08-31, 10:00–13:00 (Japan), 603
This hands-on workshop teaches participants how to build a spatial GraphQL API on top of PostgreSQL/PostGIS using PostGraphile. We will publish vector and raster data, apply spatial filters, create processing endpoints, secure the API with Row-Level Security, and extend it with server-side plugins.
This workshop will be publicly hosted on GitHub. Using guided steps, we will start by exploring the basics of GraphQL. Then, we will set up and configure a spatial database using PostGIS with real-world data. From that point, we will gradually increase the complexity, learning step by step how to create, configure and extend a GraphQL API.
During the workshop, participants will:
- Learn how to use, create and manage a fully spatial GraphQL API using PostGraphile on top of a PostgreSQL/PostGIS database with real-world data;
- Publish spatial and non-spatial data, including vector and raster datasets;
- Query data using pagination and spatial filtering with GeoJSON;
- Create processing and analysis endpoints that rely on PostgreSQL/PostGIS functions;
- Secure the API with Row-Level Security (RLS) at the database level and use JWT tokens for authentication;
- Extend the GraphQL API using server-side plugins written in JavaScript or TypeScript.
- We will also discuss the pros and cons of GraphQL compared to REST and highlight the key differences between them.
The workshop requires no previous knowledge of GraphQL. However, basic knowledge of PostgreSQL and PostGIS is advisable.
2 - intermediate
Pre-requirements for attendees –Basic knowledge of PostgreSQL and PostGIS is expected. No previous experience with GraphQL is required.
What skills do participants require to have? –Basic SQL querying, familiarity with spatial data concepts (geometries, coordinate systems), and comfort using the command line. Experience with REST APIs is helpful but not required.
Link to software source code –
Geospatial engineer with over 20 years of experience and still excited about maps. Works with spatial databases, cloud platforms, and drone-based mapping. Enjoys building things with open-source tools, breaking REST APIs, and convincing people that PostGIS can do almost anything. Has been running this workshop since before GraphQL was cool. When not writing SQL, probably flying a drone or arguing about data standards.
GIS Software & Product Engineer with a PhD in collaboration technologies and a background in Urban Planning, Computational Design, and Architecture. Developing desktop plugins and web services that streamline AEC–GIS data workflows, including automation and visualization tools.
Dr. Jorge Mendes de Jesus is an agronomist and geoinformatics expert specializing in Spatial Data Infrastructures (SDI). He holds a PhD from Ben-Gurion University
Following roles at the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, and GeoCat B.V., Jorge spent over a decade at ISRIC — World Soil Information. There, he spearheaded DevOps and database management for global projects like SoilGrids using Kubernetes and Python.
Currently, Jorge is the founder of TerraOps, where he provides specialized consultancy on OSGeo stack implementation and REST API development, delivering scalable "Geo-as-a-Service" solutions for complex geospatial data.