What Faunalia does

Faunalia is an Italian private limited company (Faunalia Srl) founded in 2000 and headquartered in Pontedera, with additional offices in Bologna, Ravenna, and Brunico (Bolzano). It is a specialized open-source GIS (geographic information system) professional services firm, operating as an official Service Provider for QGIS (Desktop, Server, Web Client), LizMap, PostgreSQL, PostGIS, GDAL, Mergin Maps, and GRASS, and is the first Italian company authorized to issue official QGIS.org certifications. The team contributes code to QGIS core (GDAL Tools, DB Manager, PS Time Series) and has published 21+ QGIS plugins including DataPlotly, QQuake (developed with INGV), QGribDownloader, Animove, and TrackProfile2Web, supported by 13+ years on the QGIS Project Steering Committee and direct collaboration with top QGIS/PostGIS developers.

The company's commercial offering is built entirely around the open-source GIS stack and is delivered as professional services across three lines: development and data migration (custom QGIS plugins, Web/PostGIS features, bug fixes, data migration), support (PostgreSQL/PostGIS installation, WebGIS deployment with Docker, performance optimization, specialized problem-solving), and training (in-person and online courses in cartography, analysis, geodatabase, WebMapping, PyQGIS/plugin development, and field data collection with Mergin Maps). Faunalia also builds custom Flask/Dash web applications for non-geographic data visualization (e.g., weather dashboards for South Tyrol).

Faunalia monetizes via quote-based, contract-driven engagements rather than disclosed list pricing, and is listed on the Italian Public Administration's Electronic Marketplace (MePA) for direct public-sector procurement. Its customer base spans Italian and international public administrations (Regione Toscana, Regione Piemonte, CSI Piemonte, ETRA, Rete Ferroviaria Italiana, RFI), private enterprises across energy, insurance, and geospatial services (ENEL, Leithà/Unipol, e-geos, Next Geosolutions, Hydro Nova, Halliburton/Neftex), universities and research institutions (Università di Bologna, Politecnico di Torino, Università di Firenze, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, CNR ISMAR, JRC of the European Commission), and international organizations (FAO, WHO, WWF, NINA, Norwegian Environment Agency, SINTEF). Across 24+ years the company has delivered 350+ training courses, trained 5,000+ professionals across 28+ countries, and reports a 93% satisfaction rate on training.

Name

Faunalia

Legal name

Faunalia Srl

Website

https://faunalia.eu

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Faunalia is an Italian open-source GIS professional services firm providing QGIS, PostGIS, and PostgreSQL consulting, custom plugin development, and training to public administrations, private enterprises, universities, and international organizations across 28+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Geospatial Consulting Services

NAICS

Surveying and Mapping (except Geophysical) Services (541370), Geophysical Surveying and Mapping Services (54136), Farm Management Services (115116)

SIC

Services-Facilities Support Management Services (8744)

akta.pro primary industry

GIS & Spatial Data Management Platforms (BPAMANAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Geospatial Data Management & Enterprise GIS (Geodatabases, Web GIS, Spatial Analytics) (EUAHAKAC), Field Mapping, GIS & Remote Sensing Analytics (AFAAAFAB)

Keywords

• Open Source GIS consulting
• QGIS support services
• PostgreSQL PostGIS support
• Geospatial training courses
• QGIS plugin development

Headquarters

HQ city

Pontedera

HQ country

Italy

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. GIS Training Courses: Instructor-led training courses in cartography, analysis, geodatabase management, WebMapping, and PyQGIS/plugin development, delivered in-person at client sites across Italy and internationally, and online via video conference. Courses are tailored to client needs (public administrations, private companies, universities). Notable courses include 24-hour courses split into 6 half-day sessions for online delivery.
2. GIS Consulting and Support: Technical consulting on Open Source GIS software including PostgreSQL and PostGIS database installation and configuration, WebGIS installation and configuration, networking and scalability with Docker environments, performance optimization, and specialized GIS problem-solving.
3. Custom Development and Data Migration: Development of new QGIS features, plugins, and bug fixes; development of functionalities for Web and PostGIS environments; and reliable data migration services for geographic information systems.
4. Official Service Provider Fees: Fees earned as an official Service Provider for QGIS (Desktop, Server, Web Client), LizMap, PostgreSQL, PostGIS, GDAL, Mergin Maps, and GRASS OSGeo.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Faunalia provides professional Open Source GIS services—custom development, technical support, and instructor-led training—centered on QGIS and PostgreSQL/PostGIS. As an Official Service Provider for QGIS, LizMap, PostgreSQL, PostGIS, GDAL, Mergin Maps, and GRASS, the company delivers plugin and feature development, database and WebGIS installation/configuration, performance optimization, Docker-based scalability, and field data collection solutions to public administrations, enterprises, and research institutions.

Product overview

Faunalia is an Open Source GIS specialist company providing professional development services, technical support, and training centered on QGIS, PostGIS, and related open-source geospatial platforms. As an official Service Provider for QGIS, LizMap, PostgreSQL, PostGIS, GDAL, Mergin Maps, and GRASS, they offer a portfolio of 21+ QGIS plugins including DataPlotly (interactive charting), QQuake (earthquake data), QGribDownloader (weather data), TrackProfile2Web, and Animove. Their solutions encompass field data collection (Mergin Maps), web mapping (LizMap Web Client), GNSS positioning, and hydraulic network management. Training covers cartography, spatial analysis, geodatabase management, Python/PyQGIS scripting, and web mapping across 28+ countries with 350+ courses delivered.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Faunalia: Italian company specializing in Open Source GIS solutions, QGIS, PostGIS development, support and training services.

Products and services

• QGIS Development and Data Migration Services Custom development of new QGIS features and plugins, bug fixes, and reliable data migration for Geographic Information Systems. Targets organizations that need tailored QGIS functionality, including public administrations, private companies, and research institutions requiring bespoke geospatial tooling.
• PostgreSQL and PostGIS Technical Support Database installation and configuration, WebGIS installation and configuration, networking and scalability using Docker environments, targeted performance optimization, and specialized GIS problem-solving for PostgreSQL and PostGIS. Targets organizations running or migrating to open-source spatial databases.
• Open Source GIS Training Courses Instructor-led training in cartography, spatial analysis, geodatabase management (PostGIS), WebMapping, PyQGIS/plugin development, Python data analysis, and QGIS in the field with Mergin Maps. Delivered on-site at client locations across Italy and internationally, and online via video conference, tailored to client needs.
• DataPlotly QGIS plugin for creating interactive D3-style charts inside QGIS using Plotly. Supports subset filtering by selection, visible extent, or expression; persists settings in QGIS project files; and integrates with QGIS Print Layout for atlas-driven chart exports. Developed and published by Faunalia jointly with North Road.
• QQuake QGIS plugin for downloading and managing earthquake historical and current data through a simple user interface. Developed by Faunalia in collaboration with North Road and INGV. Targeted at seismology researchers, civil protection agencies, and anyone working with earthquake hazard analysis.
• QGribDownloader QGIS plugin for downloading GRIB meteorological files and loading them as Mesh data inside QGIS, enabling weather analysis workflows. Developed by Faunalia with Enrico Ferreguti.
• TrackProfile2Web Tool for sharing GPS track profiles on the web, integrated with QGIS workflows so users can publish spatial GPS data without complex web GIS configuration.
• Animove QGIS plugin for movement ecology analysis and animal tracking data visualization, enabling study of animal movement patterns and trajectories. Targeted at ecologists, conservation biologists, and wildlife researchers.
• Mergin Maps Field Data Collection Field data collection and synchronization solution based on QGIS, supported by Faunalia as an Official Service Provider. Includes accompanying training for field GIS workflows with Mergin Maps. Targeted at organizations needing mobile field data capture integrated with QGIS.
• LizMap Web Client Support and Development Web mapping client built on QGIS, distributed and supported via Faunalia as the Official Service Provider for 3Liz. Faunalia develops core functionalities and provides installation, configuration, and training for organizations publishing QGIS-based WebGIS solutions.

Quantifiable outcome

• 93% satisfaction rate for training courses based on anonymous participant surveys
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers19 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature9 records

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• INGV - Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e VulcanologiacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Collaboration with INGV (Italian Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology) and North Road to develop the QQuake plugin for downloading and managing historical and current earthquake data in QGIS.
• North RoadcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Strategic development partnership with North Road (led by Nyall Dawson, QGIS core developer) for joint projects including DataPlotly plugin (crowdfunding campaign successfully raised €8,600) and QQuake plugin (with INGV). North Road is the most active QGIS developer and Faunalia's key co-development partner.
• QGIS.ORG / OSGeocoreTechnology or IntegrationOfficial Service Provider for QGIS (Desktop, Server, and Web Client), GDAL, and GRASS OSGeo. This is the company's most strategic partnership, providing foundational technology stack and official recognition. Matteo Ghetta serves as coordinator of QGIS international documentation.
• 3Liz (LizMap)coreTechnology or IntegrationOfficial Service Provider for LizMap Web Client. Faunalia develops core functionalities in LizMap Web Client and provides installation, configuration, and training services for the platform.
• PostgreSQL Global Development Group / PostGIScoreTechnology or IntegrationOfficial Service Provider for PostgreSQL (European support) and PostGIS. Faunalia provides consulting, training, and support for PostgreSQL and PostGIS deployments, and is a member of PostgreSQL Europe.
• Mergin MapscoreTechnology or IntegrationOfficial Service Provider for Mergin Maps. Faunalia provides training on QGIS in the field with Mergin Maps and supports field data collection workflows.
• FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United NationsmajorTechnology or IntegrationFAO has engaged Faunalia for training sessions on GRASS/QGIS and MapServer at GeoNetwork workshops in 2006 and 2007, demonstrating ongoing interest in Faunalia's GIS expertise for international development applications.
• WHO - World Health OrganizationmajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerWorld Health Organization is listed as a collaboration partner, indicating GIS consulting or training engagements for international public health applications.
• WWFminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerWWF is listed among associations and NGO collaborations, suggesting GIS support for conservation and environmental projects.
• Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOngoing training and consulting partnership with NINA including WebGIS courses and GIS training series (2015).
• Norwegian Environment AgencymajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEngaged Faunalia to provide QGIS training for Ghana Environmental Protection Agency (2015), demonstrating international capacity building engagements.
• Joint Research Centre - European CommissionmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOngoing training and consulting partnership with the JRC, including Quantum GIS and GRASS training (2008, 2011) and specialized GIS courses.
• Università di BolognamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership spanning multiple courses including Analysis with QGIS, Advanced Python data analysis, and various QGIS training sessions. Matteo Ghetta has taught PyQGIS for the University of Padova's GIScience Master.
• Politecnico di TorinomajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Politecnico di Torino (Dipartimento di Ingegneria Strutturale, Edile e Geotecnica and DIATI) for Python, PyQGIS, and plugin development training.
• Università di FirenzemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerExtensive partnership including GIS courses for wildlife conservation and management masters (since 2002), lectures on GIS for alien species management, and applied zoology courses.
• Tanzania Conservation Resource CentreminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEngaged Faunalia for Advanced GIS with PostGIS and QGIS training in Tanzania (2015) and earlier QGIS training (2013).
• CSI PiemontemajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerMajor Italian public IT services company (CSI Piemonte) engaged Faunalia for PostGIS training and ongoing GIS-related services.
• ENEL S.p.A.majorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerItalian multinational energy company engaged Faunalia for e-distribution consulting and algorithm development for noise diffusion.
• Leithà - UnipolmajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerInsurance group Unipol's technology subsidiary engaged Faunalia for advanced GFOSS tools training (PostgreSQL, PostGIS, GDAL, PyQGIS) in 2018.
• e-geos S.p.A. (ASI/Telespazio)majorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerItalian space agency joint venture engaged Faunalia for Python and geodatabase training (2013).
• Neftex/HalliburtonmajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEngaged Faunalia for advanced training in global GIS analyses and modelling with QGIS (2013).
• SINTEF Energy Research NorwaymajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerNorwegian research organization engaged Faunalia for GIS training course and consultancy services (2014).
• Global Geomatics Consultants Ltd.minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEngaged Faunalia for training on installation and configuration of a geographic server based on free and open-source software (Debian, PostGIS, QGIS) in 2014.
• Faunalia LDA / Faunalia.ptminorOthersPortuguese sister entity through which Faunalia has delivered QGIS training in collaboration with the University of Evora (2009) and conducted workshops at PGDay 2019 in Bologna.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• WhereGroup: German open-source GIS service provider for QGIS, PostGIS, MapServer and GeoServer. Direct peer in DACH region offering similar consulting, training, and managed services to public administrations.
• Lutra Consulting: UK-based QGIS-focused open-source GIS consultancy offering training, support, and development. Direct peer given near-identical service portfolio, stack (QGIS/PostGIS), and customer base of public administrations and environmental organizations.
• North Road: Australia/QGIS-focused consulting firm led by Nyall Dawson (top QGIS core developer). Direct peer: same QGIS development, support, and plugin ecosystem, and Faunalia's primary co-development partner on DataPlotly and QQuake.
• 3Liz: French developer of the LizMap Web Client and provider of QGIS/LizMap services. Direct peer for Faunalia's LizMap development and WebGIS deployment offerings, and overlapping customer base across European public administrations.
• OPENGIS.ch: Swiss open-source GIS consultancy specializing in QGIS, PostGIS, and web mapping. Direct peer serving Swiss and international administrations with the same open-source stack and training/support model.
• R3 GIS: Italian open-source GIS service provider and listed Faunalia customer/peer, working with Italian public administrations on QGIS-based geospatial solutions.
• Kartoza: South African open-source GIS consultancy behind QGIS, PostGIS, and GeoNode deployments across Africa and EMEA. Direct peer operating in adjacent geography with identical open-source GIS services model.

Emerging players

• Carto: Cloud-native geospatial analytics platform with location intelligence offerings. Emerging player overlapping Faunalia's web-GIS / visualization layer, mainly in commercial/enterprise analytics rather than public administration.

Broad incumbents

• Esri: Global GIS incumbent behind ArcGIS platform. Broad incumbent competing for the same GIS budgets at public administrations and large enterprises; relevant as the dominant alternative whose enterprise contracts Faunalia's open-source stack increasingly challenges.
• Boundless Spatial: Previously a major commercial open-source GIS vendor (PostGIS/GeoServer/QGIS support). Broad incumbent and historical direct competitor in open-source enterprise GIS services before its contraction.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/FaunaliaGIS
• Facebookfacebook.com/faunaliagis
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/faunalia

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Faunalia