11-18, 13:30–16:30 (Pacific/Auckland), WF711
Join this hands-on workshop to learn how to build fully functional spatial APIs using PostgreSQL, PostGIS, and PostgREST. We'll cover setup, data exposure, and using spatial functions—empowering you to build powerful, backend-free geospatial services using just SQL.
This workshop is a deep dive into building geospatial APIs directly from your PostgreSQL database using PostgREST and PostGIS—no backend frameworks required. You'll learn how to expose spatial data (like points, lines, and polygons) as RESTful endpoints, and perform geospatial operations such as distance queries, intersections, and bounding box filters using PostGIS functions.
We’ll begin by setting up PostgreSQL with PostGIS and configuring PostgREST to serve your database as a REST API. Then, we'll walk through creating tables, views, and SQL functions to handle various spatial use cases. You'll learn how to query spatial data through HTTP, return GeoJSON responses, and optimize queries for performance.
Participants will get hands-on experience with:
Installing and configuring PostgREST
Working with spatial data types and functions in PostGIS
Creating and securing spatial endpoints
Building and testing real-world use cases (e.g., find nearby features, filter by geometry)
By the end of the session, you’ll have a fully working geospatial API built entirely with SQL—ready for integration with frontend apps, dashboards, or GIS tools. Ideal for developers, GIS analysts, and anyone interested in modern spatial data APIs without the complexity of writing backend code.
Krishna Lodha is the founder and director of Rotten Grapes Private Limited, a software development company specializing in open-source GIS solutions. With a strong background in geospatial technologies and a passion for FOSS, Krishna has led the development of several impactful Web GIS applications for clients across forestry, agriculture, water management, and urban planning sectors. Under his leadership, the company has successfully deployed solutions that leverage platforms like GeoServer, OpenLayers, and QGIS, helping government and private organizations optimize their spatial data workflows.
Krishna is also a content creator who shares knowledge through YouTube tutorials and technical blogs focused on open-source GIS development. His work emphasizes practical, scalable solutions using open standards and tools, aiming to make geospatial technology more accessible to developers and analysts alike.
An advocate for community-driven innovation, Krishna regularly mentors students and professionals interested in building careers in geospatial software. He actively participates in open-source projects and contributes to the broader FOSS4G ecosystem.