GIS configuration overview#

This guide is for implementers setting up geographic visualization in OpenSPP. You should understand basic mapping concepts but don't need GIS expertise.

Mental model#

GIS in OpenSPP uses color schemes — centralized palettes that control how data is visualized on maps.

Key concepts#

Color schemes#

Centralized palettes for consistent visualization across all maps:

Field

What it means

Name

Scheme label (e.g., "Poverty Scale")

Code

Unique identifier

Scheme Type

Sequential, Diverging, or Qualitative

Colors

List of colors used in the palette (selected via color picker)

Default Steps

Number of discrete color classes

Color-blind Safe

Accessibility flag

Is Default

System default scheme

Scheme types#

Type

When to use

Example

Sequential

Values from low to high

Poverty rate (light → dark)

Diverging

Values with a meaningful midpoint

Change from baseline (red ← neutral → green)

Qualitative

Categories without ordering

Program types (distinct colors)

Are You Stuck?#

Maps not loading?

The GIS feature requires special database extensions. Ask your system administrator to verify that the GIS module is installed and that geographic extensions are enabled on the database.

Color scheme looks wrong?

Check that the scheme type matches your data. Sequential for ordered values, diverging for values around a midpoint, qualitative for categories.

Next steps#