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What is GIS Software?

Geographic Information System (GIS) software is designed to analyze, display, manage, store, and retrieve all kinds of spatial and geographic data. The system enables you to produce maps and graphs of geographic info for presentation and analysis.Show more This makes it a useful application to visualize spatial data and to create decision support solutions that your organization can utilize. GIS software is leveraged in a wide range of industries including insurance, manufacturing, banking, supply chain, retail, real estate, media, and entertainment. For instance, retail businesses use this system to find the best locations for their outlets. Start by checking our leader Maptitude, and other recommended solutions in this category.Show less

How was this ranking made?

To prepare this ranking of best GIS Software we have evaluated 74 leading tools currently present on the market, comparing their features, how easy are they are to learn, customer service, available integrations with other systems as well as mobile support using our unique SmartScoreTM rating system. This list has been developed by Louie Andre, our SaaS expert responsible for the GIS Software category.

List of Top 12 GIS Software

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1. Maptitude

Our score: 8.5 User satisfaction: 97%

Gives you the tools, maps, and demographic data you need to analyze and understand how geography affects you and your business. Businesses can take advantage of demographic and census data provided by Maptitude to map out sales territories and plan more effective marketing strategies.

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2. ArcGIS

Our score: 9.6 User satisfaction: 99%

A powerful mapping and analytic platform designed for exploring information and sharing location-based insights. Its capabilities include spatial analytics, mapping & visualization, 3D GIS, imagery and remote sensing, real-time GIS, and data collection & management—useful for any type of industry.

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3. Mapbox

Our score: 9.5 User satisfaction: 98%

Mapbox is a powerful map-making solution intended for developers. It offers a map customization suite called the Mapbox studio, which renders high-resolution maps that respond dynamically and fluidly to scripted events and user input.

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4. Trimble TerraSync

Our score: 9.4 User satisfaction: N/A

Trimble TerraSysnc is a simple, reliable, and productive platform crafted for fast and efficient GIS data collection and maintenance. It's optimized for proprietary handheld devices with integrated digital cameras, allowing you to capture, preview, and attach images with location metadata.

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5. Precisely MapInfo Pro

Our score: 9.2 User satisfaction: N/A

Precisely MapInfo Pro is a powerful, simple, and faster desktop GIS software designed for business analysts and GIS engineers. To do so, it offers capabilities like data creation and editing, raster GIS analysis, flexible visualization options, location intelligence suite, and total data compatibility.

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6. QGIS

Our score: 9.0 User satisfaction: 99%

QGIS is a cross-platform, open source geographic information system designed for viewing, editing, and analyzing geospatial data. This free GIS application enables you to view and overlay vector and raster data in a variety of formats and perform spatial data analysis in spatial databases.

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7. CARTO

Our score: 8.9 User satisfaction: 94%

An open-source platform with powerful location intelligence and analysis for businesses analysts, data scientists, and individual users. It's built on a drag-and-drop interface that comes with a Data Observatory, which enriches existing location data through relevant and versatile datasets.

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8. GRASS GIS

Our score: 8.9 User satisfaction: 97%

Open-source and free GIS software with 350+ modules for geospatial analysis and data management, maps and graphics production, multispectral image processing, and more. Available in all major operating systems, it also supports various types of databases and distributed under the GNU GPL license.

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9. FME Hub

Our score: 8.8 User satisfaction: 100%

Online community for accessing and sharing feature manipulation engine (FME) tools, including transformers, web connections, workspace templates, custom format readers/writers, and more. FMEs help streamline spatial data translation between digital and geometric formats and can be used for various GIS, CAD and raster graphics software.

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10. MapViewer

Our score: 8.7 User satisfaction: 100%

Thematic mapping and spatial analysis software for creating publication-quality maps and distinguishing trends and patterns in the data. Alongside its flexible map display, advanced analytics, and instant communication, MapViewer is a capable software for any professional that needs to make sense of location-based and spatial data.

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11. Cadcorp

Our score: 6.9 User satisfaction: N/A

Cadcorp is an integrated spatial information system designed to help organizations (private and public) to create, analyze, integrate and distribute spatial data.

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12. FuturaGIS

Our score: 7.0 User satisfaction: 100%

An all-around enterprise utility GIS platform.

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Similar Categories:

In the event you didn't find just the solution you were looking for here's a list of various categories similar to GIS Software that you might want to browse through:

GIS Software Guide

Table of contents

Industry Report - GIS Software for 2022

CloudRank™ system is a unique algorithm that our research team uses to evaluate GIS Software solutions in a detailed and accurate way. The Spring 2022 edition of the ranking was prepared by Louie Andre, our leading expert in the field of GIS Software, who has authored 1380+ product reviews in this category. The goal of CloudRank™ is to present an unbiased, multi-layered perspective on GIS Software, considering a wide range of metrics and factors, and educating potential customers about both opportunities and challenges associated with each piece of software.

In order to achieve full objectivity the position in our CloudRank™ is based on:

  • Expert Score: which involves extensive analysis by our internal team which carefully examined all key elements of each software and testing it in real-life situations
  • User Score: which involves an aggregated opinion of actual users of each product whose identity was properly verified
  • Market Position: which involves general recognition of a given vendor on the market and reflects its overall popularity and reach
What do the tiers in CloudRank™ mean?

What do the tiers in CloudRank™ mean?

We’ve calculated a score for each product based on the average experience shared by our users in their product reviews and arranged the list in three tiers. You can see the methodology below on how the calculations were made.

  • Leaders: those with a User Score of 7.7 or higher; this tier includes products that are currently leaders on the market and are appreciated by both experts and actual users. They always represent the best of what the GIS Software market has to offer and are all worth trying out if you’re looking for a reliable solution.
  • Contenders: those with a User Score between 6.7 and 7.7; this tier includes high-quality products that still have some minor drawbacks that prevent them from becoming leaders on the market. They always represent well-designed tools that, over time, will most likely develop into market leaders as the missing features are added.
  • Rising Stars: those with a User Score between 5.7 and 6.7; this tier includes products that have high-potential but still lack some crucial features or services expected from a leading solution. They are products with solid foundations and a vision that makes us eager to see what they will become as their solution improves in the future.

Regardless of their tier, all products included in our CloudRank™ are popular, quality products considered top-performers by our team of experts. Make sure you read a more detailed review of each solution to find one that will work best for your specific needs and budget.

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Rising Star
Contenders
Front-Runners

MARKET POSITION

A score between 1 and 10 based on popularity and market reach of each product.

TOTAL score

A score between 1 and 10 based on the average of our Expert Score and User Score.

How does CloudRank™ work?

Arrow top

Market Position

A score between 1 and 10 based on popularity and market reach of each product.

Arrow right

Total Score

A score between 1 and 10 based on the average of our Expert Score and User Score.

CloudRank™ tier

Based on product's total score.

Rising Star

Contender

Front Runners

24 Most Popular GIS Software

Here is a list of all 24 GIS Software solutions evaluated with our CloudRank™ analysis. We have compared their features, user satisfaction, market presence and other key factors in an in-depth analysis you can find below:

1. Google Maps API

8.54
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Our score and features analysis:

Total User Satisfaction

Total Expert Score

Market Position

} CloudRank™
Score:8.54
Customers company size

No. of employees:

1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features

3D imagery

%

Census data integration

%

Geocoding

%

Map creation

%

Spatial analysis

%
Worst features

Reverse geocoding

%

Image exporting

%

Labeling

%

Near-matching

%

Interoperability

%

2. Esri ArcGIS

8.37
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Our score and features analysis:

Total User Satisfaction

Total Expert Score

Market Position

} CloudRank™
Score:8.37
Customers company size

No. of employees:

1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features

Spatial analysis

%

3D imagery

%

Image management

%

Census data integration

%

Image exporting

%
Worst features

Map creation

%

Territorial mapping

%

Geocoding

%

Reverse geocoding

%

3. Mapbox

7.81
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Our score and features analysis:

Total User Satisfaction

Total Expert Score

Market Position

} CloudRank™
Score:7.81
Customers company size

No. of employees:

1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features

Image exporting

%

3D imagery

%

Map creation

%

Image management

%

Geocoding

%
Worst features

Census data integration

%

Spatial analysis

%

4. FME

7.81
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Our score and features analysis:

Total User Satisfaction

Total Expert Score

Market Position

} CloudRank™
Score:7.81
Customers company size

No. of employees:

1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features

Spatial analysis

%

Interoperability

%

3D imagery

%

Map creation

%

Image exporting

%
Worst features

Territorial mapping

%

Image management

%

Labeling

%

Geocoding

%

5. Google Earth Pro

7.81
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Our score and features analysis:

Total User Satisfaction

Total Expert Score

Market Position

} CloudRank™
Score:7.81
Customers company size

No. of employees:

1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features

3D imagery

%

Census data integration

%

Geocoding

%

Image management

%

Territorial mapping

%
Worst features

Near-matching

%

Spatial analysis

%

Labeling

%

Reverse geocoding

%

Interoperability

%

6. ArcGIS Enterprise

7.77
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Our score and features analysis:

Total User Satisfaction

Total Expert Score

Market Position

} CloudRank™
Score:7.77
Customers company size

No. of employees:

1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features

Near-matching

%

3D imagery

%

Map creation

%

Image management

%

Spatial analysis

%
Worst features

Image exporting

%

Census data integration

%

Territorial mapping

%

Geocoding

%

Interoperability

%

7. QGIS

7.53
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Our score and features analysis:

Total User Satisfaction

Total Expert Score

Market Position

} CloudRank™
Score:7.53
Customers company size

No. of employees:

1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features

3D imagery

%

Image exporting

%

Image management

%

Spatial analysis

%

Territorial mapping

%
Worst features

Labeling

%

Near-matching

%

Reverse geocoding

%

Geocoding

%

Interoperability

%

8. AutoCAD Map 3D

7.52
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Our score and features analysis:

Total User Satisfaction

Total Expert Score

Market Position

} CloudRank™
Score:7.52
Customers company size

No. of employees:

1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features

3D imagery

%

Map creation

%

Territorial mapping

%

Spatial analysis

%

Image exporting

%
Worst features

Image management

%

Labeling

%

Reverse geocoding

%

Near-matching

%

Geocoding

%

9. GRASS GIS

7.37
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Our score and features analysis:

Total User Satisfaction

Total Expert Score

Market Position

} CloudRank™
Score:7.37
Customers company size

No. of employees:

1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features

Census data integration

%

Spatial analysis

%

Image exporting

%

Image management

%

Territorial mapping

%
Worst features

Geocoding

%

Map creation

%

Reverse geocoding

%

3D imagery

%

10. Bentley Map

7.17
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Our score and features analysis:

Total User Satisfaction

Total Expert Score

Market Position

} CloudRank™
Score:7.17
Customers company size

No. of employees:

1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features

Geocoding

%

Spatial analysis

%

Territorial mapping

%

Map creation

%

Image exporting

%
Worst features

Image management

%

3D imagery

%

11. CARTO

7.13
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Our score and features analysis:

Total User Satisfaction

Total Expert Score

Market Position

} CloudRank™
Score:7.13
Customers company size

No. of employees:

1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features

Territorial mapping

%

Reverse geocoding

%

Spatial analysis

%

Image management

%

Image exporting

%
Worst features

Near-matching

%

Geocoding

%

3D imagery

%

Labeling

%

Interoperability

%

12. Oracle Spatial and Graph

7.12
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Our score and features analysis:

Total User Satisfaction

Total Expert Score

Market Position

} CloudRank™
Score:7.12
Customers company size

No. of employees:

1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features

Spatial analysis

%

Geocoding

%

Map creation

%

Labeling

%

3D imagery

%
Worst features

Image exporting

%

Image management

%

Near-matching

%

Census data integration

%

Territorial mapping

%

13. Azure Maps

7.10
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Our score and features analysis:

Total User Satisfaction

Total Expert Score

Market Position

} CloudRank™
Score:7.10
Customers company size

No. of employees:

1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features

Geocoding

%

Census data integration

%

Image management

%

Map creation

%

Territorial mapping

%
Worst features

Image exporting

%

Reverse geocoding

%

3D imagery

%

14. Precisely MapInfo Pro

7.07
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Our score and features analysis:

Total User Satisfaction

Total Expert Score

Market Position

} CloudRank™
Score:7.07
Customers company size

No. of employees:

1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features

Near-matching

%

Census data integration

%

Spatial analysis

%

Geocoding

%

Image exporting

%
Worst features

3D imagery

%

Reverse geocoding

%

Interoperability

%

Labeling

%

Territorial mapping

%

15. Trimble TerraSync

7.06
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Our score and features analysis:

Total User Satisfaction

Total Expert Score

Market Position

} CloudRank™
Score:7.06
Customers company size

No. of employees:

1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features

Map creation

%

Geocoding

%

Image exporting

%

Near-matching

%

Territorial mapping

%
Worst features

Image management

%

3D imagery

%

Spatial analysis

%

16. Surfer

6.82
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Our score and features analysis:

Total User Satisfaction

Total Expert Score

Market Position

} CloudRank™
Score:6.82
Customers company size

No. of employees:

1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features

3D imagery

%

Map creation

%

Geocoding

%

Territorial mapping

%

Spatial analysis

%
Worst features

Reverse geocoding

%

Image exporting

%

Image management

%

17. LandVision

6.74
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Our score and features analysis:

Total User Satisfaction

Total Expert Score

Market Position

} CloudRank™
Score:6.74
Customers company size

No. of employees:

1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features

Image exporting

%

Spatial analysis

%

Image management

%

3D imagery

%

Geocoding

%
Worst features

Interoperability

%

Reverse geocoding

%

Census data integration

%

Territorial mapping

%

Map creation

%

18. Maptitude

6.67
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Our score and features analysis:

Total User Satisfaction

Total Expert Score

Market Position

} CloudRank™
Score:6.67
Customers company size

No. of employees:

1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features

Geocoding

%

Map creation

%

3D imagery

%

Interoperability

%

Spatial analysis

%
Worst features

Image management

%

Census data integration

%

Labeling

%

Image exporting

%

19. GeoExpress

6.63
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Our score and features analysis:

Total User Satisfaction

Total Expert Score

Market Position

} CloudRank™
Score:6.63
Customers company size

No. of employees:

1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features

Image exporting

%

Image management

%

Near-matching

%

Map creation

%

Interoperability

%
Worst features

Spatial analysis

%

Geocoding

%

20. NextBillion.ai

6.60
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Our score and features analysis:

Total User Satisfaction

Total Expert Score

Market Position

} CloudRank™
Score:6.60
Customers company size

No. of employees:

1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features

Map creation

%

3D imagery

%

Interoperability

%

Image management

%

Labeling

%
Worst features

Spatial analysis

%

Geocoding

%

Reverse geocoding

%

Image exporting

%

Census data integration

%

21. Mapline

6.41
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Our score and features analysis:

Total User Satisfaction

Total Expert Score

Market Position

} CloudRank™
Score:6.41
Customers company size

No. of employees:

1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features

Map creation

%

Spatial analysis

%

Geocoding

%

Image exporting

%

Image management

%
Worst features

Interoperability

%

Territorial mapping

%

3D imagery

%

Labeling

%

22. eSpatial

6.34
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Our score and features analysis:

Total User Satisfaction

Total Expert Score

Market Position

} CloudRank™
Score:6.34
Customers company size

No. of employees:

1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features

Map creation

%

Image exporting

%

Image management

%

3D imagery

%

Territorial mapping

%
Worst features

Census data integration

%

Geocoding

%

Near-matching

%

Interoperability

%

Spatial analysis

%

23. GeoServer

6.33
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Our score and features analysis:

Total User Satisfaction

Total Expert Score

Market Position

} CloudRank™
Score:6.33
Customers company size

No. of employees:

1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features

Interoperability

%

Image exporting

%

Image management

%

Map creation

%

3D imagery

%
Worst features

Spatial analysis

%

Territorial mapping

%

Geocoding

%

24. ZeeMaps

6.31
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Our score and features analysis:

Total User Satisfaction

Total Expert Score

Market Position

} CloudRank™
Score:6.31
Customers company size

No. of employees:

1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features

3D imagery

%

Reverse geocoding

%

Territorial mapping

%

Map creation

%

Image exporting

%
Worst features

Image management

%

Geocoding

%

Census data integration

%

Spatial analysis

%

Our report covered 24 most popular products from the GIS Software category. We’ve analyzed their features, performance, integration, customer support, pricing, and several other key buying factors and combined it with feedback from user reviews to come up with the current list of best solutions:

Google Maps is an online mapping platform that lets users see maps in satellite imagery and aerial photos, as well as in interactive Street View. The mapping platform also includes real-time traffic reports as well as route-planning options for traveling via car, bike, public transport or on foot. Google Maps offers advantages for use in business by letting people find and connect with you, increase location visits, and build credibility through reviews.

Google Maps is free to use on the web with a browser or on mobile apps in both Android and iOS platforms. Enterprise use is managed with APIs or SDKs on pricing plans that start as low as $2 per 100 requests. Google Maps can be used with other similar Google products such as Street View, Google Earth, Local Guides, and Google My Business.

Since its initial launch in 2005, Google Maps continues to be used by over a billion people every month. There are also more than five million active apps and websites that use the Google Map Platform. In fact, 86% of people search for business locations on Google Maps.

Most users of GIS Software solutions confirm that in most cases these tools allow them to reach the following business goals:

  • It empowers us to improve planning and allocation of resources. [ 86.3% of users ]
  • It enables us to enhance efficiency and minimize expenses. [ 86.1% of users ]
  • It facilitates effortless recordkeeping. [ 85.5% of users ]
  • It helps us to improve our decision making. [ 86.5% of users ]
  • Its visual format helps us to improve communication between our departments. [ 86.2% of users ]

How did we select products for this GIS Software report?

The Spring 2022 version of the report includes a total of 24 GIS Software products that were compared and analyzed by our team. We selected them based on the following factors:

  • Popularity of a given brand in the SaaS market (based on our own market research)
  • How popular a given brand is among FinancesOnline users (based on number of mothly readers for each review page)
  • Availability of statistical data generated from user reviews of a particular product (we excluded products with not enough data to draw meaningful conclusions)
  • The current listing reflects the state of our database and research as of March 2022. An updated version of the report will be released quarterly to keep data fresh and incorporate information about shifts and changing trends in the market.

What are the current GIS Software trends?

Geospatial data has come a long way in its original use as an aid to map and inventory natural resources. Today, Geographical Information Systems or GIS are used to help predict the weather; manage and automated smart homes, appliances, and buildings; oversee logistics and fleet management; and aid decision-making for smart energy solutions. Here are the current trends impacting the use of GIS in 2022.

Statista

GIS powered by AI and Big Data

Geographic Information Systems generate lots of data. Raw data in and of itself is not useful unless it can be manipulated into granular trends, insights, and patterns from which informed decisions can be made. Combining geospatial data with machine learning, and big data analytics shortens the time required to extract data and use it to augment operational performance.

Big data in GIS is not a new trend. We already see this in action with location analytics for territory mapping to maximize sales opportunities for businesses and map applications that offer alternate routes to get you to your destination in the shortest time possible. GIS has been used to track and monitor outbreaks for the West Nile and Ebola viruses in the previous decade. The Johns Hopkins COVID-19 Dashboard uses ArcGIS to track coronavirus cases globally. Compiling data from 188 countries and regions. 

The meeting of GIS and big data has limitless potential applications. The trend is pushed by the lowered costs of hardware and software and an increase in expertise and innovation on the topic. GIS market revenue in the US is projected to reach $2.250 billion in 2025. Some of the challenges emerging from GIS and big data include understanding how to leverage the large streams of data points from disparate sources and how to effectively use it. Another is identifying data scientists and hiring them to apply creative solutions to harness the usefulness of the data

Statista

The Internet of Things leverages GIS

Mentioned in the previous GIS trend, hardware costs for GIS technology has been going down. Along with improved cost-effectivity, technology has also become smaller and more efficient in data collection. The miniaturization of devices and sensors with interconnectivity has led to wider spread use of the Internet of Things (IoT). Conservative estimates put the number of active connected devices in 2019 at 27 billion

Use cases for GIS and IoT include an increase in self-driving vehicles, creating a safer space for road travel; drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) applications can be used for agricultural crop management, search and rescue in times of disasters, or mitigate crime. IoT use is increasingly embraced with the US ranking first among 79 countries in Huawei’s Global Connectivity Index of 2019. The US also leads in spending and IoT deployment with $194 billion with China trailing a close second with $182 billion.

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Purpose of BIM use in the US construction sector in 2019

Purpose of BIM use in the US construction sector in 2019
Coordination/clash detection: 60.5

Coordination/clash detection

%
Purpose of BIM use in the US construction sector in 2019
Visualization: 49

Visualization

%
Purpose of BIM use in the US construction sector in 2019
Project planning: 46.5

Project planning

%
Purpose of BIM use in the US construction sector in 2019
Estimating: 38.3

Estimating

%
Purpose of BIM use in the US construction sector in 2019
Visual mock-ups: 36.1

Visual mock-ups

%
Purpose of BIM use in the US construction sector in 2019
Prefabrication: 33.4

Prefabrication

%
Purpose of BIM use in the US construction sector in 2019
Selling/presentations: 33

Selling/presentations

%
Purpose of BIM use in the US construction sector in 2019
Take-offs: 32.7

Take-offs

%
Purpose of BIM use in the US construction sector in 2019
Scheduling: 28.5

Scheduling

%
Purpose of BIM use in the US construction sector in 2019
Value analysis: 11.7

Value analysis

%
Purpose of BIM use in the US construction sector in 2019
Code compliance: 11.2

Code compliance

%
Purpose of BIM use in the US construction sector in 2019
Facility management: 10.3

Facility management

%
Purpose of BIM use in the US construction sector in 2019
other: 15.9

other

%

JBKnowledge

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The union of BIM and GIS

Geospatial data enriches Building Information Modeling (BIM). Going beyond the obvious of mapping out the terrain prior to construction, GIS-enabled BIM technology provides the architectural, engineering, and construction team a complete bird’s eye view of the project. The design process becomes alive with AR and VR capabilities. Giving more spatial awareness for the design process, meet compliance metrics and budget estimates. 

Decisions can be made about possible setbacks because the project looks beyond design and functionality but also takes into account the whole construction decision-making process. This shortens the construction lifecycle, increasing project efficiency, and cost-effectivity.

GIS -assisted BIM technology can also be used in creating indoor maps for complex buildings. Interactive layouts with all entry and exit points clearly mapped out are useful for emergency responders in times of calamities and possible terror attacks.

 

GIS software helps to visualize spatial and geographic data and enables you to create easy-to-understand charts and graphs. Therefore, it finds use in a wide range of industries. However, it can be confusing to select the best GIS software for your specific business needs from the plethora of desktop and cloud-based applications out there. We help you do knowledgeable comparisons and make the right selection by giving you pointers on the key features and benefits to look for.

Get to Know Each Product with Free Trial

The best GIS software vendors offer a free trial to enable you to get acquainted with the software’s tools and find out if they match your needs. Therefore, do your homework and shortlist suitable solutions in this category. On our part, we recommend you try out ArcGIS, SuperGIS Desktop, Simple GIS Client, Bentley Map, and Maptitude.

Targeted Businesses

Geographic information tools are used by government agencies, businesses in many industries, land use planners, health organizations, environmental scientists, research institutions, communities, indigenous people, and others.

Examples of GIS Software

  1. ArcGIS: A cloud-based mapping solution. It offers robust yet simple online mapping tools that can be utilized even by lay users to create and share attractive maps. Besides maps, you can also use ArcGIS Online for collaboration, administration, and analytics. On top of that, this platform offers unique capabilities for using location-based analysis to improve your business.
  2. SuperGIS Desktop: A robust desktop GIS software that gives you the capabilities to analyze, visualize, manage, and edit geographic data. Then, you can exhibit the results on progressional-quality maps. It is easy to customize the application’s various functions for your needs. Plus, the platform supports various data types and offers sophisticated data processing tools.
  3. Simple GIS Client: A feature-packed GIS software platform that runs on MS Windows. Besides desktop, it is lightweight enough to be used on Windows tablets and laptops for tasks such as trip planning and field data collection. This app is recommended for editing and viewing shapefiles as it supports multi-user write and read access to shapefiles. The vendor offers a 30-day free trial.
  4. Bentley Map: 2D/3D desktop mapping and GIS software. You can create, maintain, share, and analyze your business, engineering, and geospatial data in a MicroStation environment. Offers a flexible yet strong application program interface (API) to help you build custom GIS applications. Use the mobile app to enhance the productivity of your field staff.
  5. Maptitude: A mapping software product from Caliper Corporation that allows you to view, integrate, and edit maps. It is an easy-to-use package that helps you enjoy the benefits of spatial analysis and desktop mapping. Maptitude tells you where your consumers are and find out where sales are maximum. On top of that, you can discover hidden opportunities and get answers to geographic questions that affect your operations.

Types of GIS Software

Geographic information tools can be classified into the following types:

  1. Open source GIS
  2. Web GIS
  3. Desktop GIS
  4. CAD GIS
  5. Business mapping
  6. GIS complements
  7. Mobile GIS
  8. General purpose GIS

Key Features of GIS Software

  1. Routing tools – These give the ability to design accurate stops and to manage, compare, and manipulate routes.
  2. Territory tools – Businesses need territory creation tools that help to handle data tables and to visually represent and manipulate service areas.
  3. Reports – Top GIS software applications enable you to intuitively and quickly create top quality reports in PDF and MS Excel file formats.
  4. Interoperability – Quality GIS platforms support the most recent data standards and a range of file formats including those for MS Excel, MS MapPoint, and Google Maps.
  5. Data – On top of that, they provide new data sets for different countries with access to the latest available geographic information.
  6. Logistics and Operations – A distance and drive-time feature that creates an Excel table showing the costs of travel between any number of locations. You can quickly find out the nearest and backup locations ranked by distance or travel time.
  7. Location analysis – This technique is used to identify ideal locations for new retail outlets.  

Benefits of GIS Software

  1. Decision making is improved because you get detailed as well as specific information about locations.
  2. You can increase efficiency and reduce expenses especially regarding scheduling timetables, fleet movements, and maintenance schedules.
  3. The visual format is easy to understand which helps to enhance communication between involved departments or organizations.
  4. GIS software enables effortless recordkeeping as it easily records geographical changes.
  5. Helps in geographic management as you can get to know what is happening in a geographic location and space, and use it to plan actions.
  6. Cloud GIS software solutions facilitate instantaneous collaboration.
  7. Offers enhanced transparency for citizen engagement.
  8. Enables identification of underserved and at-risk populations in a community.
  9. Helps in planning and allocation of resources.
  10. Improves management of natural resources.
  11. Enhances communication during a crisis.
  12. Finally, GIS software can be used to plan for the impact of demographic changes in a community.

Location as a Service

In the past, GIS was mostly used by oil and gas, utilities, telecommunications, and government sectors. This is changing and today tech companies and large retailers are enjoying the benefits of understanding and using geospatial data. The basics of GIS and its uses have improved significantly. Now, it is the age of services-based GIS. GIS professionals are connecting directly with consumers using web-based platforms that offer visualizations that are easy to access and understand.

Sophisticated Analytics

Businesses that place importance on location can benefit from spatial analysis. For example, geospatial analysis is useful for site selection. Retailers that want to launch new stores need information on hospitable demographics as well as on similar ventures that have proved to be successful. This information can be loaded on a map in order to do statistical analysis which can help to make decisions about the locations of new stores. Maps are easy to understand and GIS professionals can use web-based services to create charts, graphs, and maps, and effortlessly perform analytics.

Potential Issues

A recent survey by GIS Professional throws light on the issues faced by users of GIS software. In the survey, 32% identified data accuracy and 31% named efficient data management as main challenges. In addition, 12% named open source and open data as both a trend and a challenge. 8% named location privacy as an issue to be wary about.

The respondents also identified two other concerns: the high cost of proprietary software solutions and the use of GIS by people who do not have a proper understanding of the technology. The availability of open source data and software is creating new users who understand the advantages of GIS but lack the knowledge to use the system properly. This lay user group opens up a new market for GIS software vendors. However, these providers need to compete with free open source GIS alternatives that are preferred by companies that wish to reduce costs.

Useful Stats

  • The GIS industry is worth US$ 8.1 billion in 2020.
  • It’s growing at a CAGR of 12.4%.
  • The APAC region is the biggest driver of GIS industry growth, thanks to urban planning and smart cities in China and Japan.
  • Navigation is the biggest usage segment of GIS data.
  • Two of the top 3 key players in the GIS industry are Chinese.

Where Is GIS Data Useful?

  • Retail. Businesses in the retail industry use geographic information systems to find the perfect spot to erect a new store. Meanwhile, marketers use GIS data to identify which areas need a specific type of marketing and which stores can be tapped for maximum impact. Supply-chain departments can also use GIS to plan optimum routes and times for logistics.
  • Engineering. GIS provides data for the establishment of communication network towers, power plants, and other public utility infrastructures like roads, rails, and waterways.
  • Science. Biologists use GIS to monitor animal migration and study them even while they’re on the move. Geologists can map out geographical features for natural resource management, such as for prospecting in mining. Marine ecologists also use it to look at marine ecosystems and oceanographic charting.
  • Disaster management. Governments worldwide use GIS to formulate an effective response to natural disasters, like earthquakes or hurricanes. Meteorologists also use GIS data to spot and forecast climate and weather patterns, mitigating the cost of a disaster.

List of GIS Software Companies

Order by:

Newest
  • Newest
  • Score
  • User Score
Product name:
Category:
Smart Score:
Price:
User Satisf.
User reviews:
OpenCities Map reviews

OpenCities Map

GIS Software
8.6
By quote
-
NextBillion.ai reviews

NextBillion.ai

GIS Software
8.0
By quote
97%
Aspectum reviews

Aspectum

GIS Software
8.0
$99
93%
Google Places reviews

Google Places

GIS Software
8.5
By quote
94%
Google Maps API reviews

Google Maps API

GIS Software
8.5
$2
95%
Google Earth Pro reviews

Google Earth Pro

GIS Software
8.5
Free
89%
Esri ArcGIS reviews

Esri ArcGIS

GIS Software
8.5
By quote
97%
ZeeMaps reviews

ZeeMaps

GIS Software
8.5
$19.95
93%
Google Beacon Platform reviews

Google Beacon Platform

GIS Software
8.5
By quote
88%
GeoServer reviews

GeoServer

GIS Software
8.5
Free
98%
Mapline reviews

Mapline

GIS Software
8.5
by quote
88%
ArcGIS Enterprise reviews

ArcGIS Enterprise

GIS Software
8.5
By quote
97%
AutoCAD Map 3D reviews

AutoCAD Map 3D

GIS Software
8.5
£228
96%
Azure Maps reviews

Azure Maps

GIS Software
8.5
$0.50
95%

Things to consider when you invest in a SaaS

Disaster recovery and security are two key elements that need to be considered by SaaS purchasers when analyzing potential providers.

Many SaaS vendors do not have a disaster recovery site. Therefore, ask the following questions to your shortlisted providers: How do you test your disaster recovery processes? What is your recovery time? How often do you test? Do you have discrete infrastructure; are your chief site and your disaster recovery site positioned in different geographical locations?

You need to be aware that many SaaS providers do not use enterprise-grade infrastructure to deploy SaaS apps. Many systems have multiple providers. For example, there may be a firewall provider, an Internet provider, and a few others too in the mix. If a problem rears up, there is a lot of finger-pointing. This issue is common with on-premise IT platforms. The solution is to decrease the number of vendors so that there is answerability to ensure they take responsibility about performance.

Ask the potential SaaS vendors the following queries about security: Is your organization SAS70 compliant? What security processes are used at your facilities? What security audits and principles does your firm follow? Who manages access and identity management, web application firewalls, log file management, and network connectivity?

Needless to say, take your time to research thoroughly and get the answers to the above questions before you invest in an apt SaaS system.

Frequently asked questions about GIS Software

What is the best GIS sofwtare?

The best GIS is ArcGIS. It’s a robust geographical information system that uses maps for data extrapolation and analysis. It has powerful analytics for businesses to explore information and share insights, with complete contextual tools regarding spatial reasoning and mapping for any kind of industry.

What are the benefits of GIS software?
  • Improved decision-making. You improve decision-making by using data from GIS to back it up.
  • Enhanced efficiency. GIS data can increase efficiency by reducing time and money spent on things like scheduling timetables, fleet movements, and maintenance schedules.
  • Conservation. Especially useful for the sciences, as GIS can aid in the management and husbandry of natural of resources.
  • Mitigates disaster and demographic impact. GIS enables identification of underserved and at-risk populations in a community. Finally, GIS software can be used to plan for the impact of demographic changes in a community and mitigate risk in case of natural disasters.
What are the features of GIS software?

Data. GIS provides new data sets for different countries with access to the latest available geographic information.

Territory. Businesses need territory creation tools that help to handle data tables and to visually represent and manipulate service areas.

Routing. These give the ability to design accurate stops and to manage, compare, and manipulate routes.

Logistics. A distance and drive-time feature that creates an Excel table that shows the costs of travel between any numbers of locations. You can quickly find out the nearest and backup locations ranked by distance or travel time.

Reports. Top GIS software applications enable you to intuitively and quickly create top quality reports in PDF and MS Excel file formats.

Interoperability. Quality GIS platforms support the most recent data standards and a range of file formats including those for MS Excel, MS MapPoint, and Google Maps.

What is the easiest GIS software to use?
  • ArcGIS. The best GIS software is also the easiest to use (and learn). Its mapping features are top-notch for research and educational purposes. Its capabilities can even be extended by a custom programming extension powered by Python.
  • MapBox. MapBox is a map creation software whose claim to fame is its easy integration. MapBox contains a variety of APIs so you can integrate it with functions, like routing, presented in a way that you can build innovative functions out of.
  • QGIS. QGIS isn’t just free but it’s also easy to use. Its user interface is one of the most user-friendly of its kind. It’s also compatible with a lot of database formats and even a competing GIS, ArcGis.
What is a good free GIS software?
  • QGIS. QGIS is a cross-platform, user-friendly open-source geographic information system designed for viewing, editing, and analyzing geospatial data. This platform can handle multiple database formats and functionalities.
  • GRASS GIS. An OSGeo project, the platform works well for academic institutes and various commercial settings around the globe. Environmental consulting companies and government agencies can also take advantage of the open-source software to analyze location-based data and manage it efficiently.
  • FME Hub. FME Hub provides access to a variety of FME tools and a platform that anyone can use for their projects, including spatial and cartographic data. It’s a convenient and secure platform to store and reuse connected services.
Louie Andre

By Louie Andre

B2B & SaaS market analyst and senior writer for FinancesOnline. He is most interested in project management solutions, believing all businesses are a work in progress. From pitch deck to exit strategy, he is no stranger to project business hiccups and essentials. He has been involved in a few internet startups including a digital route planner for a triple A affiliate. His advice to vendors and users alike? "Think of benefits, not features."

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Why is FinancesOnline free? Why is FinancesOnline free?

FinancesOnline is available for free for all business professionals interested in an efficient way to find top-notch SaaS solutions. We are able to keep our service free of charge thanks to cooperation with some of the vendors, who are willing to pay us for traffic and sales opportunities provided by our website. Please note, that FinancesOnline lists all vendors, we’re not limited only to the ones that pay us, and all software providers have an equal opportunity to get featured in our rankings and comparisons, win awards, gather user reviews, all in our effort to give you reliable advice that will enable you to make well-informed purchase decisions.

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