Question

Explain how open-source and proprietary GISs differ. Why is it important to be familiar with open-source GISs?

Answer 1

Open source software is computer software that can be freely used, changed, and distribute by anyone.
open source software is made by many people or organizations and distributed under licenses that comply with the Open Source Definition.
Recently open source software start playing vital role in industry, academics and research.

GIS applications have been observed significant increment in terms of desktop application, mobile applications and web applications.
These applications are developed using various GIS software and open source software played important role in it.

Comparison of Open Source Softwarewith proprietary software.
1) Deciding between open source and ArcGIS is not an either/or question.
Esri encourages users to choose a hybrid model, a combination of open source and closed source technology, based on their needs.

2)ArcGIS Server can use open source web servers, such as Apache Tomcat, to distribute GIS services.
the open source programming language, and at ArcGIS 10 introduced ArcPy, a Python site package, to simplify and automate Python scripting.

3)Esri recommends the use of open source technology to enhance users' Esri experience. Esri supports the Red Hat Enterprise Linux and SUSE Linux operating systems.
Geodatabases can be created on the open source RDBMS PostgreSQL.
ArcGIS Server can use open source web servers, such as Apache Tomcat, to distribute GIS services.