[Qgis-user] QGIS farm application

[Walter Ludwick]

I am trying to manage operations on my farm in a more scientific way, using QGIS as a tool for making more informed decisions. 

This involves mapping of points (e.g. fencepost) lines (e.g. irrigation tube) and polygons (e.g. grazing paddock) and all related data across time, to show in a graphic way how present configuration of resources compares to a snapshot at any point in time past (i.e. historical facts) or future (i.e. planning scenarios). 

I am using a spreadsheet (OpenOffice Calc) to record actual data values, build history,, and project what-if scenarios. Presuming that QGIS is the best tool for managing vectorial data about how these facts map onto the ground, then what is the best way of integrating data from these two applications, i wonder? 

Being not so technically inclined, i am quite apprehensive about introducing a RDBMS into the mix (i see the PostGIS layer option available, and gather that this enables connection to a Postgres db, which i know can host our spreadsheet data, but…)  Well: if this means there will be less hassle about keeping data integrated between our GIS and our spreadsheets, then i might bite the bullet and do it.  What do you think?

If anyone here has anything to recommend, or any relevant experience to share, i would be very grateful to hear about it. Thanks for listening!

Yours, Walt