Considerations on Open Source GIS Software vs. Proprietary GIS Software

Open source software is that kind of software that can be freely used, changed, and shared (in modified or unmodified form) by anyone. Generally, the open source software is made by many people, and distributed under licenses that comply with the Open Source Definition. There are currently several open source GIS software solutions that imposed themselves in GIS environments and gained ground against proprietary GIS branded solutions. The purpose of the present article is to highlight the characteristics of these freeware solutions and some advantages of using them. Also it shows how are implemented these concepts in MSc. curricula.