In , along with release of version 2. Best in its field and highly recommended. Your review for Quantum GIS. I hope this simple example illustrates that the database that lies behind a GIS map is a really important aspect of GIS. This is the conversion of paper maps into maps that can be used in the GIS. QGIS is a free and open-source cross-platform desktop geographic information system GIS application that supports viewing, editing, printing, and analysis of geospatial data. The initial goal was to provide a GIS data viewer.