Mapping Solutions¶

Open Source Mapping fundamentals

• PostGIS (and also)
  • Library that enables GIS data type support for PostgreSQL. Basically just need to install it.
• GeoServer
  • Server that is built with Maven among other tools. Once this is installed, it shouldn't require too much configuration unless it becomes the main place where data layers are created.

Both are a part of the OSGeo supported suite, which is worth investigating for other solutions.

Mapping application suites

• Cartaro
  • Is packaged as a Drupal profile but the requirements need wheezy, not squeeze. Requires PostGIS and GeoServer to be installed.
  • Documentation for getting started.
• OpenGeo
  • This is a branded packaging of the open source tools PostGIS, GeoServer,GeoWebCache, Openlayers and GeoExt
  • Need to register to download a copy. Since everything is open source, using the branded version doesn't necessarily make sense unless their plan offers support and/or trainings, and they're needed.
• Leaflet
  • Driven by Javascript libraries that can (and should) be downloaded and hosted on the site where the map is.
  • The quick start tutorial goes through the basics pretty quickly.
  • Has a robust API and notably diverse plugins.

Data collection apps primarily geared toward humanitarian efforts

• ActivityInfo
  • Specifically for humanitarian data collection and analysis.
  • Requires Tomcat and some non-default MySQL configuration for installation.
• Ushahidi
  • A packaged suite of tools for generating maps and reports. Can handle multiple data sources.
  • Only a few of the Apache libraries could be non-standard.
• Hope One Source
  • A beta software as service mapping solution that integrates with SMS.
• StandByTaskForce
  • An organization that trains digital volunteers to assist with efforts at mapping during crises.