FreeGIS Project Makes Mapping Better

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.

Comments

lots of free geo data available, everywhere!

[Trishkabob]

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:

• Starting the Hunt
• USGS Geospatial Data Clearinghouse
• GIS Data Depot
• Global Topographic Data
• EROS Data Center - satellite/remote sensing data
• Earth Explorer

Hopefully, this'll get you on your way. Good luck, and have fun!