Abstract
Ireland Nearest Analysis (EPA API + EPSG:29903) is open-source software developed at Quarry Consulting, Ireland, implemented as a QGIS plugin (‘Ireland Nearest Analysis’, module: Nearest_Analysis). It automates nearest-feature spatial analysis between a local project area (SHP) and geospatial datasets provided by the Irish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) via public web services.
The software integrates coordinate reference system (CRS) standardisation, remote data retrieval, spatial filtering, distance computation, and azimuth calculation into a unified workflow to improve efficiency and consistency in environmental GIS analysis. It supports both Web Feature Services (WFS) and ArcGIS REST Feature Services and exports structured results for reporting.
The plugin has been applied in real-world environmental assessment workflows in Ireland. The implementation is normalised to the Irish National Grid (EPSG:29903), ensuring compatibility with national regulatory datasets and standard practices.
The software is openly available under the MIT License.
© 2026 Chao Gong, published by Ubiquity Press
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