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FreeGIS Project Makes Mapping Better

Posted by timothy on from the 40-40.037N-073-59.347W dept.

Bernhard Reiter writes: "The FreeGIS-CD's sixth edition (v1.1.0) adds geographic information processing capabilities to major GNU/Linux distributions. Hey a couple of centuries ago maps were only for the very powerful, now you have the data on your GNU-system." With hundreds of thousands if not millions of consumer GPS units in the U.S. alone, adding hyper-local information (like individuals' landmarks) to freely available online databases of GIS information will keep making the world a bit smaller. And since most GPS units come with Windows- (and sometimes Mac-) only software, especially useful for those with Other Operating Systems.

4 of 47 comments (clear)

  1. So, an OpenStreetMap project based on this, anyone by bee · · Score: 3

    Sounds like this would be a great starting spot for an OpenStreetMap project. Certainly we could make better maps than mapquest or mapblast, and certainly keep them more accurate. I'd start something like this, but I know I don't have anywhere near the time and energy needed to get something like this going. :-(

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    At least mafia-owned pizzarias make excellent pizza. Compare to Bill Gates.
  2. Re:online database for Games by timster · · Score: 3

    Mapmakers figured out ways to enforce their copyrights a long time ago. Usually any map will have some very small, mostly irrelevant distortions -- like perhaps the driveway of the cartographer will be shown on the map as "Fred Lane". It's pretty simplistic but if you see "Fred Lane" on any other map, then it must be a pirated map.

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    I have seen the future, and it is inconvenient.
  3. lots of free geo data available, everywhere! by Trishkabob · · Score: 4
    I work with GIS professionally (ARC/Info), so it's refreshing to see an open source GIS package.

    There are tons and tons of FREE DATA out there for you to grab and peruse. One caveat, most data will be proprietary formats, such as ARC export, ARC shapefiles, ERDAS, and others. SDTS (spatial data transfer standard) is "open" but a pain in the neck to use. I note with glee that FreeGIS has conversion tools for all these formats.

    Some places to start your search for FREE GEO DATA, places that I found very handy:

    Hopefully, this'll get you on your way. Good luck, and have fun!
  4. Re:online database for Games by lazroze · · Score: 3

    Free vector maps of the world: From ESRI: http://www.esri.com/data/online/quickmap.html Digital Chart of the World: http://www.maproom.psu.edu/dcw/ You'll probably have to tack together to get what you want. The FREE GIS package can handle all this data no problem and export as you like. If this is all a bitch, email me and I'll try to help you out, like pro bono and all. Anything for video games. Anything.