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For years I've been hearing everyone talking about Enterprise GIS, but I haven't seen anyone do it. After this course, I can now say that "I've created a multi-user enterprise GIS on my own. " - John from California.

Do you want to learn how to build an Enterprise GIS from scratch using Free and Open Source Software for GIS (FOSS4g)?

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For years I've been hearing everyone talking about Enterprise GIS, but I haven't seen anyone do it. After this course, I can now say that "I've created a multi-user enterprise GIS on my own. " - John from California.

Do you want to learn how to build an Enterprise GIS from scratch using Free and Open Source Software for GIS (FOSS4g)?

In response to the high cost and complexities of implementing an Enterprise GIS, I created this easy-to-follow, hands-on training course allowing students to actually build a multi-user enterprise GIS from scratch using Postgres, PostGIS (free) and Quantum GIS (free). As an added bonus, this training will show how you can add other GIS products (i.e. commercial GIS software) into the enterprise stack as GIS clients.

In this course you will create an Enterprise GIS that includes vector and raster data for a mid-sized municipality. You will learn how to add users, each with different permissions for accessing and editing data, and also how to use PostGRES to control all aspects of database access, presentation, and editing. You'll even perform simultaneous multi-user editing on the same GIS layer, and learn how a true Enterprise GIS can manage many users at once.

As a bonus, you will see how you can access all the GIS tools from outside of the software by using python to create a table-top GIS application that you might find at a kiosk. And finally, I will show you an example of how the same data in the enterprise can be simultaneously displayed on the Internet using FOSS4g software.

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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Emphasizes practical skills by having students build a multi-user enterprise GIS from scratch
Provides a cost-effective solution for implementing an enterprise GIS using free and open-source software
Covers a range of topics, including data management, user management, and multi-user editing
Includes hands-on exercises to reinforce learning
Appropriate for intermediate to advanced learners with some prior GIS experience

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Reviews summary

Enterprise gis with open source tools

Learners say this course provides a practical and hands-on approach to building a multi-user Enterprise GIS using Free and Open Source Software (FOSS4g). Students appreciate the focus on cost-effective solutions for complex systems, learning to implement features like simultaneous multi-user editing and database access control with tools such as Postgres, PostGIS, and QGIS. The course also uniquely shows Python integration for GIS applications and how to display enterprise data on the internet, making it a comprehensive guide for professionals seeking alternatives to commercial GIS software.
Building from scratch implies significant learning and effort.
"Building an enterprise GIS from scratch, while well-guided, definitely requires a significant time commitment and patience."
"While the course is easy-to-follow, some sections on PostGIS or database management could benefit from a basic understanding of SQL."
"I recommend being prepared for a steep learning curve if you're new to some of these open-source tools or database concepts."
Addresses various aspects of enterprise GIS deployment.
"The course covers a broad range of topics, from adding users and permissions to integrating Python for custom applications."
"I learned how to manage all aspects of database access and display enterprise data on the internet, which was unexpected."
"It was useful to see how commercial GIS software can also be integrated into the open-source enterprise stack."
Offers extensive hands-on practice for system creation.
"The hands-on training allowed me to actually build a multi-user enterprise GIS on my own, which was very rewarding."
"I gained direct experience with simultaneous multi-user editing, a crucial aspect of enterprise GIS."
"The exercises creating an enterprise GIS with vector and raster data for a municipality were extremely practical."
Provides an affordable alternative to commercial GIS.
"This course is a direct answer to the high costs and complexities often associated with traditional enterprise GIS implementations."
"I needed a cost-effective solution for our organization's GIS needs, and this course provided the exact framework."
"It's a huge relief to know I can build a fully functional enterprise GIS without the burden of expensive licenses."
Utilizes free and open-source tools for enterprise GIS.
"I found this course invaluable for learning to build an enterprise GIS from scratch using free and open source software like Postgres, PostGIS, and QGIS."
"It’s great that the course focuses entirely on FOSS4g, offering a viable alternative to costly commercial GIS solutions."
"I appreciated the practical application of FOSS4g to create a robust, multi-user enterprise GIS system."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Using Open Source Tools to Create an Enterprise GIS with these activities:
Review Basic SQL Skills
Reinforces a foundational understanding of basic SQL skills needed to interact with PostGRES effectively.
Show steps
  • Go to W3Schools online tutorial
  • Review the SQL SELECT article
  • Complete the SQL SELECT exercises
Practice SQL queries
Practice writing SQL queries to refresh your skills before the course starts.
Show steps
  • Find a set of SQL practice problems
  • Try to solve the problems
Practice GIS exercises
Practice working with GIS software to familiarize yourself with the tools and techniques that will be used in the course.
Show steps
  • Find a set of GIS practice exercises
  • Try to complete the exercises
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Review Postgres Tutorial
Review this tutorial to familiarize yourself with the basics of Postgres before the course starts.
Show steps
  • Watch the Postgres Tutorial
  • Try some of the practice problems
Review PostGIS Tutorial
Review this tutorial to familiarize yourself with the basics of PostGIS before the course starts.
Show steps
  • Watch the PostGIS Tutorial
  • Try some of the practice problems
Build a mini-project
Start a mini-project where you create a simple GIS application. This will help you apply the concepts you learn in the course.
Show steps
  • Choose a simple GIS application to build
  • Design the application
  • Develop the application
  • Test the application

Career center

Learners who complete Using Open Source Tools to Create an Enterprise GIS will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
GIS Analyst
A GIS Analyst uses geographic information systems (GIS) software to create and analyze maps and other data visualizations. They may also use GIS to develop and implement solutions to problems in a variety of fields, such as urban planning, environmental management, and public health. This course provides a strong foundation in the use of GIS software, which is essential for success in this role.
GIS Manager
A GIS Manager is responsible for overseeing the implementation and use of GIS technology within an organization. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing GIS policies and procedures, and for training staff on the use of GIS software. This course provides a comprehensive overview of GIS technology and its applications, which is essential for success in this role.
GIS Specialist
A GIS Specialist is a GIS professional who has specialized knowledge and skills in a particular area of GIS, such as data analysis, mapping, or web development. This course provides a strong foundation in the use of GIS software, which is essential for success in this role.
Geospatial Analyst
A Geospatial Analyst uses GIS software to analyze and interpret geographic data. They may also use GIS to develop and implement solutions to problems in a variety of fields, such as environmental management, public health, and transportation. This course provides a strong foundation in the use of GIS software, which is essential for success in this role.
Geospatial Data Scientist
A Geospatial Data Scientist uses GIS software and other data analysis tools to extract insights from geographic data. They may also use GIS to develop and implement solutions to problems in a variety of fields, such as environmental management, public health, and transportation. This course provides a strong foundation in the use of GIS software, which is essential for success in this role.
GIS Developer
A GIS Developer develops and implements GIS applications. They may also be responsible for maintaining and updating GIS data. This course provides a strong foundation in the use of GIS software, which is essential for success in this role.
Cartographer
A Cartographer creates and designs maps. They may also be responsible for collecting and analyzing geographic data. This course provides a strong foundation in the use of GIS software, which is essential for success in this role.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Technician
A GIS Technician provides technical support for GIS users. They may also be responsible for maintaining and updating GIS data. This course provides a strong foundation in the use of GIS software, which is essential for success in this role.
Urban Planner
An Urban Planner develops and implements plans for the development and use of land in urban areas. They may also be responsible for managing and regulating the use of land in urban areas. This course provides a strong foundation in the use of GIS software, which is essential for success in this role.
Environmental Scientist
An Environmental Scientist studies the environment and its components. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing solutions to environmental problems. This course provides a strong foundation in the use of GIS software, which is essential for success in this role.
Public Health Analyst
A Public Health Analyst studies and analyzes public health data. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing public health programs. This course provides a strong foundation in the use of GIS software, which is essential for success in this role.
Transportation Planner
A Transportation Planner develops and implements plans for the development and use of transportation systems. They may also be responsible for managing and regulating the use of transportation systems. This course provides a strong foundation in the use of GIS software, which is essential for success in this role.
Web Developer
A Web Developer develops and maintains websites. They may also be responsible for designing and implementing web applications. This course provides a strong foundation in the use of GIS software, which can be helpful for developing and implementing web applications that use geographic data.
Data Analyst
A Data Analyst analyzes data to identify trends and patterns. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing data analysis solutions. This course provides a strong foundation in the use of GIS software, which can be helpful for analyzing geographic data.
Software Engineer
A Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software applications. They may also be responsible for managing and regulating the use of software applications. This course provides a strong foundation in the use of GIS software, which can be helpful for developing and implementing software applications that use geographic data.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Using Open Source Tools to Create an Enterprise GIS.
Provides a comprehensive guide to using PostGIS, the open source geospatial database extender for PostgreSQL. It covers all aspects of PostGIS, from basic concepts to advanced techniques.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to spatial analysis in GIS. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic concepts to advanced techniques.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to geospatial analysis. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic concepts to advanced techniques.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to GIS. It covers all aspects of GIS, from basic concepts to advanced techniques.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to ArcGIS, the commercial GIS software. It covers all aspects of ArcGIS, from basic concepts to advanced techniques.
Provides a gentle introduction to GIS for beginners. It covers the basics of GIS, as well as how to use GIS to solve real-world problems.

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