Abstract
Port authorities face challenges in implementing geospatial solutions due to reliance on expensive proprietary software and the limited flexibility of outsourced solutions, delaying the digitalization of ports. This study demonstrates how to develop efficient, low-cost geospatial solutions using Open-Source technologies and in-house technical teams. The proposed approach enables geospatial control of port operations while complying with national and European directives on free software. The case study of APDL presents a practical methodology that produces solutions that: (1) meet technical and regulatory requirements; (2) offer reliability comparable to commercial solutions; and (3) adapt to the needs of port and river management. The results at the Ports of Leixões and Viana do Castelo and on the Douro Waterway confirm the feasibility of internally developing critical systems using Open Source, which are robust and sustainable, and promote the technological autonomy of port authorities.
Recommended Citation
Bastos, Hugo; APDL – Administração dos Portos do Douro, Leixões e Viana do Castelo; Bento, Magda; and Moreira, Paulo, "Open Source in Port Authorities: Geospatial Solutions for the Optimization of Port and River Operations" (2025). CAPSI 2025 Proceedings. 14.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/capsi2025/14