Sextante

Sextante is an open‑source geospatial data processing library and framework designed to provide and unify geoprocessing algorithms across GIS software. It offers a large collection of algorithms for vector and raster analysis, data conversion, statistics, and data management, accessible through a graphical user interface, scripting, or API calls.

The framework uses a modular architecture built around algorithms, their inputs and outputs, and providers that expose groups of related tools. Users can assemble processing chains by connecting inputs and outputs to form workflows, enabling batch execution and repeatable analyses. The design emphasizes extensibility, allowing developers to add new algorithms and providers that operate on common data models.

Sextante has been used as a core component in several GIS projects, most notably as part of the processing framework in QGIS and in the OrbisGIS ecosystem. Its emphasis on interoperability and a unified processing environment has contributed to cross‑tool data workflows and simplified access to a diverse set of geospatial operations.

Data formats and interoperability are central to Sextante. The framework is built to work with standard GIS data formats and libraries, enabling algorithms to operate on shapefiles, GeoTIFFs, PostGIS sources, and other common data stores. It abstracts data access from algorithm logic, allowing the same tools to run against different backends.

Availability and development of Sextante are community‑driven. As an open‑source project, it invites contributions from individuals and institutions, and its ongoing evolution reflects the needs of users across various GIS platforms.