Posted on January 1, 2023 (Updated on July 19, 2025)

QGIS removed after updating to 2.18.5 on ubuntu

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QGIS Vanishing Act: Ever Updated and Had QGIS Just… Disappear?

Okay, GIS folks, let’s talk about something that’s probably made a few of you pull your hair out: QGIS deciding to peace out during an update. Specifically, version 2.18.5 on Ubuntu. I’ve been there, staring at the screen in disbelief as my trusty QGIS installation vanished into the digital ether. So, what gives?

Turns out, it’s usually a case of mistaken identity – or, more accurately, unmet dependencies. Think of it like this: QGIS needs certain tools (dependencies) to run smoothly. When those tools aren’t available or are the wrong version, things get messy. We’re talking conflicts, errors, and, ultimately, QGIS getting the boot by the package manager trying to sort things out. The usual suspects? python-future and python-owslib, and sometimes even gdal-abi-2-1-2. Ubuntu Trusty (14.04) and Xenial (16.04) users seemed to get hit the hardest.

So, what can you do when QGIS pulls this disappearing act? Here are a few tricks I’ve seen (and sometimes used) to get things back on track:

  • Patience, Young Padawan: The QGIS team is usually pretty quick to jump on these things. Keep an eye out for an official fix. Just update your package lists and try the install again. Sometimes, that’s all it takes.
  • Get Your Hands Dirty (Manually): If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, you can try grabbing those missing python-future and python-owslib packages directly from the Ubuntu repos (look for the Xenial versions). Use dpkg to install them before you try the QGIS update. Word of caution: These manually installed packages might not get automatic updates later, so keep an eye on them.
  • Fake It ‘Til You Make It: This one’s a bit cheeky. You can use equivs-build to create a “fake” gdal-abi-2-1-2 package. Basically, you’re telling the package manager, “Yeah, yeah, I totally have that,” even if you don’t. It can trick the system into letting the QGIS update go through.
  • The Upgrade Path: If you’re clinging to an older Ubuntu version like 14.04, it might be time to consider upgrading. Newer versions (like 16.04 or 18.04) often have the right dependencies baked in. Just make sure your distribution is still supported before you jump!
  • Ubuntugis to the Rescue: Adding the Ubuntugis repository can be a game-changer. They often have more up-to-date GDAL and QGIS packages than the standard Ubuntu repos. It’s like getting your software straight from the source.
  • Nuke It From Orbit (Almost): Sometimes, the only way to win is to completely remove everything QGIS-related (using Synaptic is good for this), double-check your repositories for conflicts, and then reinstall from scratch. It’s a bit drastic, but it can work.

    • A Few Things to Keep in Mind:

    • Repo Rumble: Conflicting software repositories are a common culprit for dependency issues. Make sure you’re using the right ones for your Ubuntu and QGIS versions.
    • GDAL Gotchas: Pay attention to the GDAL version that QGIS wants. If they don’t play nice together, you’re in for a bad time.
    • Don’t Go Rogue: Resist the urge to manually delete files managed by apt. That’s a recipe for system disaster. Always use apt to remove or reinstall packages.

    The Bottom Line?

    While the 2.18.5-on-Ubuntu-nightmare is mostly behind us, dependency issues can still pop up during QGIS updates. It’s just part of the GIS life.

    My advice?

    • Backup, backup, backup! Before any update, protect your data and QGIS profiles.
    • Keep Ubuntu Current: A clean, up-to-date system is your best defense.
    • Repo Awareness: Use the correct QGIS repositories for your Ubuntu version.
    • Dependency Detective: Sort out any dependency issues before you hit that update button.
    • LTR for the Win: Consider using the Long Term Release (LTR) version of QGIS for more stability.

    And if you’re still stuck? Don’t be afraid to dive into the QGIS documentation and community forums. There’s a whole tribe of GIS wizards out there ready to help!

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