Enterprise GIS

Course Overview

This intensive 5-day course gives participants the skills and knowledge to plan, establish, and manage a production-grade open source GIS stack. Using FOSS tools — PostgreSQL/PostGIS, GeoServer, QGIS Server, and GeoNode — you will learn how to build an enterprise spatial data infrastructure that is world-class, cost-effective, and fully supported by active open source communities.

The course moves from foundational concepts through to hands-on system administration. Participants leave with a working understanding of how all components connect, practical configuration experience, and the ability to troubleshoot and maintain the system after the course.

What You Will Learn

Spatial Database Setup

Install, configure, and populate a PostgreSQL/PostGIS spatial database. Design schemas for enterprise data.

Web Map Composition

Compose and serve web maps. View and search spatial data from both desktop (QGIS) and web clients.

System Administration

Administer, monitor, back up, and troubleshoot the full FOSS GIS stack in a production environment.

GeoServer Administration

Install a web map server and publish OGC-compliant services — WMS, WFS, and WCS — with styling and security.

Enterprise Architecture

Understand architectural guidelines for a corporate environment, including security, user management, and network topology.

FOSS Stack Integration

Connect PostGIS, GeoServer, QGIS, and GeoNode into a coherent, maintainable enterprise GIS stack.

Course Modules

1 Enterprise GIS Concepts & FOSS Stack OverviewDay 1

Introduction to enterprise GIS architecture — what makes a system "enterprise-grade," how FOSS tools compare to proprietary alternatives, and how PostGIS, GeoServer, QGIS Server, and GeoNode fit together. You'll map out the architecture you'll be building across the five days.

2Spatial Database Setup with PostGISDay 2

Install and configure PostgreSQL and PostGIS. Design and create spatial database schemas suitable for an enterprise environment. Import data from shapefiles, CSVs, and other sources. Write basic spatial SQL queries to validate your setup.

3GeoServer Installation & OGC Service PublishingDay 3

Install GeoServer and connect it to your PostGIS database. Publish WMS, WFS, and WCS services. Configure layer styles using SLD. Set up workspaces, stores, and layers. Manage users and security roles for controlled access.

4Web Clients, QGIS Integration & GeoNodeDay 4

Compose and serve web maps. Connect your GeoServer services to QGIS for desktop access. Set up GeoNode as a spatial data portal for metadata, discovery, and sharing. Understand how end-users interact with the stack from both desktop and browser.

5 Administration, Troubleshooting & Production ReadinessDay 5

System administration best practices: monitoring, backups, log management, and performance tuning. Troubleshoot common failure points across the stack. Review architectural considerations for corporate IT environments including firewalls, reverse proxies, and SSL. Conclude with a practical system review exercise.

Who Should Attend

✔ GIS managers planning an open source infrastructure migration

✔ Webmasters or developers building spatial web services

✔ IT staff in organisations transitioning from ArcGIS Server or similar

✔ System or database administrators managing GIS infrastructure

✔ Experienced GIS users ready to move to a server-based stack

✔ Government, NGO, and enterprise teams building spatial infrastructure

Prerequisites

Experienced GIS user — this course is not suitable for beginners
System administration or IT background helpful (Linux or Windows server experience)
Basic familiarity with databases and/or web technologies is an advantage
Laptop running Ubuntu Linux or Windows (Ubuntu strongly preferred)

What You Receive

Comprehensive course workbook

Sample spatial datasets

30-day post-course email support

Configuration scripts & setup guides

Certificate of completion and attendance

On-site delivery included in course fee

Why Train with Kartoza?

We Build These Systems

Kartoza doesn't just train on FOSS GIS — we build and maintain PostGIS, GeoServer, and GeoNode deployments for clients across Africa and Europe daily.

Custom for Your Organisation

We can tailor the course to your existing IT environment, data, and specific migration or upgrade goals.

Practical Throughout

Every day is built around configuration exercises using real infrastructure. You're working with live systems, not simulations.

Continued Support

Beyond the course, Kartoza offers ongoing support contracts, hosting, and development services as you grow your system.

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