Evaluation of Free/Open Source Software Using OSMM Model Case Study: WebGIS and Spatial Database

Abstract

Nowadays, the world of Geospatial Information System is somehow facing to a new paradigm which is the appearance of open source tools as trustable well-formed applications. This pattern, the origin of which goes back to some ten to twenty years ago, is going to strengthen its position by providing more features, attracting more people from GIS community and taking greater market share. This study explores WebGIS Free/Open Source (FOSS) tools, especially UMN MapServer and MapGuide OS, and FOSS spatial databases, mainly PostGIS. It tries to analytically compare different tools available in the field of WebGIS, taking into account various essential parameters. Also, it uses Open Source Maturity Model (OSMM) for a comprehensive evaluation of these tools from different aspects including the product itself, technical support, documentation, integration with other products, and professional services with a unique weighting scheme.