GIS – open and (un)simple for small utility companies
The presentation will showcase the InfraPlace team’s experience in helping small utility companies use open source (QGIS) software to solve everyday challenges. We think that there are no too small organizations to use GIS. However, the uptake of new technologies is still a challenge for small companies. Often there is a lack of knowledge and experience, and it is difficult to cope independently with different data formats and data structures. This report presents the solutions that our team uses to overcome the challenges. Our goal is not only to develop a specific product, but also to instruct our clients to use GIS technologies to solve their challenges. We will briefly introduce the capabilities of open source software, its functionality, and provide examples of self-directed application of GIS technologies in utility companies. Also, our team is an example where the knowledge acquired at university and the relationships established between lecturers and students can be turned into real projects.