GISnek

GISnek is an open-source geographic information system designed to provide a modular, extensible platform for mapping, spatial analysis, and cartography. The project aims to support desktop and web deployments, enabling users to visualize, edit, analyze, and publish geospatial data in a unified workflow.

Its architecture centers on a lightweight core engine coupled with a plugin system, data adapters, a rendering pipeline, and a scripting interface. The design emphasizes interoperability and performance, with support for multi-threaded processing and parallel rendering where available. The scripting API allows automation and customization through languages such as Python and JavaScript, enabling users to build custom tools and workflows.

GISnek supports common geospatial data formats through adapters and adheres to open standards. Vector formats include Shapefile, GeoJSON, and GeoPackage; raster formats include GeoTIFF; and scientific formats such as NetCDF are supported through specialized plugins. The platform provides access to OGC services (WMS, WFS, WCS) for data retrieval and map publishing, and it can work with databases designed for geospatial data.

Key capabilities include layered map rendering with cartographic styling, feature editing, spatial queries, buffer and overlay analyses, network analysis, interpolation, and 3D visualization. It offers templating and rule-based styling, time-aware analysis, and support for reproducible workflows through scripting.

GISnek is used in urban planning, environmental monitoring, disaster response, and research projects. It is community-driven, with an open-source license, active contributions, and documentation. The project maintains a plug-in ecosystem that extends analysis, visualization, and data import/export features. See also: Geographic information system, Open-source geospatial software, Spatial data.