GIS Live DVD is a type of the thematic Live CD containing GIS/RS applications and related tutorials, and sample data sets. The general sense of a GIS Live DVD is to demonstrate the power of FLOSS GIS and encourage users to start on FLOSS GIS. However, a disc can be used for GIS data processing and training, too. A disc usually includes some selected Linux-based or Wine (software)-enabled Windows applications for GIS and Remote Sensing use. Using this disc the end users can execute GIS functions to get experience in free and open source software solutions or solve some simple business operations. The set-up and the operating behaviour of the applications can also be studied prior to building real FLOSS GIS-based systems. Recently a LiveDVD image is stored and booted from USB (Live USB).
Use cases There can be multiple use cases:
Demonstration of one or more GIS applications or dataThe disc contains preconfigured applications with some GIS data and introductory tutorials. It is used at workshops or meetings to demonstrate the capabilities of one or more GIS applications or data sets or results of projects that applied FLOSS GIS. It makes possible the stand-alone operation using the pre-installed tutorial and sample data. The performance is critical especially the time behaviour. Usually a demonstration disc tends to promote a project so the user friendliness and correctness are critical too. Evaluation of GIS applicationsThe objective is to provide a simple use and compact environment for evaluating and/or benchmarking applications or data sets. It has a similar built to a demonstration disc however it needs more flexibility in using external data and access to network. The time behaviour and the performance is less critical since is highly likely the disc is run in a virtual machine. The user-friendliness is less important since the evaluation is done by professional usually. EducationPrimary aim of this disc is to support of certain GIS training that is based on an established curricula. It can be university education or a special training course. The selection of the applications for the disc supports the gathering of the targeted skill. The disc includes the agenda of the course too. Networking and using peripherals such as printer and external disks is important. Installation The goal is support the installation of WEB or Desktop applications by users do not have the required skills or the configuration is complex or difficult. Development Kit for implementing complex customised applications The goal is provide a package of a tools for GIS/LIS application development that includes standard software components and business related sample models and codes to support and speed up implementation. The emphases is on the demonstration of system integration and the sample databases and software codes and instruction. GIS data processing Theoretically a Thematic Live DVD can be used for supporting real business procedures. A USB version of a Live DVD can be adopted to data collection where it includes a specific set-up, e.g. an IT system for spatial related census.
Creation The creation is usually based on an existing Live CD. Some of the GIS and Remote sensing applications are already included in the basic Linux distribution. Some other packages has got "ready to install" versions while some others need to be translated from the source code. After having got all applications and related contents (e.g. documentations, sample data) installed the image of the Live DVD is created by the basic distribution provided tools.
Risks and assumptions The CASCADOSS research project has identified the following risks of disc creation
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