I've had good luck turning people onto Accuglobe http://www.accuglobe.net/ Best, Andrew ________________________________ From: Maine GeoLibrary [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Smith, Michael Sent: Thursday, December 04, 2008 12:50 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Open-source GIS Software Probably the biggest open-source GIS usage is MapServer, a web-mapping platform widely used. GeoServer is also widely-used and a bit more user-friendly. For desktop users, I would recommend: MapWindow (Windows only) QGIS (multi-platform and includes a GRASS plug-in) gvSIG is also open-source, but I have found some of the documentation is still Spanish-only Keep in mind these tools have limited functionality compared to ArcGIS or MapInfo, but for a lot of people all they need is this lower level of functionality. Potentially very useful especially for municipalities with small budgets. GDAL/OGR is one of my favorite tools, it is a command-line interface for converting spatial data from one format to another, reprojecting data, mosaicking images, etc. It is great for batch-processing image data. ********** Michael Smith State GIS Manager Maine Office of GIS ________________________________ From: Maine GeoLibrary [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Kelly Bellis Sent: Thursday, December 04, 2008 11:07 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Open-source GIS Software Does anybody use an open-source GIS program? Or can you recommend one? Is GRASS the best thing for Windows users? I started to write and ask the Geolibrary listserv members this question a month or so ago, but after so many folks freaked out from my last question (Tax Maps - any format) and subsequently asked to be taken off the listserv, fear and guilt has - up until now - been able to suppress the query. However, the pursuit of the best open-source GIS program still lingers and in advance of the Thursday 12.18.2008 11:30-2:00 Central Maine Roundtable at the Waterville City Hall<http://maps.google.com/maps?q=1+Common+St,+Waterville,+ME&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&resnum=1&ct=image> in the Council Chambers (see Dan Walters notice below) I thought it a good time to ask. I've also cc'd this notice to surveyors in the Hancock and Penobscot area in case they might also be looking for an economic alternative to ESRI products. And for any Geolibrary listserv members interested, you're most certainly welcome to attend the MSLS Hancock-Penobscot Chapter's meeting Thursday 12.11.2008 5:30PM at the Whig and <http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&q=whig+and+Courier+Bangor,+ME&fb=1&cid=0,0,1601594940890575942&sa=X&oi=local_result&resnum=1&ct=image> Courier Pub<http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&q=whig+and+Courier+Bangor,+ME&fb=1&cid=0,0,1601594940890575942&sa=X&oi=local_result&resnum=1&ct=image> upstairs in the meeting room in Bangor where Paul Swett is slated to give an ArcPad GIS demonstration. V. Kelly Bellis, PLS 2099 Horizon Surveying Company, Inc.<http://home.gwi.net/surveyor/horizon> 17 Union Street Ellsworth, ME 04605 207.667.6912 ________________________________ Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:15:37 Notice from Dan Walters: The Maine GIS Users group is hosting a Central Maine Roundtable from 11:30 AM to 2 PM on December 18, 2008 in the City of Waterville Council Chambers. The purpose of the roundtable is to provide a local forum for GIS users to get to know each other, share ideas and help each other resolve problems. Mike Smith from the Maine Office of GIS has agreed to make a presentation on Open-source (free!) GIS software to get the roundtable started. The remainder of the time will be an open discussion, so make a list of issues you need help with, ideas you have to advance the use of GIS in the area and information you would like to share. You can register<http://www.megug.org/cgi-bin/ConfReg.exe/new?confid=RT0812> at the MEGUG website (www.megug.org<http://www.megug.org/> ). We will be ordering sandwiches from a local eatery and will circulate a menu the week before the meeting. Feel free to bring your own lunch if you prefer. ________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- This list (GEOLIBRARY-L) is an unmoderated discussion list for all Maine GIS Users. If you no longer wish to receive e-mail from this list, you can remove your name and email address yourself at the this web address: http://lists.maine.edu/cgi/wa?SUBED1=geolibrary-l&A=1 Or,you may also request that your name be removed by sending email to: [log in to unmask] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- This list (GEOLIBRARY-L) is an unmoderated discussion list for all Maine GIS Users. If you no longer wish to receive e-mail from this list, you can remove your name and email address yourself at the this web address: http://lists.maine.edu/cgi/wa?SUBED1=geolibrary-l&A=1 Or,you may also request that your name be removed by sending email to: [log in to unmask] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- This list (GEOLIBRARY-L) is an unmoderated discussion list for all Maine GIS Users. If you no longer wish to receive e-mail from this list, you can remove your name and email address yourself at the this web address: http://lists.maine.edu/cgi/wa?SUBED1=geolibrary-l&A=1 Or,you may also request that your name be removed by sending email to: [log in to unmask]