Best Geographic Information System Software: Ranked and Reviewed (2025)

Did you know that Geographic Information System (GIS) software is revolutionizing industries across the globe?

From urban planning to environmental management, GIS software provides powerful tools for collecting, managing, and analyzing geospatial data. It enables organizations to make informed decisions based on location-based insights and solve complex problems with spatial analysis.

In this article, I will share with you the top GIS software options available today. These software packages have been carefully ranked and reviewed based on their analysis capabilities, cartography features, editing tools, and more. Whether you are a professional in the field or simply curious about GIS software, this article will help you navigate the vast landscape of options and choose the best tool for your needs.

Key Takeaways:

• GIS software is instrumental in various industries, providing advanced tools for geospatial data analysis.
• This article ranks and reviews the best GIS software options based on their features and functionality.
• Consider factors such as analysis capabilities, cartography features, and editing tools when selecting the right GIS software for your needs.
• Top GIS software options include ArcGIS Pro, QGIS 3, ArcGIS Desktop, Hexagon Geomedia, and more.
• Make informed decisions and solve complex problems with the power of GIS software.

ArcGIS Pro: The Top GIS Software for Analysis, Cartography, and Editing

ArcGIS Pro stands out as one of the most highly rated GIS software options available today. Its modern interface, powerful 64-bit processing, and seamless integration with 3D capabilities make it a top choice for professionals in the field.

When it comes to analysis, cartography, and editing, ArcGIS Pro reigns supreme. With over 1500 geoprocessing tools at your disposal, you have the ability to tackle complex tasks and unlock valuable insights from your geospatial data.

While it’s important to note that ArcGIS Pro carries a higher license cost and has a steeper learning curve compared to some other GIS software options, the robust features and functionality it offers make it well worth the investment for those seeking a comprehensive solution.

This software’s advanced capabilities empower users to perform sophisticated spatial analysis, create visually stunning maps, and efficiently edit and manage their geospatial data. Whether you’re a professional in the field or a GIS enthusiast, ArcGIS Pro provides the tools you need to elevate your work to the next level.

“ArcGIS Pro is a game-changer. Its extensive features and capabilities allow me to tackle intricate spatial analysis and create compelling cartographic visualizations. It’s definitely my go-to software for all my GIS projects.” – Jane Anderson, GIS Analyst

To better understand the comparison between ArcGIS Pro and other GIS software options, let’s take a look at the following table that highlights some of the notable features and strengths of ArcGIS Pro:

Features	ArcGIS Pro	QGIS 3	ArcGIS Desktop
Powerful Analysis	✅	✅	✅
Advanced Cartography	✅	✅	✅
Robust Editing Tools	✅	✅	✅
Integration with 3D Capabilities	✅	✅	🚫
Extensive Geoprocessing Tools	✅	✅	✅

As you can see, ArcGIS Pro offers a comprehensive range of features that set it apart from other GIS software options. Its ability to handle complex analysis tasks, create visually appealing maps, and provide extensive editing capabilities make it the top choice for professionals who require advanced functionality.

In the next section, we will explore another top contender in the GIS software landscape: QGIS 3, an open source option that excels in 3D integration.

QGIS 3: The Best Open Source GIS Software with 3D Integration

When it comes to open source GIS software, QGIS 3 stands out as a top contender. With its impressive 3D integration, this software offers users a range of innovative editing, analysis, and mapping tools. QGIS 3 boasts a remarkable collection of over 900 tools, making it a comprehensive solution for geospatial data management and analysis.

One of the key advantages of QGIS 3 is its open source nature, which means that it is freely available for download and usage. This makes it an attractive option for individuals and organizations looking to minimize software costs. Additionally, QGIS 3 has a large and active user base, ensuring a supportive community and frequent updates.

Although QGIS 3 may lack some highly specialized tools, it compensates with its versatility and adaptability. The software’s 3D integration capabilities provide users with the ability to visualize data in a three-dimensional space, adding a new dimension to their analysis and mapping workflows. However, it’s important to note that QGIS 3 may have stability issues when working with 3D and LiDAR data, so users should consider these limitations before implementing the software for specialized projects.

Below is a comparison table highlighting the key features and limitations of QGIS 3:

Features	Limits
Impressive 3D Integration	Stability issues in 3D and LiDAR
Inventive Editing Tools	May lack highly specialized tools
Advanced Analysis Capabilities	–
Comprehensive Mapping Tools	–

Overall, QGIS 3 stands out as the best open source GIS software for its all-around capabilities, large user base, and impressive 3D integration. While it may have some limitations, its wide range of features makes it a valuable tool for a variety of geospatial projects.

ArcGIS Desktop: A Cutting-Edge GIS Software with Solid Geoprocessing Framework

ArcGIS Desktop is a powerful and advanced GIS software that provides users with a range of features and capabilities for geospatial analysis and data management. With its solid geoprocessing framework, this software is designed to handle complex spatial data and perform sophisticated analyses.

One of the standout features of ArcGIS Desktop is its scalability, which allows users to work with large datasets and perform complex analyses on a global scale. Whether you’re dealing with thousands of points or millions of polygons, this software can handle it all.

Furthermore, ArcGIS Desktop offers beautiful cartography symbology options, allowing users to create visually stunning maps and visualizations. With a wide range of symbols, colors, and labeling options, you can effectively communicate your spatial data and convey meaningful insights.

ArcGIS Desktop excels in editing, providing users with a comprehensive suite of tools for data manipulation, attribute management, and geometry editing. Whether you need to clean up messy data or digitize new features, this software has you covered.

Additionally, ArcGIS Desktop offers a robust set of topology tools, which allow you to define and enforce spatial relationships in your data. By ensuring the integrity of your spatial data, you can avoid errors and inconsistencies in your analyses and visualizations.

Interoperability is another key strength of ArcGIS Desktop. It supports a wide range of data formats, allowing you to seamlessly integrate data from various sources. This flexibility enables you to leverage data from different systems and collaborate with colleagues using different GIS software.

Although ArcGIS Pro is gradually replacing ArcGIS Desktop as Esri’s flagship desktop GIS software, ArcGIS Desktop remains a popular choice for users who prefer the non-ribbon interface and are accustomed to its workflow. However, it’s important to note that Esri will eventually discontinue support for ArcGIS Desktop to focus solely on ArcGIS Pro.

To demonstrate the capabilities of ArcGIS Desktop, here is a comparison table of key features:

Feature	ArcGIS Desktop	ArcGIS Pro
Scalability	✔️	✔️
Cartography Symbology	✔️	✔️
Editing	✔️	✔️
Topology Tools	✔️	✔️
Interoperability	✔️	✔️
Non-Ribbon Interface	✔️	❌

Hexagon Geomedia: A Mature GIS Software with Powerful Remote Sensing Tools

Hexagon Geomedia is a mature GIS software that has been a trusted choice for over 40 years. With its extensive experience in the industry, this software offers a robust set of features for geospatial data management and analysis.

One of the standout features of Hexagon Geomedia is its powerful remote sensing tools. These tools allow users to gather valuable information from aerial and satellite imagery, enabling in-depth analysis and monitoring of the Earth’s surface. By harnessing the capabilities of remote sensing, Hexagon Geomedia empowers users to capture vital insights and make informed decisions across various industries.

This GIS software also excels in fast querying and analysis, allowing users to retrieve relevant geospatial data quickly and efficiently. Its strong cartography capabilities enable the creation of visually stunning and informative maps, enhancing data visualization and interpretation.

Furthermore, Hexagon Geomedia offers superior editing capabilities, allowing users to manipulate geospatial data easily. Whether it’s modifying attributes, updating geometries, or performing complex edits, this software provides a comprehensive suite of editing tools to streamline data processing and ensure accuracy.

Image Caption: Hexagon Geomedia’s powerful remote sensing tools enable in-depth analysis and monitoring of the Earth’s surface.

However, it’s important to note some limitations of Hexagon Geomedia. The software has license tier restrictions, limiting access to certain advanced features based on the chosen license. Additionally, Hexagon Geomedia has a smaller user community compared to some other GIS software, which may impact problem-solving resources and community support.

Interoperability can also be a challenge when working with other GIS formats, as Hexagon Geomedia may have limitations in integrating with certain file types. Users may need to rely on additional software or converters to ensure seamless data exchange.

Despite these limitations, Hexagon Geomedia remains a mature and reliable GIS software choice, especially for professionals seeking robust remote sensing capabilities and a comprehensive suite of geospatial data management tools.

MapInfo Professional: A Well-Rounded GIS Software with a Focus on Business Intelligence

When it comes to GIS software options, MapInfo Professional stands out for its emphasis on location intelligence and business decision-making. With a focus on providing powerful tools and user-friendly features, this software offers a comprehensive solution for businesses in need of spatial analysis and mapping capabilities.

MapInfo Professional simplifies the process of interpreting geospatial data by providing ease of use and intuitive functionality. Whether you’re looking to analyze customer demographics, optimize delivery routes, or identify target markets, this GIS software offers powerful addressing and geocoding tools to enhance your decision-making process.

One of the key strengths of MapInfo Professional is its improved visualization integration, allowing you to create visually stunning and interactive maps. With a wide range of symbology options and labeling tools, you can customize your maps to effectively convey complex information in a visually appealing manner.

However, it’s important to note that MapInfo Professional does have some limitations. Interoperability with other GIS formats can sometimes be challenging, as the software is primarily designed to work with its own proprietary file formats. Additionally, MapInfo Professional lacks native support for cloud-based platforms, which may limit its compatibility with certain workflows or collaborative initiatives.

Furthermore, while MapInfo Professional excels in location intelligence and business-focused analysis, it may not be the ideal choice for advanced remote sensing analysis. If your GIS needs heavily rely on remote sensing capabilities, you may want to explore other software options that offer more specialized tools in this area.

Despite these limitations, MapInfo Professional remains a top choice for businesses looking to leverage GIS technology for their location intelligence and business intelligence needs. With its user-friendly interface, powerful addressing and geocoding features, and improved visualization integration, this well-rounded GIS software can enhance your spatial analysis and decision-making processes.

Key Features of MapInfo Professional:

• Easy-to-use interface for efficient data analysis and mapping
• Powerful addressing and geocoding tools for accurate spatial analysis
• Improved visualization integration for visually stunning and interactive maps

“MapInfo Professional’s seamless integration of location and business intelligence provides businesses with the tools they need to make informed decisions based on spatial analysis.”

FME Feature Manipulation Engine: A Powerful Data Interoperability Specialist

When it comes to data interoperability in the world of Geographic Information System (GIS) software, one name stands out: FME (Feature Manipulation Engine). As a specialized tool, FME excels in facilitating seamless data integration and manipulation across a variety of formats and systems.

FME offers an array of powerful transformers designed to streamline the data wrangling process. These transformers enable users to efficiently convert, merge, restructure, and validate data, ensuring compatibility and consistency. With FME, data interoperability becomes a breeze, allowing for smooth data exchange between different GIS software and databases.

One of the key strengths of FME lies in its comprehensive documentation. It provides detailed guidance and examples, making it easier for users to harness the full potential of the software. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced GIS professional, FME’s documentation offers valuable insights and resources to simplify your data interoperability tasks.

“FME has revolutionized the way I handle data interoperability in my GIS projects. With its extensive range of transformers and user-friendly documentation, I can effortlessly integrate and manipulate data from diverse sources.” – Sarah Thompson, GIS Specialist

However, it’s important to note that FME has some limitations. Traditional cartographic display and editing tools are not its primary focus, making it less suitable for tasks that heavily rely on cartography. Additionally, functionality for web maps and apps is not as robust as in other GIS software options.

Despite these limitations, FME remains a powerhouse in the realm of data manipulation and integration. Its specialization in data interoperability sets it apart from other GIS software. If your workflow heavily involves data interoperability and you need a reliable tool to handle complex data transformations, FME is an excellent choice.

FME Feature Manipulation Engine: Key Features at a Glance

Feature	Description
Powerful Transformers	FME offers a wide range of transformers for efficient data conversion, merging, restructuring, and validation.
Thorough Documentation	FME provides extensive documentation with detailed guidance and examples to support users in maximizing the software’s capabilities.
Data Interoperability	FME excels in facilitating seamless data integration between various GIS software and databases.
Limited Cartographic Display and Editing Tools	FME’s strength lies in data interoperability rather than traditional cartographic display and editing.
Functionality for Web Maps and Apps	FME’s functionality for web maps and apps is not as robust as in other GIS software options.

With its robust data interoperability capabilities and comprehensive documentation, FME is a valuable tool for professionals working with complex data integration tasks. While it may not be the go-to choice for cartography or web mapping, its specialized focus on data manipulation and integration makes it a powerful asset in any GIS workflow.

Global Mapper: The Swiss Army Knife of GIS Analysis

When it comes to versatile GIS software, Global Mapper stands out as a reliable and powerful tool. With its robust LiDAR display and processing capabilities, Global Mapper offers users an array of functionalities for geospatial analysis.

This GIS software is highly regarded for its support of a wide range of formats, making it easy to seamlessly integrate data from various sources. Whether you’re working with elevation data, satellite imagery, or point clouds, Global Mapper can handle it all.

One of the standout features of Global Mapper is its advanced elevation manipulation tools. Users can easily analyze terrains, generate contours, perform slope calculations, and more. This makes it an ideal choice for professionals working in fields that require precise terrain and elevation analysis, such as environmental planning, geological studies, and civil engineering.

While Global Mapper excels in its terrain and elevation functionality, it does have some limitations. Symbolization options are not as extensive compared to other software on the market, and editing capabilities could be improved. Additionally, web mapping capabilities are not its strongest suit.

“Global Mapper’s terrain and elevation analysis tools have been invaluable in my work as a geospatial analyst. The software’s ability to handle LiDAR data and perform complex calculations has greatly enhanced my efficiency and productivity.”

Why Choose Global Mapper for Terrain and Elevation Functionality

• Robust LiDAR display and processing
• Support for a wide range of formats
• Advanced elevation manipulation tools
• Perfect for environmental planning, geology, and civil engineering

Despite its limitations, Global Mapper remains the top choice for professionals seeking powerful terrain and elevation functionality in their GIS software. Its versatile capabilities and user-friendly interface make it an excellent tool for geospatial analysis and visualization.

Next, we’ll explore another top GIS software option: QGIS 2. Join me in Section 9 for an in-depth look at this powerful open source software.

QGIS 2: A Powerful Open Source GIS Software (Currently Unsupported)

QGIS 2 was a highly innovative open source GIS software that offered an extensive range of features and functionality. It provided users with a wide range of GIS analysis tools, beautiful labeling options, and amazing data interoperability. Despite its unsupported status, it remains a popular choice among users due to its open source nature and large user base.

Although QGIS 2 excelled in many areas, it did have a few limitations. One notable drawback was the lack of 3D integration, which could limit certain advanced functionalities for users requiring three-dimensional visualization. Additionally, the software experienced some issues with graphical modeling and topology tools, affecting the overall user experience in these areas. However, considering its robust feature set and open source nature, these limitations did not significantly impact its popularity.

QGIS 2’s key strengths lay in its impressive range of GIS analysis tools, empowering users with powerful capabilities for data analysis and manipulation. Users had access to a variety of tools for spatial analysis, attribute query, and geoprocessing, enabling them to extract valuable insights from their geospatial data.

The software also offered beautiful labeling options, allowing users to create visually appealing maps with clear and informative labels. This feature enhanced the overall cartographic quality of maps produced in QGIS 2, making it a preferred choice for users who prioritize aesthetic appeal and information presentation.

Furthermore, QGIS 2 boasted exceptional data interoperability, enabling users to seamlessly import and export data from various file formats. This flexibility facilitated the integration of data from a wide range of sources, enhancing the software’s usefulness in diverse applications and industries.

Although QGIS 2 is currently unsupported, users can still benefit from its extensive feature set and open source nature. The software’s large user community provides a valuable source of support and resources, ensuring users can find solutions to common issues and explore innovative use cases.

In conclusion, QGIS 2 was a powerful open source GIS software that offered a broad range of features and functionality. Despite its lack of 3D integration and certain issues with graphical modeling and topology tools, it remained a popular choice among users due to its extensive feature set, beautiful labeling options, and remarkable data interoperability capabilities.

Cadcorp: GIS and CAD Integration for Mapping and Styling

When it comes to GIS software that combines the power of GIS and CAD, Cadcorp takes the spotlight. This innovative software offers seamless integration between GIS and CAD in a single application, providing users with a comprehensive solution for mapping and styling.

One of the standout features of Cadcorp is its intuitive ribbon interface, which makes it easy to navigate and access the various tools and functionalities. Whether you’re a GIS professional or a CAD expert, the user-friendly interface ensures a smooth and efficient workflow.

With Cadcorp, you can build Cadcorp SIS web maps, allowing you to create dynamic and interactive maps that can be easily shared and accessed by others. This makes collaboration and data sharing a breeze, enhancing productivity and enabling effective communication within your team or organization.

Furthermore, Cadcorp provides developer tools for customization, allowing you to tailor the software to your specific needs and requirements. This flexibility empowers you to create personalized workflows and automate repetitive tasks, saving you time and effort in the long run.

However, it’s important to note that Cadcorp has its limitations. While it excels in GIS and CAD integration, it may not have extensive support community forums compared to other GIS software options. Additionally, Cadcorp may not have the same level of remote sensing tools as some of its competitors.

Despite these limitations, Cadcorp remains a strong contender in the GIS software market. Its unique GIS and CAD integration capabilities make it well-suited for mapping and styling projects, offering users a comprehensive solution to meet their spatial data needs.

GRASS GIS: A Powerful Open Source GIS Software for Geoprocessing

GRASS GIS is an exceptional open source GIS software renowned for its extensive geoprocessing capabilities. As a comprehensive tool, it offers a vast range of features for geoprocessing, LiDAR analysis, network analysis, and satellite imagery processing. These robust functionalities make it a top choice for professionals seeking advanced geospatial analysis capabilities.

Despite its powerful capabilities, GRASS GIS does have a few limitations. The software has a clunky user interface that can be challenging for new users to navigate. Additionally, users may experience a steep learning curve when initially getting acquainted with the software. Furthermore, GRASS GIS has limitations in the field of cartography and mapping, which may require users to supplement their workflow with additional software.

Nevertheless, the strengths of GRASS GIS outweigh its limitations, making it a valuable open source GIS software for geoprocessing tasks. With a rich set of tools and functionality, it empowers users to tackle complex geospatial challenges and analyze data efficiently.

Strengths	Weaknesses
Extensive geoprocessing capabilities	Clunky user interface
Advanced LiDAR analysis	Steep learning curve
Powerful network analysis	Limitations in cartography and mapping
Satellite imagery processing

WhiteBox GAT: A Diamond in the Rough for Terrain and Watershed Analysis

When it comes to specialized geospatial analysis, WhiteBox GAT stands out as an exceptional GIS software. While it may not have the same level of recognition as some of its counterparts, it shines in terrain and watershed analysis, making it a valuable tool for professionals in related fields.

WhiteBox GAT offers a wide array of tools specifically designed for hydrological modeling, terrain analysis, and image processing. Whether you’re studying the flow of water in a particular area or examining the topographic characteristics of a landscape, this software provides you with the necessary functionality to carry out detailed analysis and gain valuable insights.

However, it’s important to note that WhiteBox GAT does have some limitations. Unlike other GIS software, it may fall short in terms of visualization capabilities, which can impact the clarity and presentation of your analysis. Additionally, it lacks certain editing and snapping tools that may be necessary for precise data manipulation.

Despite these limitations, WhiteBox GAT remains a powerful tool for terrain and watershed analysis. Its specialized features and functionality make it an excellent choice for researchers, environmental scientists, and professionals working in fields that require in-depth geospatial analysis. With WhiteBox GAT, you can uncover valuable insights and make informed decisions based on detailed terrain and watershed data.

Key Features of WhiteBox GAT:

• Hydrological modeling tools
• Terrain analysis capabilities
• Image processing functionality

As the image above shows, WhiteBox GAT allows you to visualize and analyze terrain data effectively, providing you with the tools to explore elevation changes, slope analysis, and other important terrain characteristics.

Conclusion

In conclusion, GIS software plays a significant role in collecting, managing, and analyzing geospatial data across various industries. After conducting thorough reviews and ratings, it is clear that several top GIS software options are available, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses.

ArcGIS Pro, QGIS 3, ArcGIS Desktop, and Hexagon Geomedia are among the top choices for their exceptional analysis, cartography, and editing capabilities. These software packages offer a range of features and tools that enable users to effectively work with geospatial data.

Other notable GIS software options include MapInfo Professional, FME, Global Mapper, and Cadcorp. While they may have their own limitations, they still offer valuable functionalities and cater to specific needs within the GIS community.

When selecting the best GIS software for your specific requirements, it is crucial to consider various factors such as analysis capabilities, cartography features, editing tools, and more. By carefully evaluating these aspects, you can make an informed decision and choose the GIS software that will best serve your needs and help you achieve your goals.

FAQ

What is GIS software?

GIS software, or Geographic Information System software, is a tool used to collect, manage, and analyze geospatial data for various industries. It offers features such as spatial analysis, automated data collection, GPS tracking, geocoding, and map generation.

What are the top GIS software options available?

Some of the top GIS software options available include ArcGIS Pro, QGIS 3, ArcGIS Desktop, Hexagon Geomedia, MapInfo Professional, FME, Global Mapper, Cadcorp, GRASS GIS, and WhiteBox GAT.

What is ArcGIS Pro?

ArcGIS Pro is a highly rated GIS software known for its modern interface, 64-bit processing, and integration with 3D capabilities. It excels in analysis, cartography, and editing, making it the top choice for many GIS professionals.

What is QGIS 3?

QGIS 3 is an open source GIS software that offers impressive 3D integration. It has inventive editing, analysis, and mapping tools, making it the top choice for those looking for a robust open source GIS software.

What is ArcGIS Desktop?

ArcGIS Desktop is a cutting-edge GIS software known for its scalability, geoprocessing framework, and beautiful cartography symbology options. It excels in editing, topology tools, and interoperability.

What is Hexagon Geomedia?

Hexagon Geomedia is a mature GIS software that has been around for over 40 years. It offers fast querying and analysis, strong cartography, and superior editing capabilities. It is often used in combination with ERDAS Imagine for remote sensing.

What is MapInfo Professional?

MapInfo Professional is a GIS software that focuses on location intelligence and business decision-making. It offers ease of use, powerful addressing and geocoding, and improved visualization integration.

What is FME?

FME, or Feature Manipulation Engine, is a unique GIS software that specializes in data interoperability. It offers powerful transformers and thorough documentation, making it a popular choice for data wrangling and integration.

What is Global Mapper?

Global Mapper is a versatile GIS software known for its robust LiDAR display and processing capabilities. It supports a wide range of formats and offers advanced elevation manipulation tools.

What is QGIS 2?

QGIS 2 is an open source GIS software that rivals the best in terms of features and functionality. It offers a wide range of GIS analysis tools, beautiful labeling options, and amazing data interoperability.

What is Cadcorp?

Cadcorp is a GIS software that integrates GIS with CAD in a single application. It offers an intuitive ribbon interface, the ability to build Cadcorp SIS web maps, and developer tools for customization.

What is GRASS GIS?

GRASS GIS is a powerful open source GIS software known for its extensive geoprocessing capabilities. It offers top-notch tools for geoprocessing, LiDAR and network analysis, and satellite imagery.

What is WhiteBox GAT?

WhiteBox GAT is a lesser-known GIS software that excels in terrain and watershed analysis. It offers a wide range of tools for hydrological modeling, terrain analysis, and image processing.

Source Links

• https://gisgeography.com/best-gis-software/
• https://www.trustradius.com/geographic-information
• https://financesonline.com/c/gis-software/