Large scale QGIS deployments : feedback and lessons learned
2021-09-30, 16:30–17:00, Salta

Nowadays, installing QGIS seems like straightforward : download the installer, run it, click "next, next, next", and enjoy ! While this is true for common single users, the situation can be very different in large organizations. With QGIS becoming the de-facto desktop GIS, and adding server capabilities, large deployment have become a strong need and a reality.

In big corporations or large public organizations, the IT infrastructure is usually complex, and requires a specific attention to the way software deployments are achieved. Installing QGIS for hundreds or thousands of users can be a major challenge.

The following technical issues, among others, have to be tackled :
- Automated installation
- Dealing with multiple user profiles
- Automated configuration
- Dependency management
- Restricted Network access
- Security
- Customization and packaging
- Upgrade management

Moreover, outside of technical aspects, organizational aspects have to be taken into account. Support, helpdesk, maintenance, upgrade policy, training, funding…

We will show real-world examples of QGIS deployment in big corporations and large public organization. Based on our experiences with QGIS large scale deployment, we explain in this presentation how we dealt with all these topics, and the lessons we learned on the way.


Nowadays, installing QGIS seems like straightforward : download the installer, run it, click "next, next, next", and enjoy ! While this is true for common single users, the situation can be very different in large organizations. With QGIS becoming the de-facto desktop GIS, and adding server capabilities, large deployment have become a strong need and a reality.

In big corporations or large public organizations, the IT infrastructure is usually complex, and requires a specific attention to the way software deployments are achieved. Installing QGIS for hundreds or thousands of users can be a major challenge.

The following technical issues, among others, have to be tackled :
- Automated installation
- Dealing with multiple user profiles
- Automated configuration
- Dependency management
- Restricted Network access
- Security
- Customization and packaging
- Upgrade management

Moreover, outside of technical aspects, organizational aspects have to be taken into account. Support, helpdesk, maintenance, upgrade policy, training, funding…

We will show real-world examples of QGIS deployment in big corporations and large public organization. Based on our experiences with QGIS large scale deployment, we explain in this presentation how we dealt with all these topics, and the lessons we learned on the way.


Authors and Affiliations
  • Vincent Picavet, Oslandia
  • Julien Moura, Oslandia
  • Bertrand Parpoil, Oslandia
Requirements for the Attendees

Wear a QGIS t-shirt ( just kidding, come as you are )

Track

Transition to FOSS4G

Topic

Business powered by FOSS4G

Level

2 - Basic. General basic knowledge is required.

Language of the Presentation

English

Vincent Picavet is an applied mathematics engineer. After a few years working on satellite imagery, he dedicates himself to GIS, designing and implementing spatial data infrastructures with PostGIS. Vincent regularly talks at international conferences, PGConf, FOSS4G or other GIS events. He founded Oslandia in 2009, providing services in opensource GIS.

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