Database Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 11. Using Desktop Clients
In this chapter, we will cover the following topics:
• Adding PostGIS layers - QGIS
• Using the Database Manager plugin - QGIS
• Adding PostGIS layers - OpenJUMP GIS
• Running database queries - OpenJUMP GIS
• Adding PostGIS layers - gvSIG
• Adding PostGIS layers - uDig
Introduction
At a minimum, Desktop GIS programs allow you to visualize data from a PostGIS
database.Thisrelationshipgetsmoreinterestingwiththeabilitytoeditandmanipu-
late data outside of the database and in a dynamic "play" environment.
Makeachange,seeachange!Forthisreason,visualizingthedatastoredinPostGIS
isoftencriticalforeffectivespatialdatabasemanagement—oratleastasanow-and-
again sanity check. This chapter will demonstrate both dynamic and static relation-
ships between your database and desktop clients.
Regardlessofyourexperiencelevelorroleinthegeospatialcommunity,youshould
findatleastoneofthefourGISprogramsserviceableasapotentialintermediatesta-
ging environment between your PostGIS database and end product.
Inthischapter,wewillconnecttoPostGISusingthefollowingDesktopGISprograms:
QGIS
,
OpenJUMP GIS
,
gvSIG
, and
uDig
.
Once connected to PostGIS, extra emphasis is placed on some of the more soph-
isticated functionality offered by QGIS and OpenJUMP GIS using the
DB Manager
plugin
and
run datastore queries
, respectively.
