Unlocking Your Spatial Data: Top PostGIS Alternatives
PostGIS is a powerful open-source extension that “spatially enables” PostgreSQL, turning it into a robust backend spatial database for Geographic Information Systems (GIS). It follows the OpenGIS “Simple Features Specification for SQL” and has become a go-to for many GIS professionals. However, depending on specific project requirements, existing infrastructure, or desired features, exploring a PostGIS alternative can be highly beneficial. This article dives into some of the best alternatives available.
Top PostGIS Alternatives
While PostGIS excels in its niche, a diverse ecosystem of spatial tools offers unique advantages. Whether you're seeking desktop GIS, web mapping platforms, or different database extensions, there's a strong contender for your spatial data needs.
GRASS GIS
GRASS GIS (Geographic Resources Analysis Support System) is a comprehensive, free, and open-source GIS software. It offers robust raster, topological, and vector capabilities, making it a powerful alternative for advanced spatial analysis. Available on Mac, Windows, and Linux, GRASS GIS is a strong choice for users needing deep analytical power beyond just a spatial database.
ArcGIS
ArcGIS, developed by Esri, is a leading commercial GIS software for visualizing, managing, creating, and analyzing geographic data. While PostGIS focuses on the database backend, ArcGIS provides a full suite of desktop, web, and mobile applications for comprehensive GIS workflows. Its extensive features include interactive mapping, location mapping, and a built-in editor, making it a powerful solution for organizations heavily invested in GIS.
SpatiaLite
SpatiaLite is an excellent PostGIS alternative for those seeking a lightweight, serverless spatial database solution. It's a spatial extension to SQLite, providing vector geodatabase functionality similar to PostGIS but within a single file. Free and open-source, SpatiaLite is available for Mac, Windows, and Linux, making it ideal for mobile and desktop applications requiring localized spatial data storage.
Mapserver
MapServer is an Open Source platform designed specifically for publishing spatial data and interactive mapping applications to the web. While PostGIS handles the spatial data storage, MapServer focuses on rendering and serving that data as web maps. It's free and open-source, compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux, making it a robust choice for building custom web mapping applications.
gvSIG Desktop
gvSIG Desktop is a free and open-source Geographic Information System (GIS) application. It's designed for capturing, storing, handling, analyzing, and deploying various kinds of referenced geographic information. Available on Mac, Windows, and Linux, gvSIG Desktop offers a comprehensive set of mapping features, providing a full desktop GIS experience as an alternative to relying solely on PostGIS for spatial data management.
CartoDB
CartoDB (now known as CARTO) is a freemium web-based location intelligence and visualization engine. It empowers users to effortlessly transform data into insights by connecting and mapping location data. While PostGIS serves as a backend database, CartoDB provides the tools for visualizing and analyzing that data in a user-friendly web environment, ideal for interactive maps and location-based analytics.
Mapline
Mapline is a freemium web-based platform designed to simplify data mapping, especially from Excel spreadsheets. It focuses on transforming data into visual analysis, offering features like customer analytics, segmentation, and route planning. While PostGIS handles complex spatial database operations, Mapline provides an accessible way for businesses to leverage location data for strategic insights.
KML viewer and converter
KML viewer and converter is a free mobile application for Android and iPhone that facilitates the conversion and viewing of various geospatial file formats like KML, KMZ, Geojson, Topojson, GPX, and CSV. While not a database alternative to PostGIS, it's a useful tool for data portability and quick visualization on mobile devices, complementing spatial data workflows.
MapInfo Professional
MapInfo Professional is a commercial desktop mapping application from Pitney Bowes MapInfo, designed for solving business problems through spatial analysis. Running on Windows, it offers a rich set of mapping functionalities for organizations. Like ArcGIS, it provides a comprehensive GIS environment, making it a viable alternative for users who prefer a dedicated desktop GIS application over a database-centric solution like PostGIS.
Spotzi Mapbuilder
Spotzi Mapbuilder is a freemium online GIS/data mapping platform aimed at businesses and professionals. It provides an easy-to-use interface for creating maps and performing geospatial analysis with a short learning curve. Available across various platforms including web, desktop, and mobile, Spotzi offers features like built-in editors, data management, and interactive mapping, serving as a user-friendly alternative for quick spatial data visualization and analysis.
The world of spatial data is vast and varied. While PostGIS remains a gold standard for spatially enabling PostgreSQL, these alternatives demonstrate the breadth of options available. From comprehensive desktop GIS suites to lightweight mobile tools and web mapping platforms, choosing the right PostGIS alternative depends entirely on your specific project requirements, budget, and desired level of technical control. Explore these options to find the perfect fit for your spatial data endeavors!