I've explored a couple of open-source GIS programs GRASS being one of them. It was a few years ago now but what stood out the most was getting the GRASS software to run on a windows machine was quite arduous, this of course could have changed over the last few years. That being said I feel if the open-source approach is going to be implemented at a place of business or local government they can't necessarily be approached in the same manner as a ESRI or MapInfo platform. The current state of open-source GIS programs don't appear to have matured quite yet into the robust, tool rich packages offered by the big guys, that's not to say they won't. My personal experience with the open-source stuff gave me the impression that you can do everything you need to do via open source, from complex grid analysis to some more simple vector data creation and editing but you may not find all the answers in one neat package like we come to expect from the expensive GIS software's. I definitely don't mean to sound discouraging, I'm very interested and supportive for the movement towards open-source software and hope that others chime in with their experiences as well. Thanks!

Dan Agro
Mitchell Geographics, Inc
188 State Street. Suite 200
Portland, ME 04101
207.879.7769
www.mitchellgeo.com

----- Original Message -----

From: [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Kelly Bellis

To: [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">[log in to unmask]

Sent: Thursday, December 04, 2008 11:06 AM

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 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 Courier Pub 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.
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 at the MEGUG website (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.

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