QGIS for Business

Josef, what is QGIS? Briefly explained

Josef Mayer: Quantum GIS, or QGIS for short, is a free and open source desktop GIS software. Like any geographic information system, it is used to display, maintain, analyze and output geographic data. In QGIS, companies can create thematic maps. QGIS combines internal company data and market data and displays it on digital maps, thus making spatial analyses possible. The Desktop GIS offers a wide range of functions and is in many ways a good alternative to ArcGIS, the leading commercial desktop GIS software.

What are the advantages of QGIS?

Josef Mayer: The biggest advantage of QGIS is that it is available for free. The program offers an enormous range of functions and is very powerful. This means QGIS can support businesses with a wide variety of practical applications. It covers the full range of geographic analyses. However, the operation is complex and often requires prior knowledge of how to use geographic information systems or the support of experts who can help you get started. Numerous QGIS plugins expand the functionality and make it easier to use.

What are the advantages of QGIS?

Josef Mayer: QGIS stands out with its flexibility and expandability, for example through the plugins already mentioned. As open source software, it can be customized to meet specific business needs. The ability to use different data formats and add custom analysis and visualization tools, makes QGIS very attractive for businesses.

How does the further development of QGIS work, and what does the community do?

Josef Mayer: The QGIS community plays a central role in the further development of the tool. The software is updated regularly: Minor updates are released every few weeks, while larger ones are released once a year. The project is financed through donations and paid feature developments, which are then available to the entire community. As a Silver Partner, WIGeoGIS supports QGIS with regular donations. We also develop QGIS plugins for specific geomarketing solutions.

WIGeoGIS offers numerous features in the WIGeo QGIS plugin for geomarketing, such as automated geocoding of address data from Excel for QGIS and address search.

Which QGIS plugins does WIGeoGIS offer?

Josef Mayer: Our plugins are used for automated address geocoding and address search, catchment area calculation, potential analysis, scoring analysis, matrix analysis, overlay analysis, hotspot analysis, gravity analysis and area planning.

Why does WIGeoGIS develop QGIS plugins?

Josef Mayer: WIGeoGIS develops user-friendly QGIS plugins to efficiently address the specific needs of businesses. Some functions of QGIS require technical know-how or are complex to handle. Through our own plugins, such as the Geocoder plugin for address enrichment with coordinates, we create easy-to-use applications and thus simplify the work processes for businesses.

What are the benefits and advantages of plugins for businesses?

Josef Mayer: The plugins offered by WIGeoGIS enable businesses to perform specialized GIS tasks without extensive customizations. With a suitable plugin, businesses can save a lot of programming work and time. You can perform analyses and move your projects forward more quickly. Our plugins have been tested extensively. Another advantage of our plugins is that they work on the basis of verified geodata providers such as TomTom, Here and Bing. Companies can choose to work with commercial or open source services depending on their specific needs.

With a suitable QGIS plugin, businesses can save a lot of programming work and time. You can perform analyses and move your projects forward more quickly. The plugins from WIGeoGIS have also been extensively tested and are ready for use, for example for calculating catchment areas and distance matrices for location analysis.

What know-how do I need as a QGIS user?

Josef Mayer: To get started with QGIS, a basic understanding of data and data analytics is necessary. The system is suitable for experts. While easy-to-use applications, for example those available through plugins, can be learned in a short training session, the comprehensive use of QGIS requires additional knowledge in the field of GIS and data processing. 

Do I need QGIS training to work with the software?

Josef Mayer: If you have already worked with ArcGIS, you can easily switch to QGIS. If you are familiar with WebGIS applications, such as WIGeoWeb, that will help you get started. We recommend beginners take a training course to help them quickly learn how to use the relevant functions.

As a Silver Partner, WIGeoGIS contributes to QGIS through regular donations.