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What is Free 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 QGIS, and other recommended solutions in this category.Show less

How was this ranking made?

In order to devise this ranking of best Free GIS Software we have checked popular apps currently present on the market, comparing their features, ease-of-use, customer service, offered integrations with other systems and mobile device support with our unique SmartScoreTM rating algorithm. This list has been developed by Jenny Chang, our B2B authority dedicated to the Free GIS Software category.

List of Top 6 Free GIS Software

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1. 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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2. 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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3. 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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4. 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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5. Distribution Deputy

Our score: 6.7 User satisfaction: 93%

A circulation and distribution manager for free press and other kinds of publications.

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6. iHound

Our score: 6.0 User satisfaction: N/A

A GPS technology that assists employers and managers manage their workforce on mobile.

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

Free GIS Software Guide

Table of contents

GIS software makes it easier for users to visualize geographic and spatial data and simplifies the creation of graphs and charts. This is why these tools are utilized in a broad range of industries. But choosing the best free GIS software for your particular business goals can be difficult. This article highlights basic features and benefits to watch out for to help you make a well-informed decision.

Get to Know Each Product with Free Trial

The leading GIS software offer free trials to let you familiarize yourself with their platforms and determine if they suit your needs. In many cases, the software itself is free to use so you can explore its features without making an investment.

We highly recommend trying these free GIS software: QGIS, CARTO, GRASS GIS, FME Hub, and Distribution Deputy.

Targeted Businesses

GIS software freeware are deployed by businesses in various industries. These tools are often used by health organizations, environmental scientists, research institutions, government agencies, and land use planners, among other private and public sectors.

Examples of Free GIS Software

  1. QGIS: An easy-to-use open-source GIS built for viewing, editing, and studying geospatial data. It can manage various database formats and capabilities. Its central plugins deliver its expanding number of functionalities.
  2. CARTOAn open-source, self-service geographical information system that provides robust location intelligence and analysis functionalities. It enables data scientists, business analysts, and even individual users to conduct visualization and spatial probe. With its built-in drag-and-drop interface, it frees you from GIS limitations.
  3. GRASS GIS: An open-source free GIS software created by OSGeo. It carries out data management and geospatial analysis, maps and graphics production, visualization and spatial modeling functionalities, and image processing. It works well for multiple commercial fields and academic institutions across the world.
  4. FME Hub: An online community program that lets you access and share Feature Manipulation Engine (FME) tools. These include writers, transformers, readers, custom format readers/writers, web connections, and other templates. It also lets you share FME creations with the public.
  5. Distribution DeputyA newspaper circulation and distribution manager. It is perfect for use by magazines, free papers, and other types of print media. Also considered a free GIS software, it’s loaded with automatic data processing features to help distribution managers focus their time on strategizing for readership growth. It also helps publishing houses to lessen their waste.

Types of GIS Software

GIS software free offerings can be categorized into different types, such as:

  1. General purpose GIS
  2. Mobile GIS
  3. Desktop GIS
  4. Web GIS
  5. Open-source GIS

Key Features of GIS Software

  1. Territory tools – Organizations must have territory creation features that aid in the management of data tables and visualizations of service areas.
  2. Routing tools – Routing tools help you control and compare routes while developing stops.
  3. Logistics and Operations – Through this feature, you can study travel costs between locations and discover backup locations based on factors like distance.
  4. Location analysis – This approach figures out the most appropriate areas for features such as retail outlets.
  5. Integrations and file extension compatibility – High-quality GIS suites are compatible with a wide range of file formats, like those used in Google Maps, MS Excel, and MS MapPoint.
  6. Reports – GIS systems let you create in-depth MS Excel and PDF reports on a wide variety of metrics.
  7. Data – New data sets are provided for various countries for easier access to the most recent geographical information.

Benefits of Free GIS Software

  1. GIS software easily documents geographical changes and ensures more convenient recordkeeping.
  2. The software can be used for anticipating the effects of demographic changes in a location.
  3. Since you receive comprehensive information about locations, your decision-making skills are improved.
  4. Easy-to-understand visual formats improve departmental or organizational communication.
  5. GIS free software also foster transparency for citizen management and assist in organizing and allocating resources.
  6. These platforms also offer features that establish prompt collaboration.
  7. GIS software identifies underprivileged and high-risk communities.
  8. Geographic management is enhanced as you learn what is going on in a certain location.
  9. You can boost efficiency and minimize expenses, especially in terms of managing timetables, fleet movement, and maintenance schedules.
  10. These tools also enhance crisis management skills.

3D Analysis

Forget visualizations. GIS software systems should keep up with the 3D world we are in right now by performing 3D analysis. Doing so can help everyone assess our 3D world, especially in the areas of water quality, population, biodiversity, etc. Also, this trend takes us a step closer to 4D analysis.

AI and Machine Learning

AI and machine learning can understand what your complex data cannot. For instance, it helps locate natural clusters based on attribute similarities and spatial distribution, categorize a huge amount of virtually sensed data, and gather data from various sources, scales, and formats to train solid spatial prediction frameworks. Keep in mind that GIS does not just attempt to understand the world, it also forecasts its future and helps make it a better place to live in.

Potential Issues

According to GIS Professional’s survey, the major challenges of GIS users are data accuracy (32%) and efficient data management (31%). Moreover, 12% see open source and open data both as a challenge and a trend, while 8% noted location privacy as a concern to be cautious of.

The survey participants also raised concerns about GIS employment by users who do not have basic knowledge about the software and the soaring cost of GIS tools. Open-source data and programs have resulted in the rise of user groups who know the benefits of GIS but do not have a deep understanding of how to use it correctly. This new group paves the way for a new market for GIS software providers.

Useful Stats

Where Is GIS Data Useful?

  • Engineering. GIS generates data for the building of power plants, communication network towers, and other public infrastructures such as roads and waterways.
  • Retail. The retail industry uses GIS to locate the best area to build a new store. On the other hand, marketers use it to recognize which locations require a certain type of marketing and which stores can have the potential for maximum revenue. Supply chain personnel can also use the software to map out the most efficient routes to improve logistics.
  • Disaster management. GIS is used by governments across the world to effectively respond to natural calamities such as hurricanes. Meteorologists also use it to pinpoint and predict weather and climate trends.
  • Science. Biologists turn to GIS to observe animal migration and examine similar phenomena. Meanwhile, geologists can outline geographical features for natural resource management. GIS tools also help marine ecologists study marine ecosystems and create different types of nautical charts.

List of Free GIS Software Companies

Order by:

Newest
  • Newest
  • Score
  • User Score
Product name:
Category:
Smart Score:
Price:
User Satisf.
User reviews:
Distribution Deputy reviews

Distribution Deputy

Free GIS Software
6.7
$35
93%
iHound reviews

iHound

Free GIS Software
6.0
$19.99
-
FME Hub reviews

FME Hub

Free GIS Software
8.8
free
100%
GRASS GIS reviews

GRASS GIS

Free GIS Software
8.9
free
97%
CARTO reviews

CARTO

Free GIS Software
8.9
$149
94%
QGIS reviews

QGIS

Free GIS Software
9.0
by quote
99%

Things to consider when you invest in a SaaS

To choose an apt SaaS system for your business, start by asking the following questions:

· Is this cloud application the best solution—economically and features-wise?
· Will it be uncomplicated to do long-term business with the cloud provider?
· Is the app easy to use and does it simplify technology?
· Can the product help your business to handle compliance, security, and operational risks?

Find out if other firms have successfully deployed the solution. Get proof about the provider being able to offer the desired business value and ROI. Peruse case studies to learn about the user experiences of other buyers. Get references from the provider and find out about the caliber of the software and service provided.

Another important aspect to consider is the free trial. Before you make such a vital decision and spend your hard-earned money, be sure if the program actually fits your needs. You can do this by signing up for the free trial and checking out the app’s tools. Also, find out if the vendor can help you to pilot the solution. You may need to shell out for the deployment of the pilot, but the price is worth it as it will give you results and proof points to consider before you make an important investment.

Frequently asked questions about Free GIS Software

What is the best free GIS software?

QGIS is the best free GIS software. It is cross-platform, easy-to-use open-source tool developed for viewing, editing, and evaluating geospatial data. It can administer various database formats and functionalities. Its primary plugins provide an increasing number of capabilities.

What are the benefits of free GIS software?
  • Improved efficiency. GIS data improves efficiency by minimizing time and expenses spent on fleet movements, scheduling timetables, and maintenance schedules.
  • Improved decision-making skills. Your utilization of GIS data to back it up improves your decision-making skills.
  • Reduces disaster and demographic aftermath. GIS informs you about underprivileged and high-risk communities. Organizations also use it to plan for the effects of demographic changes in an area and reduce the risks of natural calamities.
  • Conservation. GIS assists in natural resources management and husbandry.
What are the features of free GIS software?
  • Territory. Territory creation platforms help you run data tables and visually manipulate and represent service areas.
  • Data. GIS presents new data sets for various countries that can obtain the newest geographic information available.
  • Routing. You can set accurate stops and perform route management, comparison, and manipulation.
  • Logistics. A drive-time and distance functionality that makes an Excel table that exhibits the costs of travel between locations. Depending on travel time or distance, you can quickly identify the nearest and backup areas.
  • Interoperability. A-lister GIS programs back the most updated data standards and a variety of file formats, such as Google Maps, MS Excel, and MS MapPoint.
  • Reports. You can swiftly and intuitively generate reports in MS Excel and PDF versions.
What is the easiest free GIS software to use?
  • QGIS. Aside from being free, QGIS is also user-friendly. It has one of the easiest-to-use interfaces in the market today. It can also be integrated with several database formats, even ArcGIS, its competing GIS.
  • CARTO. Carto’s drag-and-drop interface frees you from numerous GIS limitations, which can then help you improve their processes and quickly utilize location applications. It places the power of location data in your hands and saves you from the complexities and preserving elaborate GIS tools.
  • FME Hub. With FME, you do not have to sign up to access its tools, from transformers to web connections and other templates. It is also compatible with many GIS, CAD, and raster graphics tools.

Updated

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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