Analysing the practical feasibility of using free and open source software for geographical information systems (FOSSGIS) in military operations

Abstract

Remaining ahead of the enemy in all circumstances is crucial to any military power. Technology, especially GIS, has become a key factor in military operations. GIS can provide the military commander with geospatial information about the theatre of war that can assist him in the planning and execution of his mission. Unfortunately, technology usually comes at a price. GIS software is no exception. The cost of acquiring and maintaining GIS software and software training can be high. The cost of proprietary software limits the use of GIS in military operations. GIS software packages can be divided into proprietary and Free and Open Source Software for GIS (FOSSGIS) packages. GIS software packages consist of numerous tools and functionalities to assist military operations with geospatial queries, analysis and product creation. This study was done in order to evaluate FOSSGIS as a feasible alternative to available proprietary GIS software. FOSSGIS was evaluated in terms of prescribed GIS functionalities, user-friendliness and costs. Should the comparison be favourable, to what extent can FOSSGIS replace proprietary GIS software in military operations? QGIS was used as the FOSSGIS application to compare against ArcGIS. The GIS functionalities that were evaluated were identified by means of the literature study as well as the development of a use case. Results show that all GIS functions tested in this study could be successfully performed by both software products. These results are interesting, since it shows that units or directorates can successfully deploy FOSSGIS in certain use cases in order to expand the existing GIS capabilities for military operations.