QGIS
QGIS is a free and open-source geographic information system software. It allows viewing, editing, and analyzing geospatial data. QGIS offers features for mapping, data management, and data visualization.
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QGIS: Free Geographic Information System Software
QGIS is a free and open-source geographic information system software. It allows viewing, editing, and analyzing geospatial data. QGIS offers features for mapping, data management, and data visualization.
What is QGIS?
QGIS is a professional open-source Geographic Information System (GIS) software for working with maps and geospatial data. It is licensed under the GNU Public License. QGIS allows you to view, edit, analyze, process, and visualize spatial data in various formats including shapefiles, GeoTIFFs, PostGIS, SpatiaLite, GPX, and more. It supports vector and raster data models as well as advanced analysis and data processing tools.
Some key features of QGIS include:
- Visualization, exploration, and editing of geospatial data including attribute data management
- Advanced data analysis with processing algorithms and model builder tools
- Map design, layout, and publishing with print composer
- Support for hundreds of vector, raster, and database formats
- Integration with PostGIS, SpatiaLite, Oracle Spatial databases
- Python plugins for customization and additional functionality
- Powerful digitizing tools for creating and editing geospatial features
- Network analysis tools including shortest path, service areas, and more
- Georeferencing raster and vector data
- Remote sensing tools for satellite imagery and aerial photo analysis
- 3D map and terrain visualization
QGIS is cross-platform and runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. It has an extensive user community and offers documentation, tutorials, plugins, support, and customization to meet diverse GIS user needs.
QGIS Features
Features
- Desktop GIS application
- View, edit, analyze geospatial data
- Create maps with many layers
- Plugin architecture for extensibility
- Supports many vector and raster formats
- Powerful styling and labeling capabilities
- Geoprocessing tools
- Print layouts for map production
- Python console for automation and customization
Pricing
- Open Source
Pros
Free and open source
Cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux)
Active development community
User friendly graphical interface
Support for GRASS, SAGA, GDAL libraries
Can handle large datasets
Many plugins available
Integrates with PostgreSQL/PostGIS databases
Cons
Steep learning curve for beginners
Not as polished as commercial GIS
Limited cartographic quality of maps
No enterprise-level support services
Some stability issues
Lacks some advanced analysis tools
Official Links
The Best QGIS Alternatives
Top Office & Productivity and Geographic Information Systems and other similar apps like QGIS
Here are some alternatives to QGIS:
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Global Mapper
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MapInfo Professional
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SAGA GIS
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SuperGIS
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CartoDB
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OpenGeo Suite
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MICRODEM
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MapWindow GIS
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GeoNode
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Google Maps Engine
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Mapnik
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Magic Maps
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GeoSheets
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GRASS GIS
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Mapline
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Plus.codes
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Maptitude
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GIS Cloud
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Spatial Feature Server
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OpenJUMP GIS
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