2026-11-03 –, Gardenia
This presentation explores the experiences and trade-offs encountered while building, deploying and supporting an enterprise GIS platform using open-source software and OGC standards. Highlighting how to avoid vendor lock-in while balancing cost against specialized technical demands.
Implementing an enterprise geographic information system (GIS) is critical for modern, data-driven organizational decision-making. This presentation explores the strategic and technical trade-offs of building and deploying an enterprise-grade GIS platform utilizing open-source software (OSS) and Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) standards. By decoupling the architecture from proprietary vendor lock-in, organizations can leverage powerful tools like PostgreSQL/PostGIS, GeoServer, and QGIS to achieve highly scalable, customizable, and cost-effective geospatial infrastructures. Adherence to OGC standards (such as WMS, WFS, and OGC API features) ensures seamless interoperability, robust data exchange, and future-proof integration with external systems.
However, migrating to or establishing an open-source enterprise ecosystem introduces distinct operational challenges. This session will critically analyze the hidden costs of OSS, including the demand for highly specialized internal technical expertise, the reliance on community-driven support or third-party enterprise contracts, and the complexities of maintaining rigorous security and governance protocols. Attendees will gain actionable insights through real-world deployment patterns, a comparative cost-benefit analysis against proprietary alternatives, and a decision framework to determine if an open-source, standards-based architecture aligns with their organization's long-term operational goals.
Colin Hobson, MSc., GISP, has been active in the CAD/GIS space for over 20 years. He was on staff at Autodesk for several years and is active in CAD and GIS disciplines in the industry. He has presented at many conferences both locally and internationally. As a technology innovator and solutions deployment professional he brings together a great mix of effective solutions and new ways of doing things. He is based in Rocklin California where he manages Open Spatial’s North American activities.