Open Source Mapping: A

Comprehensive Guide
This presentation delves into the world of open-source mapping
software. We'll explore the advantages, popular platforms, and practical
applications, including mapping GPS points and generating custom maps.

Navdeep Singh 222150

Shivang 221037
Amrit Singh 221061
Parth Narang 221251
Soham 221257
Jasdeep Singh 222084
Advantages of Open Source
Mapping Tools
Cost-Effectiveness Flexibility and
Open-source tools are often free Customization
to use, saving you money on You can modify and extend the
expensive commercial software software to fit your specific
licenses. needs, enabling greater control
and tailored solutions.

Community Support Transparency and

Open-source projects benefit Open Standards
from active communities, offering The open nature fosters
assistance, tutorials, and a wealth collaboration and promotes the
of knowledge. use of standardized data formats,
ensuring compatibility and
interoperability.
Popular Open Source Mapping Platforms
QGIS OpenStreetMap
A robust desktop GIS software with extensive functionality, A collaborative project for creating and maintaining a free and
including data analysis, visualization, and map creation. open-source map of the world.

GeoServer PostGIS
An open-source server that provides a platform for serving A spatial extension for PostgreSQL, enabling the storage,
geospatial data, supporting web mapping applications. querying, and analysis of geospatial data within relational
databases.
Mapping GPS Points with Open Source Software
Data Collection
1
Collect GPS coordinates using a smartphone, GPS receiver, or other data sources.

Data Import
2
Import the collected GPS data into your chosen open source mapping software.

Map Visualization
3
Visualize the GPS points on a map, using markers, lines, or other spatial representations.

Map Analysis
4
Analyze the data to extract meaningful insights, such as distance, area, or patterns.

Map Creation
5
Generate a custom map based on the GPS data, using different layers, styles, and symbols.
Georeferencing and Coordinate
Systems
Georeferencing Coordinate Systems
Georeferencing aligns geographic data to a specific location Coordinate systems provide a framework for representing
on Earth. This process assigns coordinates to features, locations on Earth using a set of numerical values. Common
making it possible to measure distances, areas, and analyze coordinate systems include geographic (latitude and
spatial relationships. longitude) and projected (planar) systems.
Data Acquisition and
Preprocessing
Data Collection
1
Collect GPS points from various sources, such as smartphone apps, GPS receivers, or existing datasets.

Data Cleaning
2
Remove any errors, duplicates, or outliers from the data to ensure accuracy.

Data Formatting
3 Convert data to a compatible format, such as CSV, GeoJSON, or shapefile, for
use in open-source mapping software.

Data Projection
4 Transform the data into a suitable coordinate system,
matching the target map's projection.
Open Source GIS
Software for Map
Generation

QGIS GRASS GIS

Powerful desktop GIS software. Advanced geospatial analysis.

GeoServer PostGIS
Open-source map server. Spatial extension for PostgreSQL.
Customizing Maps with Open Source Tools

Style and Symbology Point of Interest Layer Management Legends and Labels
Adjust the appearance of map Markers Manage multiple layers of Create legends to explain the
features, using colors, symbols, Customize markers and icons information on your map. For meaning of different colors and
and sizes to differentiate for points of interest, using example, overlay a population symbols on your map. Add text
elements. For example, different shapes, colors, and density layer on top of a base labels to identify features, such
represent different road types symbols to identify specific map to visualize population as city names or road names.
using unique colors and features. For example, use distribution.
widths. different marker styles to
represent different types of
businesses.
Sharing and Collaborating on Maps
Open Data Formats Online Platforms
Open-source mapping relies on standardized data formats like Platforms like OpenStreetMap allow users to contribute, edit, and
GeoJSON, ensuring compatibility and interoperability across share maps, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.
platforms.

Version Control Community Engagement

Version control systems help track changes, manage contributions, Active communities provide support, exchange knowledge, and
and resolve conflicts, enabling efficient collaborative development. contribute to ongoing development and improvements.
Conclusion and Key
Takeaways

1 2
Free and Accessible Flexibility and Customization
Open-source mapping tools offer a cost- Open source software enables you to tailor
effective alternative to expensive commercial maps to your specific needs, adjust styles, and
software, making advanced geospatial analysis integrate additional data sources.
accessible to everyone.

3 4
Community Driven Sharing and Collaboration
Active communities collaborate to improve and Open data formats and platforms facilitate
expand open source mapping tools, ensuring collaboration, allowing users to share and
continuous development and innovation. contribute to a global network of maps.