MalaGIS

Sharing GIS Technologies, Resources and News.

Last year, our team introduced how to load lunar datasets in Cesium. Now, one year later, Cesium has officially begun supporting the Mars dataset—Cesium Mars. Cesium Mars is a 3D Tileset designed to enable developers and researchers to quickly create visualizations and simulations of Mars. The dataset integrates laser altimeter data (MOLA) from NASA's Mars Global Surveyor (MGS), high-resolution stereo camera imagery (HRSC) from ESA's Mars Express, and color satellite image rendering, realistically recreating the visual appearance of Mars.

more >>

In the previous article titled "Displaying Selected Layer Count in QGIS with PyQGIS - MalaGIS", the author introduced a method to quickly view the number of selected layers using QGIS's Python API. However, if you need this functionality, you must open QGIS, then open the Python Console, locate the saved Python script file, and run it every single time. Although this process is simple, it can become tedious after repeated use. So, is there a way to automatically run a Python script when QGIS starts up? The author searched online and finally found a temporarily viable method to share today.

more >>

A few days ago, while browsing the Malagis GIS group, someone asked if there was a source to download global wildfire data. At that time, I didn’t have relevant resources on hand. After doing some research, I found NASA FIRMS, a website that supports GIS visualization of data and allows online downloads for viewing and analysis in software like ArcGIS and QGIS. Today, I’d like to share this resource with everyone.

more >>

Preface: This article is compiled based on the author's experience with internet mapping services. While consumer map applications offer automatic location detection, professional GIS tools like QGIS lack this functionality natively. This guide demonstrates how to implement this feature.

more >>

Preface: This article is compiled from a community submission. All names and project details are fictional. The core content has been edited for clarity. Any resemblance to real events is coincidental.

An urgent request emerged regarding a GIS business system we developed three years ago. Their management had recently switched to Huawei triple-foldable phones, revealing significant compatibility issues with our system.

more >>

When working with numerous layers in QGIS, it is often necessary to select multiple layers simultaneously for operations. However, with a large number of layers, it becomes difficult to quickly discern exactly how many are selected—don't worry, you can easily solve this by writing a small tool with PyQGIS!

Today, we share two methods to display the count of selected layers in real-time. These methods are straightforward to implement, with clear code, and can be tried by those in need.

more >>

In a previous article titled "「GIS Data」Chinese Geographic Region Partition Vector Data", we shared vector data on geographic region partitions. Recently, some users in our group requested geomorphological data. After searching, we actually found a 1:1,000,000 geomorphological type spatial distribution dataset from the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), and are sharing it with everyone.

more >>

Recently, I was assigned another GIS dashboard project. My manager asked me to research the mainstream design styles currently on the market. Coincidentally, I had previously introduced a collection of such dashboard works in an article titled "Open-Source Dashboard Templates for GIS Developers: BigDataView Project". Combined with various examples shared within our community group, I managed to complete the task.

During the research process, I noticed an interesting phenomenon: many dashboards still use maps in the EPSG:3857 projection, which results in a "tilted" depiction of China's map. Therefore, using OpenLayers and Leaflet as examples, and with the help of various AI tools, I created two demos to implement the rendering of the Albers projection on the web.

more >>

Yesterday, someone in a group shared a map of China's 2024 birth rate, which looked quite interesting. However, this map was different from the usual ones—regions with lower birth rates were colored redder. Someone asked if it could be quickly recreated.

Two years ago, I might have been too lazy to bother because redrawing the map would require manually extracting and recording data from the map one by one, then importing it into QGIS or ArcGIS for data processing, and finally producing the map. But in 2025, the era of AI, this task is a breeze. Today, I'll share a set of AI-based rapid map production methods. Next time you encounter such a demand, just go for it!

more >>

Some time ago in the GIS group, a colleague inquired about sources for accessing granular meteorological data such as temperature, wind speed/direction, humidity, air quality, cloud cover, UV index, etc. While not deeply familiar with meteorological data myself, the group fortunately has many experts. The expert @ESPIPE generously shared a data product website from the meteorological authority. After reviewing it, I found the data exceptionally detailed, supporting queries for any latitude/longitude location across China. Today, I'll share this resource—those with similar needs may find it useful.

more >>