Browse free open source GIS software and projects below. Use the toggles on the left to filter open source GIS software by OS, license, language, programming language, and project status.
Open Source Desktop GIS with Surveying and Cartography Functionality
Large-scale WebGL-powered geospatial data visualization analysis
Free minimalist software for maps, import DWG, DXF, SHP, KML, GeoJSON
Interactive, thoroughly customizable maps in the browser
Geographic library
GPS track editor for editing tracks and planning (multiple) day tours
Cross platform (lin/win/mac) geographical information system (GIS)
GeoServer repository
Toolkit for working with and mapping geospatial data
An open source geocoder for openstreetmap data
utilities for cadastre system
An information system for cyclists in Berlin and Brandenburg
Viking is a free/open source program to manage GPS data
French Geographic Information System
GPS navigation software for Windows Mobile & WinCE devices.
An interactive tool for GNSS position time series analysis
Open source system for GPS tracking devices
My Location
Open source GIS software is a powerful and versatile type of mapping software that can be used to create, store, and manipulate spatial data. This software is typically distributed freely under an open source license, which allows anyone to access the technology without paying any fees or obtaining permission from the copyright holder.
Open source GIS (geographic information system) software provides users with a wide range of tools for creating digital maps. This includes tools for creating point, line and polygon vector layers as well as raster image analysis and interpretation techniques. These types of mapping systems are very popular in research applications since they allow users to customize the workflow according to their specific needs or goals. The output from these programs can be in either paper or electronic formats such as PDFs or image files. Open source GIS systems also provide various methods for sharing data across networks within different organizations or individuals working together on collaborative projects.
The advantages of using open source GIS software include cost savings due to no licensing requirements, improved security due to control over who has access to the code base, better accessibility thanks to web-based interfaces and cross-platform compatibility between multiple operating systems like Windows, Mac OS X and Linux. Additionally, the ability to modify existing code can help improve performance when dealing with large datasets or complex operations that require optimization specific for particular tasks. Furthermore, by having complete control over your own code base you are able to provide bug fixes quickly when necessary as well as update features as needed according to user feedback or new technologies available in the marketplace. Finally, there may be some legal benefits associated with open source licenses that restrict how competing companies use your intellectual property within their own products but still allow you unrestricted use for your own purposes.
Overall open source GIS software offers numerous benefits ranging from improved security and accessibility through customization options all while allowing people around the world access this powerful technology free of charge.
Open source GIS software is typically free of charge, although some companies may provide a paid version of the software with added features and support. Open source GIS software provides users with a range of powerful tools for mapping, analysis, and data management without any upfront cost associated with licensing or purchasing the software. Some popular open source GIS projects include QGIS, MapServer, GRASS GIS, GeoNetwork, OpenLayers and PostGIS. These projects are developed by a large community of volunteers who contribute to their development and maintenance. Many open source GIS projects are actively maintained with new features being added regularly based on user feedback. Additionally many universities offer free courses in using these tools helping to get people up and running quickly while also providing access to expert advice when needed. Depending on the project some additional costs may be incurred such as hosting fees or additional third party data sources that may be required for certain analyses but overall the cost associated with using open source GIS software can be minimal compared to other proprietary sources.
There are many types of software that can integrate with open source GIS software. These include web development tools and frameworks, databases like PostGIS, geospatial analysis libraries such as GDAL and GRASS, machine learning libraries like Scikit-Learn and Tensorflow, graphics programs such as Adobe Illustrator and Autodesk Maya, map creation tools such as Mapbox or CartoDB, office productivity suites like Microsoft Office or LibreOffice, programming languages such as Python or JavaScript, data visualization libraries like Matplotlib and D3.js, server technologies like Apache Tomcat or Node.js., geographic information system (GIS) backends such as GeoServer or Esri’s ArcGIS Server. With this range of devices available to be integrated with open source GIS software the possibilities for creating powerful custom solutions is immense.
The possibilities are endless - have fun exploring all that open source GIS has to offer.