PostGIS
PostGIS is an open-source spatial database extender for the PostgreSQL relational database. It adds support for geographic objects, allowing storage, indexing, and querying of spatial data using SQL, adhering to Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) Simple Features for SQL specifications. It…
Key facts
- First appeared
- 2001
- Category
- database
- Problem solved
- Traditional relational databases lacked native support for complex spatial data types and operations, forcing developers to manage geospatial data in separate files, proprietary systems, or through inefficient custom solutions. PostGIS solved this by extending PostgreSQL to natively store, index, and query geographic features, enabling robust spatial analysis directly within a powerful, open-source RDBMS.
- Platforms
- Windows, Other Unix-like systems (where PostgreSQL runs), FreeBSD, linux, windows, Linux, web, macOS
Related technologies
Notable users
- Governments (e.g., municipal, national mapping agencies)
- Mapping platforms (e.g., OpenStreetMap infrastructure)
- Tech Companies (especially those in mapping, logistics, real estate)
- Academic Institutions and Research Organizations
- Environmental Agencies
- Transportation and Urban Planning Departments