I agree with some of the other responses that challenge the way of
traditional thinking. Desktop GIS, Web and Databases are the tools
of today - it's interesting to watch the various ways they come
together (collide?) in projects. If you look to replace desktop
proprietary options, you may find that web-based tools start to fit
the bill. Or to do analysis you may find the database tools open up
more possibilities, etc..
Personally I find it a great challenge to keep up with various
developments in the OS field. Even within OSGeo projects there is so
much happening that it is hard to know which hurdles have been
overcome or not. For example, projects like GRASS, QGIS, gvSIG all
have goals to improve various components and their improvements are
at various stages.
Some, like gvSIG, have specific goals to fill the exact needs you
have. QGIS + GRASS makes a powerful combination, though I can't
speak to its usability. gvSIG + SEXTANTE makes similar strides in
power. Then there are the service-based opportunities using WPS via
PyWPS, deegree, 52 North, etc.
I've got no hard answer because I feel the goal posts are constantly
moving, and the others have touched on more specifics.
Hope that general answers helps somewhat.
Tyler
On 24-Apr-08, at 12:41 PM, Jennifer Horsman wrote:
The thread that was started today with the subject "Your open
source career" got me thinking about asking a question that has
been rolling around in my head. This is pointed at those people who
have experience with ESRI products as well as OS GIS products.
I have been a long-time user of ESRI products, but I want to start
my own contract business and will not be able to afford the license
for ArcGIS/ArcInfo. So I recently set up a Linux box with GRASS
installed, but it has been over 10 years since I have used GRASS
(it has probably changed since then too!)
Does GRASS have the same analysis and display capabilities as
ArcGIS? I know this is a very general question, so perhaps another
question would be where does GRASS fall short and where does it
excel in comparison to the ESRI products?
Thanks,
Jennifer
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