Database connection to QGIS using OpenGeo Explorer

Background What 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. The importance of Database and Connection Establishing a database connection is important, as the OpenGeo Suite 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 storage The main aspect of GIS processing tools is their application to various datasets. Generally, input data undergoes operations that produce output. Depending on the purpose of the analysis the resulting data may be archived, packaged as a base dataset with other geospatial data, or made available for a more dynamic transfer to the next set of tools. The last example may include cases of greater calls frequency, where some online sharing methods offer more advantage. These methods assume that data becomes available in the same instant as being changed or upgraded. Databases are widely used and now offer geospatial compatibility. Software Stack Information exchange through database can be done through networks ranging from one local machine to worldwide web. In order to acheive complete functionality of the FOSS4G tool, use of specific versions of GIS desktop and server is necessary. Two sides have to have following software installed: client-side requires QGIS 2.0 Dufour or later, and server-side should run latest version of either GeoServer or PostGIS, where PostGIS is an extension of PostgreSQL database server. Configuration settings should be consulted with the developers' manuals. OpenGeo Explorer Boundless is a provider of the open source and enterprise geospatial software solutions. In 2013 it has contributed to QGIS project by releasing OpenGeo Explorer plugin. This tool is designed to work with OpenGeo Suite, commercial open source based platform, and simplify online publishing of geospatial data. While it can be used without the OpenGeo Suite, it allows data transfer between QGIS and GeoSever or PostGIS. Installation OpenGeo Explorer can be downloaded and installed through QGIS Plugin Manager. In the main menu go to Plugins > Manage and Install Plugins... In the Plugin Manager window go to Settings, check Show also experimental plugins, and press Add... to specify new repository Enter name and URL of repository, where URL is http://qgis.boundlessgeo.com/plugins.xml (there also is a repository at GitHub), press OK Add new repository dialog window Navigate to Get more in same Plugin Manager window and highlight OpenGeo Explorer from the list - press Install plugin Make sure that OpenGeo Explorer is checked under Installed tab and close Plugin Manager New section in the main menu called OpenGeo should appear, which provides tool's switch, settings, and help Setup The plugin contains graphical interface in the form of scalable window, that can be snapped to the margins of the QGIS window. It is divided into two areas: connections tree (or tab view if tool's settings are configured), 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 GeoServer can be connected by highlighting GeoServer catalogs in the connections tree and pressing either the plus sign ("+") button or New catalog... link in the actions menu on the bottom. Catalog definition dialog opens up. Make sure to provide information exactly how it appears in the server records, such as not including forward slash at the end of the catalog's URL. If a catalog had been successfully connected, then tree will expand and include Workspaces, Layers, Groups, Styles, WPS processes, and Settings New GeoServer connection dialog window PostGIS connections are added in the same manner as above. The Create new PostGIS connection dialog is structured in slightly different way. Once added, newly established connection provides access to the schemas available in the database. New PostGIS connection dialog window Data transfer The presence of the OpenGeo Explorer within QGIS panel simplifies the access to the database. The layers can be processed, uploaded to the database, then downloaded back again. Deleting and importing of files in the database are enabled through the tool. Working view of OpenGeo Explorer For QGIS to Database transfer take following steps, assuming that at least one layer is present in QGIS project: Highlight the required layer under QGIS project in OpenGeo Explorer Choose and click either Publish to GeoServer... or Import into PostGIS... in Actions list Fill out required information in the prompted dialog window Import dataset to GeoServer dialog window Import dataset to PostGIS dialog window In order to download from Database to QGIS, layers only need to be dragged while holding left mouse button from the OpenGeo Explorer window to the Layers tab in QGIS panel. Grid Layer Storage

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Geomatics