MapWindow GIS - Overview

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Overview

MapWindow is an open source "Programmable Geographic Information System" that supports manipulation, analysis, and viewing of geospatial data and associated attribute data in several standard GIS data formats. MapWindow is a mapping tool, a GIS modeling system, and a GIS application programming interface (API) all in one convenient redistributable open source form.

MapWindow was developed to address the need for a GIS programming tool that could be used in engineering research and project software, without requiring end users to purchase a complete GIS system, or become GIS experts.

For example, a researcher or company may want to deploy a tool that lets users build and interact with maps of GPS data overlaid on USGS quad maps. One approach is to build the tool as an extension to a popular GIS software, and then require users to purchase that software to run the extension. Alternatively, the company could use MapWindow as a platform and build a specialized application that does the needed function and then give it or sell it directly to end user with no need for third party software purchases.

For more specific information on how one might use MapWindow, follow the links below: