(eXtended Markup Language) is an important feature of Java.
Moreover, possibility to use applications (‘“normal” programs)
or applets (applications running in Internet browser) makes Java
scalable for both administering and user applications.
Recent developments of PHP (PHP Hypertext Preprocessor)
language added another important open source tool for creating
platform independent, client-server applications in object-
oriented environment. Both PHP and Java can be effectively
used to support spatial data infrastructure.
3. CONCLUSIONS
Development of spatial data infrastructure is possible with open
source tools. Existence of stable operating systems and
advanced database management systems like current versions of
Linux and PostgreSQL certainly are empowers the developers
to handle large datasets of spatial information with reliability.
PostGIS as the spatial extension of PostgreSQL fully compliant
with OpenGIS specification is open and free, too. Since the
Internet is going to be the backbone of present and future
information highways, already dominant position of the free
Apache Web-server is additional basic component of the
infrastructure. As a powerful tool for creating platform-
independent middleware applications and conversion tools,
there is Java programming language, open and free, built for the
Internet, suitable for dealing with XML and its sublanguages
like GML or SVG as representation formats. This set of tools
makes a scenario of open source spatial data infrastructure as a
viable alternative to expensive commercial solutions. Prediction
that more than 5096 of critical software infrastructure within
five years is going to be based on open source software
amplifies the need for quick change in university curricula and
professional lifelong education, especially in the domain of
spatial information management.
The pilot projects on all scales should be conducted in order to
show the usability of solutions sketched in this paper. Croatia
already has a significant proportion of skilled people developing
open source application in various areas (including a localized
distribution of Linux). Since the open source spatial data
infrastructure results in a number of long term benefits, the first
step should be stronger cooperation of geoinformation experts
with Croatian Society for Open Systems. Students of geodesy,
geoinformatics or geomatics should get more knowledge about
the database technology, especially about the issues of
geometric datatypes and operations. Open source software is
readily available both for educational institutions and for
companies which should implement the solutions in public and
private sector.
196
4. REFERENCES
Anderson, G., 2003. The Doors Open Open-Source GIS.
GeoWorld, June 2003, http://www.geoplace.com/gw/2003/
0306/03060pn.asp (accessed 1. June 2003).
Camara, G., 2003. Why Open Source GIS? Directions
Magazine. http://www.directionsmag.conyarticle.php?article id
= 343 (accessed 1. June 2003).
Dravis Group, 2003, Open Source Software — Case Studies
Examining its Use. http://www.pgsql.com/pdf/OpenSource
Software_Dravis_.pdf (accessed 1. June 2003).
Momjian, B., 2001, PostgreSQL: introduction and concepts.
Addison-Wesley.
Nebert N.D., 2001, Global Spatial Data Infrastructure
Cookbook. Technical Working Group, GSDI, pp. 1-154.
OGC, 2003. Products Conforming to or Implementing OGC
Specs or Interfaces. http://www.opengis.org/testing/product/
(accessed 1. June 2003).
Peeling, N., Satchell, J., 2001, Analysis of the Impact of the
Open Source Software. QinetiQ Report for UK government. pp.
XH+37.
Ramsey, P., 2003. PostGIS Manual. Refraction Research.
http://postgis.refractions.net/ (accessed 1. June 2003).
Statskontoret, 2003. Free and open source software. The
Swedish Agency for Public Management Report. pp 1-24.
Worsley, J., Drake, J., 2002, Practical PostgreSQL. O’Reilly
Publishing. ;
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