Opening up geospatial software

Geospatial Intelligence Forum, October 2012

Defense and intelligence agencies are increasing their use of open source geospatial software for a number of reasons. Many policy barriers that once constrained open source use have been eliminated.

Open source geospatial software is increasingly proving to be more reliable, scalable, and rapidly adaptable than proprietary, closed-source software.

The emergence of companies offering enterprise-class, commercial support has further encouraged the transition towards open source. Organizations supporting the Department of Defense and intelligence communities are now offering education and best practices sharing of open source technologies.