SemanticGIS

Using the SemanticGIS Project Template

2 min read

Using the SemanticGIS Project Template

Use this guide when you want to start a new SemanticGIS project with the standard scaffold, secure credential handling, and intent-first workflow.

Template repository

Why use the template

  • consistent project structure across teams and cohorts
  • safer defaults for credentials (.env ignored, .env.example committed)
  • faster AI onboarding with fewer setup mistakes
  • better project stewardship and reproducibility
  1. Open the template repository on GitHub.
  2. Click Use this template.
  3. Create a new repository for your project.
  4. Clone the new repository locally.
  5. Copy .env.example to .env and set local values.
  6. Start your Phase 1 scoping with AI.

No-Git fallback (ZIP)

If you do not want to use Git at project start:

  1. Open the template repository on GitHub.
  2. Click Code → Download ZIP.
  3. Unpack into a local folder.
  4. Copy .env.example to .env and set local values.
  5. Start your Phase 1 scoping with AI.

Included scaffold

The template includes:

  • Design_Rationale.md
  • copilot-instructions.md
  • .gitignore
  • .env.example
  • 01_Scoping/
  • 02_Modelling/
  • 03_Sanctuary/raw/
  • 03_Sanctuary/processed/
  • 04_Analytics/
  • 05_Outputs/

Security baseline

  • never commit real API keys
  • keep .env local only
  • keep local sensitive/raw material out of Git unless sanitized intentionally

Canonical references

Suggested AI prompt

Start a SemanticGIS project from this repository template.
Use the bootstrap manifest and intent-first instructions as canonical guidance.
Before any data download or analysis code:
1. Summarize project intent in 5 bullets.
2. Ask me 5 scoping questions.
3. Confirm credentials are read from .env and never committed.
Then stop and wait for approval.

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