Database connection to QGIS using OpenGeo Explorer
BackgroundWhat is QGIS?QGIS is a free, and Open Source Geographic Information System. An alternative to the standard, but expensive ArcGIS. QGIS is an official project of OSGeo (Open Sourse Geospatial Foundation). The system is regularly updated, and is supported on Linux, Windows, and MacOS. It boasts an extensive community who regularly improve the system, as well as adding new features. This tutorial will focus on a Windows specific setup. OpenGeo ExplorerOpenGeo Explorer is a plugin which was originally developed by Boundless. Earlier in 2019, Boundless was purchased by Federal, and from this acquisition, Planet Federal was created. As a result, much of the work done by Boundless has been abandoned, including the OpenGeo Explorer plugin. Nevertheless, the plugin has been updated since the time the original tutorial was written, and so this revision of the tutorial will hopefully identify whether it works or not. OpenGeo Explorer is essentially a GUI (Guided User Interface) which serves as an easy and convenient way to transfer files between QGIS, and the GeoServer or PostGIS instance. Getting StartedSoftware StackData exchange through a database can be accomplished through networks ranging from one local machine, to the internet. In order to achieve functionality of the QGIS/ OpenGeo database feature, some GIS and server setup are necessary. Client-side requires the current version of QGIS (at time of writing this is 3.8 ‘Zanzibar’). Server-side should have the latest version of either GeoServer, or PostGIS. A functioning Python install is required, as well as basic knowledge of 'Command Prompt' commands. Individual configuration will be machine dependent. The importance of Database and ConnectionEstablishing a database connection is important, as the OpenGeo Explorer can greatly enhance the QGIS experience. OpenGeo Explorer enables the user to publish their work to GeoServer, automatically converting from QGIS to the GeoServer format, and allowing for additional conversion to PostGIS, if necessary. Geospatial Data StorageAccess to data is a key part of GeoSpatial analysis. Without data, no analysis can occur. This is where having access to a database, or database[s] comes in handy. Processed data can be uploaded for future use by the creator, or allow others to save time by using data which has already been refined. This data can then be utilized and worked on by multiple users, or groups. This also helps to ensure that the data remains current, as it is not solely on the creator to routinely update, and refine it.
InstallationOpenGeo Explorer now requires a more ‘code-heavy’ install as it is considered deprecated. This requires the use of command line to install a couple of python programs. After hours of testing I could not get it to function but have included the commands here for anyone looking to try. The latest version of OpenGeo Explorer can be downloaded here. In Command Prompt: pip install paver The above command installs paver, from here you need to install OpenGeo Explorer: $ paver setup $ paver install As I could not get it to function, nothing beyond this point has been updated for anything technically related. SetupThe plugin contains a GUI in the form of scalable window which can be snapped to the margins of the QGIS window. It is divided into two areas: Connections tree, and Actions list. 
Tree view: GeoServer catalogs, PostGIS connections, and current QGIS project layers 
Tab view: GeoServer catalogs, PostGIS connections, and current QGIS project layers A GeoServer connection can be established by highlighting GeoServer catalogs in the connections tree, and selecting either the ("+") button or New catalog... link in the actions menu at the bottom. Once the ‘Catalog definition’ dialog opens, ensure the information is entered exactly how it appears in the server records. If a catalog has successfully connected, then tree will expand to include Workspaces, Layers, Groups, Styles, WPS processes, and Settings 
New GeoServer connection dialog window PostGIS connections are added in the same way. However, the Create new PostGIS connection dialog is structured slightly different. Once added, newly established connections provide access to the schemas available in the database. 
New PostGIS connection dialog window Data transferThe addition of OpenGeo Explorer within QGIS, simplifies the access to the database. The layers can be processed, uploaded to the database, and then downloaded again. Deleting and importing of files in the database are enabled through the tool. 
Working view of OpenGeo Explorer To transfer from QGIS to a database:
Import dataset to GeoServer dialog window 
Import dataset to PostGIS dialog window To transfer from a database to QGIS:
NOTE: These instructions assume that at LEAST one layer is present in a QGIS project. |
Conclusion
Please see write-up.
References
Installation - OpenGeo Suite 4.8. (n.d.). Retrieved from [1]
Chan, N. (2019, February 13). GeoServer Plugin. Retrieved from [2]
(BoundlessGeo), V. O. (2017). GeoServer Explorer. Retrieved from [3]
