Migrate ArcGIS to open source in phases, with zero data loss
We move your geodatabases, map services, web apps and ArcPy scripts to PostGIS, GeoServer and Python. Each wave is validated and run in parallel with ArcGIS until you sign it off.
An ArcGIS to open-source migration is a data project, not an install
By the time you look for help, the decision to leave ArcGIS is usually made; the risk lies in execution. A geodatabase holds more than geometry: coded value domains, subtypes, relationship classes, attachments and editor tracking. ArcGIS Server services feed several applications, and ArcPy scripts run routine jobs that are rarely documented. All of it has to move without corrupting data or breaking workflows.
Our ArcGIS migration service starts with a full audit of services, datasets and scripts. File and Enterprise Geodatabase content is loaded into PostGIS with GDAL/ogr2ogr, Esri WKIDs are matched to EPSG codes, symbology is rebuilt as QGIS styles and SLD, services are republished on GeoServer, and web apps and dashboards are rebuilt on open-source libraries. Your team receives a mapping document for every layer.
We migrate in waves: one group of layers or one application at a time, run in parallel with ArcGIS, and switched over only after it passes agreed acceptance tests. A rollback plan is defined before every cut-over. Because our team uses both ArcGIS Pro and QGIS in daily data work, we understand the data model on each side of the move, not just the tools.
What we migrate from ArcGIS
Each ArcGIS component has its own migration path and validation method.
Geodatabase to PostGIS
File and Enterprise Geodatabases are migrated with ogr2ogr, preserving coordinate systems, field types and spatial indexes.
DataDomains, subtypes and relationships
Coded value domains become lookup tables, subtypes become constrained code columns, and relationship classes become foreign keys.
Data modelSymbology .lyr/.lyrx to SLD
Layer styles are rebuilt in QGIS (.qml) and exported to SLD for GeoServer, with complex symbols tuned by hand.
CartographyArcGIS Server to GeoServer
Map and feature services are republished as WMS, WFS and WMTS with equivalent access rules and tile caching.
ServicesWeb apps and dashboards
Web AppBuilder, Experience Builder and Dashboards apps are rebuilt with OpenLayers or MapLibre and React.
ApplicationsArcPy to open-source Python
Geoprocessing scripts are rewritten with GeoPandas, Shapely and GDAL, or moved into PostGIS SQL functions.
AutomationHow we guarantee a zero-data-loss migration
Checks run on every migration wave, with results shared in a sign-off report.
- Complete inventory of layers, services, apps, scripts and dependencies
- Feature count reconciliation between source and PostGIS per layer
- Geometry validity checks with ST_IsValid and repair where needed
- Total area and length comparison per layer
- Esri WKID to EPSG coordinate system mapping and verification
- Attachments migrated with their parent relationships intact
- Editor tracking and history preserved via history tables and triggers
- Side-by-side comparison of map output and query results
- Per-wave validation report for formal acceptance
- Backup and rollback plan before every cut-over
ArcGIS migration scenarios we handle
Every organization starts the move from a different place.
License renewal deadline
The migration plan is scheduled backwards from your renewal date so there is no gap in service.
On-premise ArcGIS Enterprise
Portal, Server and the Enterprise Geodatabase are moved to an open-source stack on existing or new hardware.
Scattered File Geodatabases
Dozens of .gdb folders from different departments are consolidated into a single governed PostGIS database.
ArcGIS Online content
Hosted feature layers and web maps are exported and rebuilt on GeoServer and your own applications.
Hybrid migration
Servers and web apps go open source while analysts keep ArcGIS Pro connected to PostGIS.
ArcPy-heavy workflows
Scheduled jobs for area summaries, QA checks and report exports are ported to Python and PostGIS.
A migration team fluent in both ArcGIS and open source
Safe migrations need people who understand both ends of the move.
Fluent on both sides
We use ArcGIS Pro and QGIS in daily data preparation work. We know how geodatabases are modeled and how each concept maps into PostGIS.
Validation first
Every wave ends with a validation report your GIS lead can audit. Cut-over happens only after that report is signed off.
Production-grade targets
We build and run GeoServer and PostGIS systems for clients such as ATR/BPN and Indonesia's Ministry of Environment. Your migrated platform is built to the same operational standard.
GIS Projects We Have Delivered
GIS systems we have built and operate for corporations, ministries, and organizations.
Supply Chain Traceability WebGIS
Map-based commodity supply chain tracing built for EUDR compliance.
PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk · PlantationIGT-PR National Land Geoportal
National-scale thematic land geoportal for Indonesia's Ministry of Agrarian Affairs & Spatial Planning (ATR/BPN).
ATR/BPN · GovernmentRefrigerant & Certified Technician Map
Nationwide mapping of refrigerant distribution and certified AC technicians.
Ministry of Environment · IndonesiaSupplier Due Diligence Scoring
Location-based risk scoring for supplier due diligence.
PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk · ComplianceLand & Building Valuation GIS
Spatial analysis supporting land and property valuation.
PT Saptasentra Jasa Perdana · PropertyAgrarian Reform Priority Locations
Mapping of agrarian reform priority locations for advocacy and planning.
Konsorsium Pembaruan Agraria · NGOHow we migrate ArcGIS to open source, step by step
A phased plan with an acceptance gate at the end of every wave.
Audit and inventory
We catalog every layer, service, app, ArcPy script, user group and the dependencies between them.
Migration plan
We define schema mappings, wave order, timeline, acceptance criteria and the rollback procedure.
Data and service migration
Data is loaded into PostGIS, styles are rebuilt and services are republished on GeoServer, wave by wave.
Application rebuild
Web apps and dashboards are rebuilt and ArcPy scripts are rewritten in Python or PostGIS SQL.
Parallel run and validation
Old and new systems run side by side while data and outputs are reconciled and reported.
Cut-over and training
Users are switched over and trained, and ArcGIS is decommissioned after a stabilization period.
The migration toolchain
Conversion, validation and target-platform tools we use on every ArcGIS migration.
How to engage us for your migration
Estimates follow a free consultation and an initial look at your ArcGIS environment.
Audit and migration plan
A discovery phase that delivers a full inventory and a detailed migration plan. It can serve as the basis for budgeting or procurement.
- ArcGIS component inventory
- Schema mapping and wave plan
- Acceptance and rollback criteria
Fixed-scope migration project
End-to-end execution from data to applications against an agreed scope and milestones. All code, scripts and documentation are handed over to you.
- Phased waves with parallel runs
- Validation report per wave
- Source code handover
Post-migration support
A monthly retainer after cut-over. We support your team until it runs the new stack independently.
- Monitoring and fixes
- GeoServer and PostGIS admin help
- Follow-up training
FAQ: Migrate ArcGIS to Open Source
How long does it take to migrate ArcGIS to open source?
What drives the cost of an ArcGIS migration?
Do geodatabase domains, subtypes and relationship classes survive the move?
Can ArcGIS symbology be converted automatically?
What happens to our ArcPy scripts?
How do you ensure zero data loss?
Will users experience downtime during the migration?
Can we keep part of our ArcGIS setup?
More GIS Services from Codeinspira
Each service below can be engaged on its own or combined into a single project.
Explore Our GIS Services
Pick the service that best matches what you need to build.
Ready to plan your ArcGIS migration?
Start with an audit of your current ArcGIS environment. We will return a phased migration plan and a scoped estimate.