Best GIS Software

What is GIS Mapping Software?

A Geographic Information System (GIS Software) is designed to store, retrieve, manage, display, and analyze all types of geographic and spatial data. GIS software can produce maps and other graphic displays of geographic information for analysis and presentation.

GIS mapping software is used to develop maps and other geographic information for presentation and analysis purposes. It stores data based on geographical features and characteristics. Thus, it helps visualize the geographic and spatial data for input to the organization’s different systems.

It can be featured using points, lines, and areas. For example, aerial photos can be used as raster images, road data can be stored as lines, boundaries can be stored as areas, and city data can be stored as points.

It grasps the information using spatial indices like longitude, latitude, etc. Thus, no matter how descriptive any data is, there is always the correct identification of the features using this mapping software.

GIS mapping software can be used as a data visualization tool and helps in problem-solving and decision-making in any organization. It can help you map locations, quantities, densities, changes, nearby areas, and inside a specific location.

It incorporates technology to take the leverage of spatial data. It further works on business-based plans and methods for facilitating normal operations.

Before jumping to features, it is crucial to understand their main constituents. The critical components of a GIS geographic information system are:

1. Hardware

Geographic information software uses centralized computer servers or standalone desktop computers, or network configured computers.

2. Software

The software helps execute functions and tools to monitor the input and manipulation of geographic information. It also helps in the database management system and supports geographic query, visualization, and analysis. It is further responsible for a user-friendly interface.

3. People

The management of GEO information systems is carried out by trained professionals responsible for its maintenance as well.

4. Data

Spatial data and geographic data are managed by GIS software.

5. Methods

The method of operation of any GIS system is based on the company’s expectations. For example, a soil survey company and delivery company employ different GIS software solutions and practices to get the best out of it.

The 5 Best GIS Software for 2024

1. Top-Rated GIS Software for Small Business: Mango
2. Complete GIS Software for Advanced cartography: Maptitude
3. Leading GIS Software for Business Owners: ArcGIS
4. Best GIS Software in India: Maptive
5. Best Indian GIS Software for Detailed Analysis: LandVision 

Use of GIS Software

Different kinds of data management require specialized tools. But when it comes to spatial and geographic data, geographic information system (GIS) software is the ultimate solution. It is a conceptualized framework that allows data capture, data preparation, data management, storing and maintenance, etc.

Apart from these essential functions, it also enables data manipulation, data analysis, and data presentation. GIS tool is vital for any private organization or public sector dealing with any spatial or geographic data.

Roger F Tomlinson is regarded as the father of GIS as he coined the term “geographic information system” in the year 1968. He used the first-ever computerized GIS on the Canada Geographic Information System.

Since then, enormous developments have taken place in the GIS systems. Gaining actionable intelligence for all types of spatial and geographical data is the main aim of modern GIS tools. Ideally, this technology quickly revolves around the way of looking at maps and gathering information.

Organizations, whether the public or private sector, are dealing with dynamic data. Thus, physical tools like maps and images cannot deliver real-time intelligence that can be implemented in decision-making.

Take the example of a national census or soil distribution for any agricultural-based company. In both cases, geographical locations have an essential role. The same can’t be represented in excel sheets. Hence, the pace of geographic information systems software is gaining momentum. Let us have a deep understanding of this modern technology.

Features of Geographic Information Software

The information is stored in thematic layers in geographic information systems. The main features of this software include:

1. Data Input-Data Conversion to GIS-Compatible Format:

Raw geographical data can’t be fed to the GIS software. It needs to be converted into a digitized form. Thus, data input is the first feature of any GIS. It is done automatically with the help of scanning and digitizing tablets.

Further, you can take data from the data-supplying agencies in addition to the in-built GIS-compatible data. The different features of data input include geocoding, vector model, and raster method.

Geocoding is an automated process that creates geographic references for multiple locations from raw data like references. It is the building block of the GIS features like locating a business, locating a forest, etc.

The vector model uses the information regarding lines, polygons, and points encoded and stored as x, y, and z coordinates’ collections. It uses single x, and y coordinates for point location, point coordinates for linear features, and a loop of coordinates for polygonal elements. Thus, it is highly efficient for establishing discrete components in a GIS system.

On the other hand, the raster model constitutes a collection of grid cells. It can handle continuously changing features like population. Modern GIS is equipped with all these features.

2. Data Manipulation- Spatial Data Manipulation Tools:

Data manipulation is achieved using automated tools. Thus, the GIS software understands the need for regular scaling of different data that can be temporary or permanent based on the requirements. This manipulation further helps in eliminating unnecessary data from the system.

3. Data Management- Relational Design Concept:

Implementation of data management techniques requires strict and straightforward concepts. Thus, all modern online GIS software works on relational design. In relational design, data is stored as a collection of tables with standard fields getting linked together. Its key advantages are high scalability and flexibility.

4. Query and Analysis- Proximity Analysis and Overlay Analysis:

The best GIS system should be capable of handling analytical and straightforward questions. The point-and-click technology and sophisticated analysis tools are inseparable from a GIS. The proximity analysis and overlay analysis are the essential features of the query and analysis function. 

Buffering is used to establish the proximity relationship between different articles of the query. It answers questions like how many customers live within 10km of the store and how many houses are located near this water source.

The data integration on joints, slopes, etc., requires overlay. It is achieved in layers and is more than a simple visual operation as it requires the physical joining of data layers. Thus, any GIS system should be powered by these two features.

5. Data Visualization- Maps and Graphs:

Maps and graphs mark the data visualization by GIS. These can be further integrated with three-dimensional views, multimedia, photographic images, and reports. 

These are necessary features of any GIS software that stores and communicates geographical information. Modern GIS is equipped with multiple tools for cartographical representation.

Benefits of Using GIS Software

The significant benefits of using the GIS system in your organization are:

1. Improved Decision-Making:

Making a correct decision about your following business location is best realized by the GIS. It also helps with the real-time data that leads to improved decision-making at all organizational levels. The decisions like zoning, planning, and natural resources extraction are some of the critical functional areas.

2. Better Organizational Integration:

GIS software improves communication within the organization. The data visualization from GIS is helpful in storytelling and understanding the current situations. Thus, your valuable data can commute smoothly within the organization.

3. Enhanced Operational Efficiency:

GIS software solutions reduce operational costs and significantly enhance the existing functions. The automation of the delivery and tracking functions by GIS eliminates the loopholes in the system.

4. Manages Customer Service:

The geospatial data from the GIS system can work to manage your customer service. It further helps the companies to identify potential customers and serve them accordingly to improve their customer journey.

5. Design Citizen’s Welfare:

This is the best use of a geoinformation system for government or not-for-profit organizations. These organizations can focus on citizen welfare services by employing the latest GIS. It saves hundreds of dollars in collecting data, validating the inputs, and designing different locations’ strategies.

Considerations while Purchasing GIS Software

Here is a quick guide to read before purchasing geographic information system software including:

1. Data Assessment Tools:

It is vital to access your expectations from GIS software. It can be achieved by preparing a list of the mandatory tools in data assessment. It can also help to generate the required data sets on the GIS platform. Make sure that you only pay for what you will be using.

2. Data Management Features:

The scalability feature of GIS mapping software will be difficult to handle without the requisite data management features. Thus, these should be great integration options for time-to-time easy input and extraction of data.

3. Data Analytics Features:

The data analytics features of a geographical system will result in the best visualization. Thus, it is essential to look out for these features. The usability of your GIS should remain high which is dependent on these features only. 

4. Support Types:

Like other software, the GIS system also demands genuine support. With more and more people accessing the internet through mobile phones, your GIS must be mobile-friendly. The vector methods can help upgrade your mobile user experience. Staying on the desktop-based or web-based GIS can limit its functioning and can affect the user experience.

5. Licensing Types:

There is an option to choose from proprietary licensing or open-source GIS software. You can select open-source GIS software options that are ideal for basic GIS and are highly manageable.

Challenges Faced in GIS Tool?

Like other software, GIS tools are also prone to specific challenges like:

• The requirements of hardware, software, and trained GIS managing professionals require high costs.

• It isn’t easy to integrate the traditional data that is not loaded in the tools previously.

• It isn’t easy to simulate GIS software data.

• The data structure is complex and difficult to apprehend in project transformation and requires specially skilled professionals.

GIS Software Trends

The future trends in GIS mapping software include:

1. IoT:

Internet of Things can help the miniaturization of hardware required in the proper functioning and implementation of GIS.

2. High-Performing Computing:

High-performing computing networks and cloud-based services allow quick access and high-end contribution to geospatial data.

3. Network Expansion:

Broad and quick access to wireless and web networks provide space for geospatial data distribution and data transmission.

4. Sensor Distribution:

The developments of new modalities for sensor distribution expand the working and benefits of simple GIS software.

5. Real-time Spatiotemporal Data:

The data collected across space and time is a revolutionary trend in cartographic representation and geography. It is a base of multiple GIS research initiatives.