(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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