Quantum GIS

Infobox_Software
name = Quantum GIS


caption = Quantum GIS on Microsoft Windows
developer = QGIS Development Team
programming language = C++
latest_release_version = 0.11.0
latest_release_date = release date and age|2008|7|09
operating_system = Linux, MS-Windows, Mac OS X, POSIX compliant systems
genre = Geographic information system
license = GPL
website = http://www.qgis.org

Quantum GIS (often abbreviated to QGIS) is a free software GIS (mapping, spatial analysis, etc.) application which is similar to commercial GIS packages. Because it is distributed as a free software application under the GNU distribution license, Quantum GIS can be reprogrammed to perform different or more specialized tasks. There are also plug-ins available to expand compatibility and functionality. Quantum GIS has a small file size compared to commercial GIS's and requires less RAM and processing power; hence it can be used on older hardware or running simultaneously with other applications where CPU power may be limited.

It is a multi-platform application and runs on different operating systems including Mac OS X, Linux, UNIX, and Windows XP. For Mac users, the advantage of Quantum GIS over GRASS GIS is that it does not require the X11 windowing system in order to run, and all around the interface is much cleaner and faster. Quantum GIS can also be used as a graphical user interface to GRASS.

Quantum GIS is continually maintained by an active group of volunteer developers who regularly release updates and bug fixes. Currently, developers have converted Quantum GIS into 14 languages and the application is used internationally in academic and professional environments.

External links

* [http://www.qgis.org Quantum GIS] Web site
* [http://www.lizardtech.com/download/dl_options.php?page=tools MrSID to GeoTIFF Converter] Link to software download that will convert MrSID files to GeoTIFF that work with QGIS (You can get DOQ's of aerial photos in MrSID format from the USGS or other organizations, maybe for free)