Elshayal Smart GIS is a lightweight, completely independent, free mapping and geographic information system software package developed by an Egyptian programming team led by Mohamed Elshayal. Originating as the first Arabian GIS software package, it operates completely free for non-commercial use without relying on any commercial software code or expensive underlying libraries. System Architecture
The application runs as a standalone program designed to utilize minimal system memory and CPU power. It consists of three primary branches:
Smart GIS Map Editor: The core desktop tool used to build, modify, and analyze shapefiles.
Smart GIS Net: An internet communication module used to browse digital maps online.
Smart GIS Mobile: A specialized port built for mobile browsers and older handheld digital assistants. Core Data & Editing Features
The platform offers full vector and raster manipulation capabilities through a standard spatial view layout:
File Management: Full freedom to natively read, edit, and write ESRI Shapefiles alongside standard dBASE attribute data tables.
Feature Manipulation: Standard tools to draw, snap, scale, split, rotate, or merge geometric objects like points, polylines, and multi-point polygons.
Interoperability: Built-in data converters seamlessly translate AutoCAD DXF files directly into standard GIS shapefiles and vice-versa. Advanced Modeling & Remote Sensing
Beyond basic visualization, the software contains surprisingly robust advanced tools for a lightweight independent application:
Google Earth Integration: Users can easily capture, mosaic, and stitch together Google Earth image tiles into a georeferenced format, or project custom layers straight onto the Google Earth interface.
Terrain & Surface Analysis: Converts NASA ASTER and SRTM Digital Elevation Models (DEM) directly into dynamic Triangulated Irregular Network (TIN) surface models and contour lines.
GPS Navigation Tracking: Connects directly with standalone hardware GPS receivers to actively trace, record, and output live navigation routes.
Database & Scripts: Features built-in spatial location query builders, thematic coloring tools, and the unique ability to execute custom VB scripts directly inside the interface to automate tasks.
The system offers a completely free, lightweight alternative to heavy commercial applications for users who need core GIS processing tools.
If you would like to explore this software further, tell me:
Do you need to compare it against other free open-source options like QGIS? (PDF) Elshayal Smart GIS Map Editor and Surface Analysis
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