The Decentralized Administration of Peloponnese, Western Greece and the Ionian is recommending the use of open source software solutions for its Geographic Information Systems. A memo from the IT department wants all public administrations to start using Qgis.
GIS systems are used by, for example, the administrative region’s forestry departments.
The Qgis software offers the same functionalities and it actually easier to use than proprietary alternatives, explains the Department of Informatics and Communications in a circular, sent around in March.
The memo explains the software can be downloaded and installed for free, writes the IT Department. They add that training material will be made available on line; the department is also exploring organising courses, in collaboration with the National Centre for Public Administration and Local Government (EKDDA) and the department of Education.
Modernisation
“We found (Qgis) easier to learn (than the proprietary alternative)”, the IT Department explains. The open source solution offers the same functionalities, and comes with tools to help display and process geospatial data.
Using free and open source software is also recommended by Greece’s Ministry of Administrative Reform, adds the IT Department.
In May, the Greek free and open source software society complimented the Decentralized Administration with the recommendation. Switching to this type of software solution helps to reduce costs, the NGO adds, pointing to several other examples, including LibreOffice.
More information:
Circular from the IT department of the Decentralized Administration of Peloponnese, Western Greece and the Ionian (in Greek, PDF)
Letter from the Greek free and open source software society (in Greek, PDF)