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Webinar "Know all about gvSIG Desktop" (July 12th 2012)

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