30 Best GIS Software Applications

PROS:

• Unified 3D integration.
• Crisp cartography and labeling.
• Seamless integration with ArcGIS Online.
• Contextual smart ribbon interface.
• 64-bit processing.
• Enhanced and intuitive editing.
• Boasts 1500+ geoprocessing tools across 35 toolboxes.

CONS:

• High licensing costs.
• Bulky project files.
• MXD conversion may miss some objects.
• Licensing through ArcGIS Pro can be cumbersome.
• Steeper learning curve.

PROS:

• Supported by a dedicated volunteer community.
• Seamless 3D integration.
• Innovative editing, analysis, and mapping tools.
• Boasts a large and supportive user base.
• QGIS plugins expand its functionality.
• 64-bit processing.
• Offers a total of 900+ tools across 25 toolboxes.

CONS:

• Supported by a dedicated volunteer community.
• Seamless 3D integration.
• Innovative editing, analysis, and mapping tools.
• Boasts a large and supportive user base.
• QGIS plugins expand its functionality.
• 64-bit processing.
• Offers a total of 900+ tools across 25 toolboxes.

PROS:

• Scalability for added capability.
• Robust geoprocessing framework.
• Offers beautiful cartography and a wide range of symbology options.
• A comprehensive set of editing and topology tools.
• Integration with ArcGIS Online for web maps and apps.

CONS:

• High cost for usage and maintenance.
• License levels may limit access to essential tools.
• Limited interoperability.
• Phasing out for ArcGIS Pro.
• Remains a 32-bit application with ArcCatalog.

PROS:

• Swift querying and analysis.
• Strong cartography with intelligent labeling.
• Exceptional remote sensing capabilities with ERDAS Imagine.
• Versatile mapping with multiple layouts.
• Superior editing with intelligent snapping.
• Maturity from 40+ years of software development.

CONS:

• Complex license tiers.
• Smaller user community for problem-solving.
• Challenges with dragging and dropping files into GeoMedia.
• Limited interoperability with other GIS formats.
• Database connectivity can sometimes be slow.

PROS:

• User-friendly and 64-bit processing.
• Efficient querying and improved table management.
• Powerful addressing and geocoding tools.
• Side-by-side mapping for enhanced visualization.
• Smart ribbon-based navigation.

CONS:

• Limited interoperability and poor format support.
• Licensing costs can be high.
• Lacks a cloud-based platform.
• Limited functionality for online web maps.
• Suboptimal support for remote sensing analysis.

PROS:

• Exceptionally potent with a plethora of transformers
• A specialist in data interoperability
• Thriving user community
• Comprehensive documentation
• FME Server and FME Cloud compatibility
• At the forefront of emerging technologies

CONS:

• Subpar traditional cartographic display in FME Data Inspector
• Consideration of license levels and cost is necessary
• Lacks editing and snapping tools
• Limited functionality for web maps and apps
• Limited support for remote sensing classification and analysis

PROS:

• Robust LiDAR display and processing capabilities
• Compatibility with a wide range of data formats
• Advanced elevation manipulation tools
• 64-bit architecture with an intuitive interface
• Easy integration with MangoMap for web map publication

CONS:

• Robust LiDAR display and processing capabilities
• Compatibility with a wide range of data formats
• Advanced elevation manipulation tools
• 64-bit architecture with an intuitive interface
• Easy integration with MangoMap for web map publication

PROS:

• QGIS GPL license offers unparalleled freedom
• Offers beautiful labeling options
• Boasts a wide array of GIS analysis tools
• Remarkable data interoperability
• Extensive plugin support for extended functionality
• Thrives with a large user base and online support

CONS:

• Lacks native 3D integration (only available as a plugin)
• Graphical modeler can be occasionally buggy
• Limited tools for addressing topology errors
• Minimal support for metadata standards
• Limited support for LiDAR and remote sensing classification

PROS:

• Intuitive ribbon interface for Desktop GIS
• Capability to build Cadcorp SIS web maps
• Hosting and serving data in the cloud
• Deploying web applications through server integration
• Developer tools available for customization
• Cadcorp SIS Express is a read-only, free-to-use version

CONS:

• Limited support through community forums
• Sparse tools for remote sensing
• Limited background information on the new product
• Strong in CAD/GIS specialization but lacks in other areas

PROS:

• Exceptional geoprocessing capabilities with 350+ modules
• Strong support for LiDAR data and network analysis
• Comprehensive documentation and tutorials
• Completely free and open source
• Offers advanced tools for handling satellite imagery
• Supports 3D raster rendering and customization
• Well-documented support for raster, vector, imagery, and temporal data

CONS:

• Clunky user interface with odd toolbar placement
• Complex process for defining projections on startup
• Steep learning curve for newcomers
• Not the ideal choice for cartography and mapping
• Command-line window often runs in the background
• Handles coordinate systems in separate locations

PROS:

• Top-notch hydrology, LiDAR, and terrain tools
• Over 450 plugins and geospatial tools
• Swift performance with parallel processing
• WhiteBox scripter for Python scripting
• Seamless integration with ArcGIS, QGIS, and WhiteBox Tools

CONS:

• Limited capabilities in cartography, labeling, and symbolization
• Limited web mapping services and base map integration
• No classical editing toolbar
• Absence of a catalog for data management
• Inability to write and edit metadata

PROS:

• Simple GUI and well-documented features
• Mobile application for field data collection
• Robust CAD tools
• Intuitive and stable user interface
• Strong support for open source software
• Exciting developments like gvNIX and IDE

CONS:

• Smaller community support
• Limited capabilities in cartography and symbology
• Dated 3D rendering with NASA World Wind
• Limited support for LiDAR data
• No multi-platform mobile data collection
• Adding data without geometry icons can be challenging

PROS:

• Specialized software for utility and network management
• Versioning capabilities for backups and archiving
• Objects support multiple types of geometry
• Proven success in the utilities sector
• Robust asset management design and lifecycle features
• Comprehensive in-program help files

CONS:

• High cost of license and maintenance
• Limited customizability
• Unfriendly user interface
• Challenges in file system access for exporting data

PROS:

• Blazing-fast processing and display capabilities
• Utilizes both CPU and GPU for parallel processing
• Stable and intuitive user interface
• Native 64-bit processing for enhanced performance
• Well-documented with good product support

CONS:

• Limited cartographical tools for map design
• Limited specialty tools
• Limited support for advanced web mapping
• Smaller user community
• Affordable price but still incurs a cost
• Requires selecting file type when adding a data source

PROS:

• Efficient routing analysis for optimized delivery routes
• A wide range of thematic mapping options
• Easy-to-learn interface with a shallow learning curve
• Integration with TransModeler and TransCAD for transportation analysis
• Comprehensive product documentation and support

CONS:

• Limited support for higher-level analysis
• Rudimentary web-based features
• Limited geoprocessing capabilities (raster and vector)
• Lack of support for remote sensing, photogrammetry, and LiDAR tools

PROS:

• Robust data editing tools
• Rich API for customization
• High-quality map creation
• A straightforward and all-encompassing solution
• Tools for mobile web map development
• Complimentary TatukGIS Viewer and Coordinate Calculator

CONS:

• Outdated interface
• Incurs a cost, albeit reasonable
• Limited community support and involvement
• Lacks the breadth of tools offered by other commercial GIS software
• Absence of emerging technology features

PROS:

• Strong for editing, Coordinate Geometry (COGO), and topology
• Offers surface and LiDAR point cloud tools
• Features a ribbon interface with logical organization
• Seamlessly fuses CAD and GIS functionalities
• Allows for the creation of thematic maps and mapbooks
• Ideal for users well-versed in Autodesk products

CONS:

• Associated with licensing costs and maintenance expenses
• Offers limited specialized analysis tools
• Somewhat scarce in terms of cartography and map types
• The appearance and functionality of map layouts are somewhat unwieldy
• Has a steep learning curve for those unfamiliar with Autodesk software

PROS:

• Places a strong emphasis on data visualization
• Highly versatile in thematic map production
• Boasts a user-friendly interface
• Facilitates data manipulation for XYZ data points
• Supports census-based street data geocoding
• Features a short learning curve

CONS:

• Comes with licensing costs, although relatively affordable
• Specializes in specific domains
• Offers a limited range of analysis tools
• Lacks capabilities for web map publishing
• Provides sparse tools for advanced editing

PROS:

• Enables monitoring and modeling of the Earth’s systems
• Offers object-based image classification
• Supports land change modeling
• Facilitates 2D and 3D visualization with time series data
• It’s free and open-source software
• Includes image classification and remote sensing tools

CONS:

• Light on documentation and tutorial resources
• Lacks advanced mapping features and layout support
• Suffers from limited community support and discussion forums
• Provides sparse tools for advanced editing

PROS:

• Boasts unique toolsets for geoscience enthusiasts
• Proves powerful for handling terrain and raster data
• Offers a command-line interpreter for advanced users
• Supports 3D rendering and anaglyph tools
• Features geostatistics tools like kriging
• Provides a GPL license, offering freedom to users
• Delivers a user-friendly and robust experience

CONS:

• Lacks comprehensive documentation for many geoscience tools
• May exhibit peculiar behavior after running certain tools
• Misses some cartography features and templates
• Offers limited data editing and manipulation
• Lacks automatic topology error correction
• Doesn’t support online web map publishing

PROS:

• A modern interface and design that pleases the eye.
• Specialization in the intricate realm of statistics.
• A gateway for data exploration, unraveling the secrets of statistics.
• Geosimulation accompanied by stunning data displays.
• Generously free and open source.
• Offering state-of-the-art plots and charts to illuminate your insights.

CONS:

• Regrettably, it lacks some traditional geoprocessing tools.
• While formidable, it falls short of being a full-fledged GIS software package.
• Advanced feature editing and snapping options are somewhat limited.
• Variety-seeking users might find its array of GIS-related tools a tad wanting.

PROS:

• A seamless fusion of CAD and GIS, creating a dynamic synergy.
• Delving into the third dimension with 3D viewing, analysis, and unwavering support.
• Experience the world from above with fly-throughs, sunlight and shadow studies.
• Boasting decent inter-operability to ensure your workflow flows smoothly.

CONS:

• While potent, it falls short in terms of the breadth of GIS analysis tools.
• The pursuit of excellence with Bentley Map may require a substantial investment.
• When it comes to labeling and annotation, it leaves something to be desired.
• Regrettably, the support for KMZ/KML remains conspicuously absent.

PROS:

• Unravel the intricacies of Earth system monitoring and modeling.
• Delve into Object-Based Image Analysis (OBIA) classification and land change modeling.
• Experience the third dimension with 2D and 3D visualization, all while journeying through time series.
• Boasting an extensive arsenal of 300+ analytical tools, with a strong focus on raster-based capabilities.

CONS:

• The documentation and support for help topics leave much to be desired.
• An inactive community and forum may make seeking assistance a challenge.
• For those with a penchant for impeccable cartography and map layout, IDRISI TerrSet might fall short.
• Its scope and functionality, while substantial, may not cover every need.

PROS:

• Embark on in-depth terrain analysis and master the art of surface modeling.
• Offering support for an array of formats, including vector, geodatabase, CAD, LIDAR, and TIN.
• Streamline your workflow with automated processes and an array of customization options.
• Dive into the realm of image processing with dedicated tools at your disposal.

CONS:

• While affordable, it’s essential to be aware that there’s an associated cost.
• The user interface may feel a bit dated, but it gets the job done.
• It might leave enthusiasts craving more frequent updates and versions.
• When it comes to documentation and user support, it falls short in creating a vibrant community.

PROS:

• Specializes profoundly in hydrological analysis.
• Embraces the spirit of freedom as an open-source solution.
• Offers a rich array of resources, including API and MW5 documentation.
• Fosters extensibility through a robust plugin architecture.

CONS:

• Laments the absence of a bustling community and user base.
• Could benefit from more comprehensive support.
• Leaves some gaps in addressing broader GIS and remote sensing needs.

PROS:

• Offers a wealth of comprehensive documentation.
• Marches in step with the ethos of open-source software.
• Thrives in the specialization of biodiversity and forest management.

CONS:

• Releases updates at a less frequent cadence.
• Showcases some limitations in terms of cartography and symbolization.
• Nurtures a smaller and less active user community.

PROS:

• Offers robust support for WMS and database connectivity.
• Houses a comprehensive repository of information in the form of Wiki documentation.
• Supports GPS functionalities and interoperability, supplemented by plugins like Sextante.

CONS:

• Adopts a somewhat dated user interface.
• Exhibits limited functionality for raster operations.
• Progress updates occur sporadically.
• Provides only a limited palette for cartographic pursuits.
• Offers minimal 3D visualization and support.
• Boasts a modest collection of plugins.

PROS:

• Serves as a flight simulator, ideal for immersive fly-through experiences.
• Extensively supports formats such as KMZ, MrSID, and LiDAR.
• Demonstrates an aptitude for interoperability, complete with WMS capabilities.
• Includes support for aviation and nautical charting.

CONS:

• Primarily designed for flight missions, so GIS features are limited.
• Lacks the depth of spatial analysis offered by conventional GIS software.
• Provides only basic capabilities for mapping and cartography.
• Struggles with comprehensive data editing and management.

PROS:

• Primarily tailored for research applications.
• Extensively compatible, running seamlessly on Linux, Windows, and Mac OS.
• Complies with OGC standards.

CONS:

• Light on tools for cartography and analysis.
• Lacks an open forum and a thriving community for discussions.

PROS:

• Specially tuned for the niche field of biology.
• Offers data availability as a notable asset.
• Shines with its lightweight and open-source nature.

CONS:

• Presents an outdated user interface.
• Limited in offerings for mapping and functionality.
• Regrettably lacks a thriving Diva GIS community.