Solving a surveying problem by using R and QGIS: Setting out of a land expropriation zone

Abstract

Application of the open source software when resolving geodetic issues provides limitless possibilities. The present paper will showcase a methodology for setting out of engineering projects through a combination of GIS (Geographic Information System) software QGIS and R software environment. The link between QGIS and R had been established using Sextante toolbox, which significantly extends possibilities for a QGIS application, by establishing link to the other 'powerful' tools, such as R. Test example of land expropriation project shows the possibilities of the QGIS application for analytical elaboration of an expropriation zone, and R software package for automating setting out accuracy calculation.