PostGIS was born in 2001, created by Refractions Research as an open-source project to add support for geographic objects to PostgreSQL databases. Before PostGIS, businesses often relied on expensive, proprietary spatial databases like Oracle Spatial or ESRI’s ArcSDE. For simpler needs, many used flat files or shoehorned location data into regular databases, losing the ability to perform spatial queries efficiently.
What is PostGIS?
Think of PostGIS as a “location aware” upgrade for your database. It adds support for geographic objects, allowing you to store, query, and manipulate location data just as easily as you would names or dates. With PostGIS, your database doesn’t just know that a store exists – it knows where it is in relation to other things.
Why Businesses Choose PostGIS
- Cost-effective: As an open-source extension to PostgreSQL, PostGIS provides enterprise-grade spatial capabilities without the hefty price tag of proprietary solutions.
- Powerful Analysis: PostGIS can answer complex questions like “show me all customers within 5 miles of our stores” or “find the shortest route between these deliveries” efficiently.
- Standards Compliant: PostGIS follows OpenGIS standards, making it compatible with a wide range of GIS software and tools.
- Scalability: It can handle massive datasets, making it suitable for everything from small business applications to city-wide planning systems.
PostGIS in Action
We’ve seen PostGIS transform how businesses use location data:
- A retail chain used PostGIS to optimize store locations based on customer distribution and competitor positions.
- A logistics company employed PostGIS to calculate efficient delivery routes, saving fuel and time.
- A real estate platform integrated PostGIS to allow highly specific location-based property searches.
How We Work with PostGIS
Our team doesn’t just implement PostGIS – we help you leverage its full potential. We can:
- Integrate location intelligence into your existing applications
- Develop custom GIS solutions tailored to your business needs
- Migrate your spatial data from older systems to a PostGIS-enabled database
With PostGIS, your data doesn’t just tell you what’s happening – it shows you where. This spatial context can uncover insights and opportunities that might otherwise remain hidden in your data.