Recently in the MalaGIS discussion group, we debated the seemingly stagnant development of GIS and the career paths for GIS professionals. Honestly, I too feel uncertain. Coincidentally, I came across a 2018 interview with the founder of QGIS. I've translated it below, hoping it offers insight to readers.
Introduction
If Roger Tomlinson is hailed as the "Father of GIS," Gary Sherman undoubtedly deserves the title "Godfather of Open-Source GIS." What began as a tool to solve a specific problem has evolved into QGIS—the world's most popular open-source GIS software.
Gary rarely grants interviews, making his conversation with xyHt magazine a unique privilege. His responses reveal not only deep insights but also the humility and foresight of a technological pioneer.
Interview Excerpts
ND (Interviewer): With a background in mineral engineering and geology, how did you enter the GIS field?
GS (Gary Sherman): Geologists and mining professionals inherently love maps. My passion for cartography began during early wilderness expeditions in Alaska—navigating with a compass and paper maps, triangulating positions from mountain peaks.
In the 1980s, I used custom software on Wang 2200 computers to map mineral resources, later upgrading to Wang VS systems. My true GIS immersion began with "real" ARC/INFO on Solaris workstations. Though initially focused on data visualization rather than analysis, this foundation proved crucial.
ND: How was QGIS born? Was it a solo project or a team effort?
GS: QGIS started as a solo project in February 2002. After work, I wanted to view PostGIS data on my Linux machine. Professionally, I worked with small-scale survey data stored in descriptive XML files—a Windows project using the cross-platform Qt framework for its GUI. I realized I could adapt this approach for PostGIS at home, so I began coding a viewer in C++/Qt as a side project.
After creating a rudimentary version, I hosted it on Sourceforge and sought contributors online. The first release (July 2002) was primitive—only displaying PostGIS data. Growth was slow initially. The first code contribution came in October 2002; a year later, we had three developers. Momentum accelerated rapidly thereafter—within four years, over 20 developers contributed code, documentation, graphics, and fixes. I emphasize: Without collective participation, QGIS wouldn’t exist today.
ND: What was your original vision for QGIS?
GS: My primary goal was a Linux-based PostGIS viewer. Choosing a cross-platform framework allowed future OS compatibility. I never dreamed of building a full-fledged GIS—just basic vector/raster viewing, a decent legend, and essential map tools. Today, QGIS surpasses that with robust analysis capabilities and extensive plugins.
ND: What challenges did you face creating open-source GIS?
GS: After announcing the project, some in the open-source geospatial community questioned why I didn’t contribute to existing tools instead. There was initial opposition, but I’d researched thoroughly and knew no project met my needs. Ironically, one early critic later joined QGIS.
Technical hurdles included implementing dynamic projections—requiring significant effort to untangle. Compiling the first Windows version was equally tough.
Had we drafted a grand roadmap early on, progress might have stalled. Instead, adhering to Eric Raymond’s The Cathedral and the Bazaar philosophy—"Release early, release often"—enabled rapid feedback integration and efficient development.
ND: After winning the 2014 Sol Katz Award as QGIS founder, why did you step back from the spotlight?
GS: I’ve never been keen on self-promotion, but life intervened. In 2012, my wife was diagnosed with cancer, and I became her primary caregiver. Unable to dedicate time QGIS deserved, I passed the torch.
I still compile the latest dev versions and use QGIS in my work. I contributed to the 3.0 release and remain a lifetime "Honorary Member" of the QGIS Board.
ND: How did Locate Press—now the authority on open-source GIS manuals—emerge?
GS: Tyler Mitchell founded Locate Press in 2012. Its first book updated The Geospatial Desktop, previously published elsewhere. When Tyler pursued other ventures, I acquired the press in 2013. We’ve since published 13 additional titles, with several upcoming in 2025—including updates to Anita Graser and Gretchen Peterson’s popular QGIS Map Design.
Editor’s Note: LinkedIn shows Gary Sherman now runs GeoApt LLC, specializing in open-source GIS consulting, custom software, and QGIS training.
ND: What are your future plans?
GS: I aim to retire fully in the next year or two (I’m older than you’d guess) and travel. Beyond that, no grand "geospatial" ambitions.
ND: Many readers work in surveying, photogrammetry, or construction and consider QGIS for projects. What’s your advice?
GS: Try QGIS. Explore its vast plugin ecosystem—you’ll likely find tools for niche needs. For example, Kartoza (kartoza.com) recently released a plugin capturing coordinate geometry from survey plans. Beyond core features, community plugins cater to diverse disciplines.
References
- Original Article: https://www.xyht.com/spatial-itgis/godfather-of-qgis/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-sherman-76940271/