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Freeware GIS programs are available for mapping and analyzing spatial data, including GRASS for raster-based vector GIS, FlowMap® for flow data analysis, SPRING for remote sensing imagery, uDig for viewing and editing GIS data, and AGIS for simple cartographic use. These programs have specialized uses and can achieve a variety of tasks.
There are several types of geographic information system (GIS) programs available online as freeware applications. These programs are designed for mapping and analyzing spatial data. Several types of GIS freeware are available for analyzing and visualizing flow data, producing contour maps, and processing remote sensing imagery.
A popular freeware GIS application is the Geographic Resources Analysis Support System (GRASS). This geographic information system tool is a raster-based vector GIS. Originally developed by the US government, it’s a free download that can process images, produce graphics, and manage data. The GRASS download also includes a spatial modeling application.
FlowMap® is another freeware GIS application that a GIS technician or GIS analyst can use. Its main utility is the analysis and visualization of flow data. Flow data can represent the movement of people, goods, or services. FlowMap® was created in the Netherlands by the Utrecht University Faculty of Geosciences.
For remote sensing imagery GIS freeware, SPRING may be the ideal application. Developed as a product of the Brazilian National Institute for Space Research, SPRING is capable of processing remote sensing images and producing an object-oriented data model. The data model effectively integrates raster and vector images into a single environment. Useful applications of this type of GIS freeware include environmental, socioeconomic, and urban planning projects. Downloading SPRING is free for registered users.
Another type of GIS freeware is uDig, an easy-to-use desktop GIS. The graphical interface makes this application look familiar to GIS users. Written using Java®, uDig provides a solution for viewing, editing and manipulating GIS data. A one-click download makes this freeware GIS application indispensable for viewing shape files and editing spatial database geometries.
A simple mapping and GIS tool is available as a free download in AGIS. Downloading is straightforward and the tutorials are easy to follow, even for the novice GIS user. Primarily designed for cartographic use, AGIS simplifies the process of entering information into maps. It is specifically designed to be easy to use, making it a great alternative to intensive GIS training. Maps produced with AGIS are vector-based, scalable, and can be animated using an integrated scripting language.
Anything from mapping to spatial data modeling to flow data management can be achieved with a freeware GIS application. GRASS and uDig are quite comprehensive and can perform a variety of tasks. FlowMap® and AGIS have specialized uses for managing flow data and creating maps, respectively. SPRING is great for remote sensing projects. There are many others available depending on what the user needs to accomplish and the operating system in use.
