GeoNode — The Complete Guide: A Free Organisational Map Portal and Spatial Data Infrastructure
GeoNode gives an organisation its own internal map website. Instead of each engineer keeping layers in a different folder, data is uploaded to one portal, gets a description and permissions, and anyone authorised can view it in the browser or pull it into their own GIS software.
GeoNode
GeoNode Project (OSGeo)
A web platform for building an organisational spatial data infrastructure: upload, style, share and publish layers and maps.
Get it from the vendorWhat you get
- Browser uploads — vector and raster layers with nothing installed on the user’s side.
- Styling and maps — setting layer styles and building interactive maps.
- Metadata and search — an organised catalogue for finding data by topic and area.
- Fine-grained permissions — view, download and edit rights per user and group.
- Standard services — WMS, WFS, WCS, WMTS and CSW, plus a REST API for customisation.
What to know before you start
GeoNode is server software, not a desktop program. Installation is usually done with Docker on Linux, and maintenance, backups and security need system administration skills. It does not replace desktop GIS for advanced editing — the heavy work still happens in QGIS.
Related tools
For the map server that serves the layers — GeoServer. For a lightweight map server driven by configuration files — MapServer. For desktop editing and analysis — QGIS.
GeoServer
Open Source Geospatial Foundation (OSGeo)
A map server — publishes GIS layers as WMS and WFS services for any software.
Get it from the vendorMapServer
MapServer Project (OSGeo)
An open-source map server for publishing geospatial data and interactive maps on the web.
Get it from the vendor
QGIS
QGIS.org
Open-source GIS for spatial analysis, layer work and map production.
Get it from the vendorPostGIS
PostGIS Project Steering Committee (OSGeo)
An extension to the PostgreSQL database that adds storage, indexing and analysis of geospatial data through SQL queries.
Get it from the vendorThe bottom line
GeoNode suits municipalities, engineering firms and large projects that want one shared map repository. Completely free, provided someone sets up and maintains the server.