QGIS 3.16 on macOS coming with Proj6, GDAL3 and major fixes! macOS packaging mechanism is completely reworked for QGIS 3.16. This will bring QGIS on macOS on par with other platforms that already benefit from the new versions of PROJ and GDAL libraries - especially the greatly improved reprojection support.

QGIS nightly and QGIS 3.16

If you want to try the new packages, download and install the QGIS from nightly builds. There are still few weeks before QGIS 3.16 release for testing and bug-fixing, so make sure you report all your issues before the 23rd October 2020. Multiple packages now can be installed side-by-side, just rename or move the installed QGIS.app!

The earlier packages were based on Homebrew, but we didn’t have control over the versions of dependencies. We switched to the new system where we have full control, which is important for good quality releases.

The package/installer is not yet notarized by Apple, so you need to right-click on the QGIS.app icon and open it to overcome the security control of your macOS (only for 10.15+).

If you want to join the effort in testing and/or development of macOS packages, please drop me a mail on peter.petrik@lutraconsulting.co.uk We have a dedicated Slack channel to discuss the maintenance of the macOS packages.

What is in the all-in-one bundle?

The goal is to have all advanced functionality of QGIS prepared and ready to use after simple one-click installation.

QGIS and utilities

QGIS Desktop, of course, but also

• QGIS server (try with /Applications/QGIS.app/Contents/MacOS/bin/qgis_mapserver)
• QGIS process (try with /Applications/QGIS.app/Contents/MacOS/bin/qgis_process)
• QtDesigner for custom forms (/Applications/QGIS.app/Contents/MacOS/bin/designer)
• ogr2ogr and various other gdal utilities

FOSS4G libraries

• Geos 3.8.1
• Proj 6.3.2
• GDAL 3.1.2
• GRASS 7.8.3
• SAGA 7.3.0

Python 3.7

with pip, so you can install the missing packages with command /Applications/QGIS.app/Contents/MacOS/bin/pip3 install <your package>

but, many packages are already preinstalled for you!

• pipenv
• requests
• plotly
• matplotlib
• scipy
• numpy
• shapely
• geopandas
• gdal
• h5py
• pyproj
• pillow

QGIS Processing

• GRASS processing tools
• GDAL processing tools
• SAGA processing tools
• OTB processing tools (needs external installation of OTB)

Data Providers

All basic providers

• GeoPackage
• Spatialite
• DB2
• WCS/WFS/OWS/WMS/WMTS
• Vector Tiles
• XYZ Tiles
• OGR/GDAL
• PostgreSQL
• MDAL

But also:

• ECW
• MrSID
• MSSQL
• OracleDB

Acknowledgments

In Spring 2020, we prototyped the building of FOSS macOS libraries in completely controlled environment. Few weeks ago we have successfully finished the QGIS 2020 Grant “QGIS macOS Package Improvements”. This wouldn’t be possible without support from QGIS.org and its sponsors. And without proper testing and reporting of issues from our macOS power-users.

QGIS for iOS

Do you want to see your QGIS projects and data from your iPhone and iPad? Check InputApp

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