GRASS has become a high quality cutting edge GIS with an almost
unparalleled depth of offering directly within the main software
package. Its functionality has been influenced by its usage and evaluation
in numerous scientific studies, a sample of which were
described in the previous section, during the last two decades. The
Open Source development model along with a free software license
grants long term availability as the source code is offered on independent
public Web sites. We consider the development of robust
Open Source GIS software as important and relevant for several
reasons: (i) quality algorithms due to public peer review, (ii) facilitation
of customization, and (iii) good and fast support via email lists
and Web forums (Cagnacci and Urbano, 2008; Steiniger and Hay,
2009).
The GRASS project represents a successful example of the
collaborative development model. Users are encouraged to download
the underlying code and inspect, evaluate, benchmark,
customize, and enhance all algorithms and methods. Due to its
vibrant user and development communities, we envision that
GRASS will continue to be a general-purpose GIS with a continuously
improved structure and strong support for local adaptation for
specific needs, particularly with respect to environmental studies.
Since it is a modular system (organized into libraries and application
modules), it may be implemented in various environments ranging
from academic systems to business and public administration usage
with their varying requirements.