Mapping Technologies
Although ESRI technology is the leading industry standard for geospatial data mapping technologies, many free and open-source software (FOSS) technologies have been developed as direct competitors to ESRI GIS software, including GRASS GIS, QGIS, open source web APIs, plus many more. All have their advantages and disadvantages. In this module, you will choose three geospatial mapping technologies as potential solutions to your proposed geospatial design problem and describe the details, benefits, and disadvantages of all three, described as “concepts considered”. Then, you will choose one concept, and outline the specific features, details, and benefits that justify it as the final selected concept.
Figure 1 above shows the open-source software available for mapping including for remote sensing, desktop GIS features, mobile GIS features, database management system, web maps, web servers, and development tools. Read the attached scholarly articles and do your own exploratory on these FOSS options to determine which one is most applicable to your project.
Note* You can include any combination of FOSS software, proprietary software, or a combination of both for your own concepts considered. Additionally, you may explore multiple ESRI software options, multiple FOSS options, or any combination. This assignment offers a chance for you to research and explore different mapping software.
References:
Steiniger, S., & Hunter, A. J. (2013). The 2012 free and open-source GIS software map–A guide to facilitate research, development, and adoption. Computers, environment and urban systems, 39, 136-150.