QGIS

QGIS
Name	QGIS
Latest release	3.x
Programming language	C++, Python
Operating system	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android
License	GNU GPL

QGIS is a free and open-source desktop geographic information system used for viewing, editing, and analyzing geospatial data. It integrates raster and vector operations, cartographic output, and spatial analysis while interoperating with industry standards and diverse datasets. The project coordinates contributions from volunteer developers, academic institutions, government agencies, and private firms to deliver extensible mapping tools.

Overview

QGIS provides a graphical user interface for spatial data manipulation, cartography, and geoprocessing alongside scripting support. It connects to databases and web services from vendors and organizations such as PostgreSQL, PostGIS, GDAL, OGR, OpenStreetMap, and Esri services. The application supports plugin-driven workflows used by agencies like NASA, European Space Agency, United Nations, US Geological Survey, and Natural Resources Canada for tasks ranging from remote sensing to cadastral mapping. Users interact with layers, styles, projections, and print layouts similar to other packages developed by teams at Esri, MapInfo, GRASS GIS, and SAGA GIS.

History and Development

QGIS emerged from efforts by contributors associated with institutions like University of Bonn, University of Vienna, and companies such as Boundless Spatial and Astun Technology. Early development paralleled projects like GRASS GIS and collaborated with libraries maintained by organizations including Open Geospatial Consortium and MetaCarta. Releases followed versioning influenced by software projects like GNOME, KDE, and standards bodies such as ISO committees addressing spatial formats. Funding and governance have involved grants and partnerships from bodies like European Commission programs, national mapping agencies including Ordnance Survey, and research networks such as COST actions.

Features and Functionality

Core functions include cartography, styling, labeling, symbology, and map composer capabilities comparable to tools from Esri ArcGIS Pro and MapServer. Analytical modules integrate algorithms from GRASS GIS, SAGA GIS, and R packages used by researchers at Imperial College London and University of Cambridge. Coordinate reference systems align with databases curated by EPSG, while raster processing leverages GDAL operations used by groups like USGS EROS Center and European Space Agency missions. Database connectivity includes drivers for PostgreSQL, SpatiaLite, Microsoft SQL Server, and Oracle Spatial used by municipal governments like City of New York, City of Melbourne, and City of Toronto.

Data Formats and Interoperability

The software reads and writes common spatial formats such as GeoPackage, Shapefile, KML, GML, GeoTIFF, and CSV with coordinate fields. Integration supports web services including WMS, WFS, WMTS, and CSW implemented by portals like Geonetwork and national infrastructures such as INSPIRE. Interoperability extends to vector tiles used by companies like Mapbox and to cloud platforms operated by Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Platform, and Microsoft Azure for handling large datasets produced by missions like Landsat and Sentinel.

Extensions and Plugins

A rich plugin ecosystem written in Python allows extensions for specialized tasks developed by individuals and organizations including North Road, Faunalia, and academic labs at ETH Zurich and TU Delft. Notable plugins enable integration with GRASS GIS, SAGA GIS, Orfeo Toolbox, PDAL, and statistical tools like RStudio and SciPy. Plugin distribution and quality assurance take cues from package repositories such as PyPI and software practices from projects like QUnit and Travis CI used in continuous integration pipelines.

Use Cases and Applications

Users apply the software across sectors including environmental monitoring by World Wildlife Fund and Conservation International, urban planning by councils such as London Borough of Hackney and City of Barcelona, emergency management by agencies like FEMA and Red Cross, and infrastructure mapping by firms such as Atkins and AECOM. Academic research at institutions like Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, and University of California, Berkeley uses it for landscape analysis, epidemiology studies in collaboration with World Health Organization, and transportation modeling alongside projects by OpenStreetMap communities.

Licensing and Community Governance

The software is distributed under the GNU General Public License and governed by a community-driven model involving project steering bodies, working groups, and a core maintainer team influenced by practices at organizations like Apache Software Foundation and Free Software Foundation. Contributions come from corporations, non-profits, and universities following workflows similar to those used in Linux development and code review processes inspired by GitHub and GitLab. Community events, conferences, and user groups convene in venues associated with FOSS4G, regional chapters, and academic symposia hosted by institutions such as University College London and National University of Singapore.

Category:Geographic information systems