Unleashing Web GIS: The Epic Showdown
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The Great Battle of Web GIS Platforms: Top 5 Contenders
Step into the fascinating world of web mapping, where a fierce battle unfolds in the vast expanse of the cloud. We’ve arrived at a pivotal juncture in the realm of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and only a select few contenders lead the charge.
Who emerges victorious in the thrilling Battle of Web GIS?
Prepare for an in-depth exploration of web GIS as we scrutinize and compare five formidable platforms:
Web Mapping Platforms Showdown
| Aspect | ArcGIS Online | Carto | Mapbox | Mango Map | GIS Cloud |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Subscription-based | Subscription-based | Usage-based and Subscription | Subscription-based | Subscription-based |
| Free Tier | Yes (with limitations) | Yes (with limitations) | Yes (with limitations) | Yes (with limitations) | Yes (with limitations) |
| Functionality | Extensive geospatial tools | Mapping, analysis, BI | Custom mapping, geospatial | Web mapping, analysis | Comprehensive tools |
| Popularity | Widely used | Popular | Popular | Moderate | Moderate |
| Visualization | High-quality maps | User-friendly | Customizable | User-friendly | Limited |
| Extras | Robust GIS capabilities | Data-driven insights | AR/VR capabilities | Minimal extra features | Integration with 3rd party tools |
| Suitability | Professional use | Businesses, analysts | Developers, businesses | Simple to moderate needs | Businesses, enterprises |
Kindly note that software pricing is subject to change over time, so it’s advisable to refer to the official websites of these platforms for the most current information.
1. An Overview of the Titans
ArcGIS Online Esri holds an iron grip on the GIS industry, transitioning from desktop software to the cloud with ArcGIS Online (AGOL). Packed with a plethora of functionalities, AGOL is a seamless fit for large organizations, boasting easy integration and a user-friendly approach, even for non-programmers.
Carto Carto’s ace in the hole is its integration of Postgres + PostGIS as a web service. This unique approach grants users control over a fully managed database, eliminating the need for setup, backups, or updates. While Carto caters to programmers, some of its solution-based web mapping platforms require no coding.
Mapbox Mapbox, the charismatic trendsetter, is the go-to choice for renowned names like Foursquare, Pinterest, and major news outlets. Much like Carto, it caters to programmers but dazzles with its smooth, customizable, and tile-focused design, making it ideal for high-traffic websites.
Mango Map While other cloud mapping giants strive for maximum impact, Mango Map takes the road less traveled. Their focus is on simplifying web map publication, prioritizing user-friendliness over complexity. Unlike Mapbox and Carto, no coding is necessary, making it accessible to a broader audience.
GIS Cloud GIS Cloud, though not a direct ArcGIS Online contender, exudes a faint ArcGIS Online vibe, albeit with fewer key features. Its tab-based interface adds a desktop GIS touch, and despite growing to over 70,000 users, it faces stiff competition from industry giants.
2. Pricing Insights
ArcGIS Online ArcGIS Online comes at a cost of $2500 for a single-user subscription, offering additional functionality through a credit-based system. However, the full-fledged ArcGIS Online experience is only unlocked with credits, making it a premium option.
Carto Carto’s pricing is reasonable, ranging from free to $200 per month. Costs are based on the number of datasets, map loads, and API access, providing flexibility for users.
Mapbox Mapbox follows a pay-as-you-go model based on usage, with an enticing free tier. This flexible approach appeals to a wide range of users, including CNN, Bloomberg, and The Washington Post.
Mango Map Mango Map offers pricing between $50 and $500 per month, with the flexibility to cancel anytime. Longer commitments come with discounts, and there’s a free trial for those looking to test the waters.
GIS Cloud GIS Cloud offers competitive pricing, allowing users to choose the features they need. Pricing starts at just $20 per month for mobile data collection and goes up to $55 for real-time editing through the map editor. Various options and volume discounts are also available.
“The early days of GIS were very lonely. No-one knew what it meant.” ~ Roger Tomlinson
3. Functionality Unleashed
ArcGIS Online ArcGIS Online boasts a wealth of cross-platform functionality, as expected from the world’s leading GIS software company. It covers everything from editing to 3D scenes and field collection, making it a comprehensive choice for Esri enthusiasts. The Web App Builder and JavaScript API open up endless customization possibilities.
Carto Carto is a playground for developers, empowering them to build their tools around APIs. The SQL API allows users to interact with data through SQL statements, and PostGIS handles spatial queries behind the scenes. Carto excels in spatial analysis and offers a range of solutions, from site selection to vehicle routing.
Mapbox Mapbox revolves around MBTiles for storing tilesets and offers extensive customization features. The true magic lies in its APIs, enabling seamless integration into applications. Mapbox Studio is the gateway to transforming data into tilesets and creating unique map styles.
Mango Map Mango Map keeps it simple and user-friendly, with an intuitive interface that requires no coding. It may lack advanced features like routing or 3D capabilities, but it shines in straightforward web mapping.
GIS Cloud GIS Cloud focuses on specific solutions such as field collection, data editing, and crowdsourcing. While it may not stand out in terms of visualization, it serves its purpose for web mapping solutions, with a tab-based interface reminiscent of desktop GIS.
4. Popularity Rankings
In the popularity arena, ArcGIS Online takes the lead, closely followed by Mapbox, with Carto securing the third spot. Mango Map and GIS Cloud trail behind.
How did we arrive at these rankings? We analyzed user search queries over the past year to gauge the platforms’ popularity. Keep in mind that popularity in search queries doesn’t directly correlate to the number of users but reflects the interest in each web mapping platform on search engines.
| Web GIS Platform | Score |
|---|---|
| ArcGIS Online | 47.2 |
| Mapbox | 41.3 |
| Carto | 10.2 |
| Mango Map | 0.7 |
| GIS Cloud | 0.6 |
5. Visual Appeal
ArcGIS Online Ironically, ArcGIS Online lags behind its competitors in terms of visualizations, offering less control compared to Mapbox. However, it shines in 3D scenes and features like LiDAR, resonating with certain audiences. Arcade, a scripting language for customizations, adds a unique touch.
Carto Carto excels in cartography, offering precise control and a smooth display. It seamlessly integrates dashboards and deck.gl for WebGL framework for large-scale datasets. Users can also collaborate with Google Maps and Mapbox GL.
Mapbox Mapbox presents four distinct map styles: Streets, Terrain, Traffic, and Satellite. Users can integrate these styles into their projects and applications, making each map their own through style customization. The Mapbox WebGL JavaScript Library allows for fine-tuning map properties and controls.
Mango Map Mango Map’s strength lies in its simplicity and a selection of styles and templates. It smartly clusters points at small scales, automatically expanding them for individual visibility. Additionally, Mango Map offers out-of-the-box tools for enhancing web maps.
GIS Cloud While GIS Cloud offers control over labeling and thematic maps, its visualization capabilities may not match the standards set by the competition. The tab-based interface brings a desktop GIS feel but may require some patience due to occasional clunkiness.
6. Beyond the Basics: Extra Features
ArcGIS Online ArcGIS Online reigns supreme in niche tools like operational dashboards, story maps, and crowdsourcing. Survey123 simplifies field data capture, while the Workforce app tracks field crews in real-time. Open data portals and APIs open up endless customization possibilities.
Carto Carto specializes in bringing analysis into production, making it ideal for deep data dives. It offers solutions for site selection, territory planning, and vehicle routing. Users can create dynamic notebooks with Cartoframes for interactive updates on the fly.
Mapbox Mapbox provides the essential building blocks for creating maps, data, and spatial analysis directly in your browser. APIs enable seamless integration into apps, including store locators. Mapbox excels in a wide array of applications, from AR navigation to business intelligence.
Mango Map Mango Map keeps it simple with no APIs for personal customizations. Augmented reality and geoenrichment are not on the menu. However, it excels in creating straightforward web maps, making it a user-friendly choice.
GIS Cloud GIS Cloud is primarily solution-oriented, focusing on field collection, data editing, and crowdsourcing. While it serves its purpose for web mapping solutions, it may not push the envelope with advanced features.
7. Suitability for Your Needs
ArcGIS Online ArcGIS Online shines for large organizations and governments with generous budgets. Its extensive features and seamless integration with other Esri products make it the ultimate choice. Even non-developers find it accessible and user-friendly.
Carto Carto caters to web developers and those well-versed in Postgres + PostGIS. It’s a strong choice for customized tool creation around APIs but might pose a learning curve for those unfamiliar with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and SQL.
Mapbox Mapbox offers scalability with flexible pricing, making it suitable for a broad range of users. Its sophisticated features cater to a developer audience, and its generous free tier attracts users across industries.
Mango Map Mango Map stands out as the most budget-friendly web mapping platform, with plans priced below $50 per month. Its simplicity and user-friendliness make it an ideal choice for casual users without overwhelming features.
GIS Cloud If your focus is on display, editing, or field collection, GIS Cloud is a valuable option. It caters to small teams of fewer than 5-10 people and serves as a bridge for QGIS or ArcGIS users.
The cloud's impact on the GIS industry is nothing short of revolutionary, with third parties managing everything from backups to security patches, allowing analysts, data scientists, and developers to concentrate on their core tasks. As the cloud era of Web GIS continues its ascent, the question remains: which web mapping platform do you trust with your cartographic endeavors? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.
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Alina Gregory