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Map Software Reviews
Modern technology has enabled people to navigate their way around the world using hi-tech satellites with GPS capabilities that power the navigation devices in your car and smartphone in your hand. No longer do people have to pull out gas station maps or full-sized atlases to find their way from Point A to Point B; now all you need is a computer, GPS device, or smartphone with Internet connection where you can plug in your starting and ending points and follow automated turn-by-turn instructions. However, digital map software is a helpful tool to optimize the details of your trip, as smartphones and GPSs aren’t always reliable or up to date. With map software, you have access to massive networks of roads, trails, and points of interest across whole continents, so you’ll never get lost or be without the amenities of roadside stops.
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Most Popular Map Software
National Geographic TOPO! State Series. Discount Prices All States. Purchase online here. Award-winning TOPO! Mapping software provides a complete set of powerful, easy-to-use features. Want to use the State Series with your Palm or Pocket PC? Get the Pocket TOPO! Extension to add the ability to sync the TOPO!
- FREE topographic maps online 24/7. View all of our high-quality shaded relief USGS topo maps, Forest Service maps, satellite images, and custom map layers for free.
- Powerful Professional Mapping. Terrain Navigator Pro combines USGS topographic maps, aerial photos and our most advanced software tools. Terrain Navigator Pro is fast becoming the standard for mapping professionals and committed outdoor enthusiasts who rely on accurate, detailed topos that can be used in the office and in the field with GPS.
Microsoft
MapPoint 2013 North America software allows the user to create and customize information-rich maps for road trips, business purposes, and recreation. For streamlining your travel, MapPoint provides detailed instructions and turn-by-turn directions, via voice and text prompts, to optimize your traveling time and ensure you arrive on time. The program allows you to calculate mileage, drive time, and gas/other expenses in advance on your computer, and the data can then be synced to your smartphone or navigation device. If you already have mapping data in Office Excel/Access, a Microsoft SQL server, or other database, you can tap into these sources and create maps with the existing content. Among the many interactive user features of MP North America are over 2.5 million points of interest, restaurant/hotel ratings and reviews, and business, customer, and demographic data all in one mapping program.
- Choose how city, highway, and local roads show up on each map you create to optimize your travel route
- Updated street-level maps with over 2.5 million points of interest
- Calculate mileage, drive time, and expenses and upload information into a compatible navigation device
- Visualize business, competition, and demographic data in map form from preexisting data in Microsoft Office programs
– Anthony Dawson
Best Overall Map Software
Garmin
Garmin City Navigator is an all-inclusive package that features a full-range of mapping customization and includes a GPS device that plugs into your laptop for full-screen directions, auto rerouting, and spoken directions. With Garmin City Navigator you can plan a family road trip or vacation route, make business traveling more efficient, and make your own driving tour to parks, historical sites, and major local attractions. The program is packed with over 2.5 million points of interest across the US and Canada so you can find rest stops, restaurants, and gas stations along the way without needing Internet connection.Fully customized map-making with Garmin City Navigator enable you to calculate mileage, fuel costs, ETAs, and compare different routes before you leave to optimize your travel time. But if you prefer leisurely back roads and scenic routes, the software can be tailored to you with preferred driving speeds, driving times, road types, and more.
- Street-level maps of US and Canada with over 150,000 miles of updated roads and 2.5 million points of interest
- MicroSD card comes with GPS maps that plugs directly into your laptop for a full-screen map guide
- Plan or make changes along your route without access to Internet or cellphone reception with programed maps and routes always at your fingertips
- Add notes, phone, numbers, and reservations into your custom route to optimize your travel, whether for business or recreation
– Anthony Dawson
Best Budget Map Software
GPS Map
Whether you’re going for a road trip, hike in the mountains, or historical tour, the GPS Map 2019 has all the tools to get you there and back again. GPS Map 2019 provides detailed street and trail data for the US and Canada, including more than 800,000 new road names in the US and 4 million individual points of interest, in addition to the major highways and roads for most of Mexico. GPS Map 2019 is especially useful for hikers and outdoorsmen, as it includes an extensive network of trails with 3D map views and terrain information, all in high-resolution color display. For users demanding even more detail than the software already provides, a low cost subscription to the GGM Enterprises library provides access to USGS 1:24,000 topographic quadrants, 1:50,000 Natural Resources Canada topographic maps, and NOAA nautical charts. The program also allows you to take your laptop on the road for a hands-free full-screen experience using GPS Map 2019 NavMode.
- Fly over realistic 3D and topographic aerial imagery for roads and trails across the US and Canada
- Lake, river, and stream information for all 50 US states and data for 38 National Parks and 100 provincial parks across Canada
- Ability to add local roads into the program and make and save customized travel routes
- Access to USGS Quads and NOAA via GGM Enterprises Map Library subscription
– Anthony Dawson
Map Software Buying Guide
In today’s technologically advanced world, there are many map software programs on the market. The biggest challenge that arises is which platform or program to choose. However, before choosing your preferred map software, it’s essential to understand your needs, objectives and the possible costs and benefits. You should also note that there’s free and commercial mapping software. Below are some top factors to consider before purchasing your preferred map software:
Factors to Consider
1. Links and Attachments
This is probably the first factor you need to consider when choosing mapping software. Ensure that the software can support a wide range of links and attachments which include files, folders, web pages, etc. Also, ensure that the software has links to email messages because you’re likely to get lots of information when conducting research or capturing ideas in a map. Remember that being able to pull your content easily into your maps in really powerful.
2. Objectives
You need to determine what objectives or goals you want to achieve. Remember that mapping isn’t just about drawing boundaries on different land masses. It’s majorly concerned with plotting spreadsheet data that are relevant to different locations. If you want to work on simple mappings, then look for software that suits that only. In this case, you don’t need complex and sophisticated mapping software. Your objectives play a critical role in the type of software you need to purchase.
3. Device and Operating System
This is a very critical factor to consider when choosing mapping software. This is because some may not be compatible with various devices. For instance, we some mapping software which claim to support tablets, iPads and mobile phones. Such solutions aren’t ideal for standard computer applications. However, when you want to view a map in full screen, the size of tablets, iPads, and phones isn’t enough. Checking the operating system of your device is essential. For instance, if your PC runs on Mac operating system, ensure you look for programs that are compatible with the system. Knowing which operating system your device supports will help you save much time.
4. Ease of Use
Choose map software that is user-friendly and doesn’t require a lot of effort to understand how it works. Remember that if you need mapping software for your company whereby you have several employees, the cost of training can be quite high. This will probably increase your cost of production.
5. Cost
The costs of mapping software don’t seem to be clear in the first glance. For instance, if you choose desktop software, the data contained start going out of date. However, to get real and up to date geographical data, you’ll be required to look for a new version of the program. Additionally, you also need to consider the number of people who’ll have access to the map software. It’s possible to get better deals online at a reduced price per user or users per license. You also need to be aware of add on costs. This is because most mapping software agencies charge an extra fee to supply some additional boundary datasets which are outside the basic software package. Don’t always look for simple and cheap mapping programs because most of them are limited in functionality.
6. Content Filtering
If you’re dealing with huge and complex projects which yield complex maps, then it’s essential to choose mapping software with the ability to filter content. In most cases, filtering map content is usually based on the task. If you apply this filter option, only the required topics will display making it easy to see what you should do. You can also filter your map content to an icon or symbol. This feature is key if you want all the information to be well organized and productive.
7. Export Formats
It’s essential to choose a program that allows export to multiple formats like PDFs, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and web pages. However, you don’t need to purchase mapping software that allows all these export formats. Choose mapping software based on the formats you need.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these are some of the top factors to consider when choosing your preferred map software. You can also consult an IT professional if the process seems challenging.
Your search for free GIS software is now over
You don’t have to pay a king’s ransom to map the world.
This is because you can do it all with free GIS software.
Omikron Basic 8.50 offers you a powerful and comprehensive programming language that makes it quick and easy to write real BASIC programs as well as to build extensive applications. Free visual basic tutorial.
The best part is:
These free GIS software give you the firepower to get the job done as if you’re working with commercial GIS software.
We’ve mapped out the GIS software landscape , but these 13 (out of 30) reign supreme for free mapping software.
1 QGIS – Formerly Quantum GIS
After the epic GIS software battle in GIS history between ArcGIS vs QGIS, we illustrated with 27 differences why QGIS is undoubtedly the #1 free GIS software package.
QGIS is jam-packed with hidden gems at your fingertips. For example, you can automate map production, process geospatial data, and generate drool-worthy cartographic figures.
There’s no other free mapping software on this list that lets you map like a rock star than QGIS.
QGIS Plugins boost this mapping software into a state of epicness. If the tool doesn’t exist, search for a plugin developed by the QGIS community.
Volunteer effort is key to its success. The QGIS Stack Exchange support is impressively great.
If you’re still searching for free GIS software, you’d be insane not to download the free GIS software QGIS. Here’s your beginner’s guide to QGIS to get your feet wet.
In February 2018, QGIS 3 brings a whole new set of cartography, 3D and analysis tools. We’ve got you covered on how to find all of its newest features and plugins:
READ MORE:The Hidden Powers of QGIS 3: 33 Truly Underappreciated Features and Plugins
2 gVSIG
In 2004, the gvSIG project emerged as a free, open source GIS software option in Spain.
We illustrate in this gvSIG guide and review why we like it SO much:
gvSIG really outperforms QGIS 2 for 3D. It really is the best 3D visualization available in open source GIS.
The NavTable is agile in that it allows you to see records one-by-one vertically.
The CAD tools are impressive on gvSIG. Thanks to the OpenCAD Tools, you can trace geometries, edit vertices, snap and split lines and polygons.
If you need GIS on your mobile phone, gvSIG Mobile is perfect for field work because of its interface and GPS tools.
3 Whitebox GAT
Yes, Whitebox GAT (Geospatial Analysis Toolbox) is #3 on the list of open source, free GIS software.
Unbelievably, Whitebox GAT has only been around since 2009 because it feels so fine-tuned when you see it in action.
There’s a hydrology theme around Whitebox GAT. It actually replaced Terrain Analysis System (TAS) – a tool for hydro-geomorphic applications.
Whitebox GAT is really a full-blown open-access GIS and remote sensing software package.
Where it shines is LIDAR!
With no barriers, Whitebox GAT is the swiss-army knife of LiDAR data.
The LiDAR toolbox is a life-saver. For example, LAS to shapefile is an insanely useful tool. But you may need a Java update to go in full throttle though.
The cartographic mapping software tools are primitive compared to QGIS.
But overall Whitebox GAT is solid with over 410 tools to clip, convert, analyze, manage, buffer and extract geospatial information.
I find it amazing this free GIS software almost goes unheard of in the GIS industry.
Get more useful knowledge from the Whitebox GAT Open Source Blog.
4 SAGA GIS
SAGA GIS (System for Automated Geoscientific Analyses) is one of the classics in the world of free GIS software.
It started out primarily for terrain analysis such as hillshading, watershed extraction and visibility analysis.
Now, SAGA GIS is a powerhouse because it delivers a fast growing set of geoscientific methods to the geoscientific community.
Enable multiple windows to lay out all your analysis (map, histograms, scatter plots, attributes, etc). It provides both a user-friendly GUI and API.
It’s not particularly useful in cartography but it’s a lifesaver in terrain analysis.
Closing gaps in raster data sets is easy. The morphometry tools are unique including the SAGA topographic wetness index and topographic position classification. If you have a DEM, and don’t know what to do with it – you NEED to look at SAGA GIS.
Overall, it’s quick, reliable and accurate. Consider SAGA GIS a prime choice for environmental modeling and other applications.
READ MORE:SAGA GIS (System for Automated Geoscientific Analyses) Review and Guide
5 GRASS GIS
GRASS GIS (Geographic Resources Analysis Support System) was developed by the US Army Corps of Engineers as a tool for land management and environmental planning.
It has evolved into a free GIS software option for different areas of study.
Academia, environment consultants and government agencies (NASA, NOAA, USDA and USGS) use GRASS GIS because of its intuitive GUI and its reliability.
It has over 350 rock-solid vector and raster manipulation tools.
Not awfully useful in cartographic design, GRASS GIS excels primarily as a free GIS software option for analysis, image processing, digital terrain manipulation and statistics.
6 MapWindow
In 2000, MapWindow was proprietary GIS software. However, it has been made open through a contract with the US EPA called “Basins”. At this point, The source code was released to the public.
Now that MapWindow 5 has been released, it surprisingly has some serious punch. For example, MapWindow does about 90% of what GIS users need – map viewer, identify features, processing tools and print layout.
It has some higher level tools such as TauDEM for automatic watershed delineation. While HydroDesktop for data discovery, download, visualization and editing, DotSpatial for GIS programmers. In addition, it has an extensible plugin architecture for customization.
7 ILWIS
Free GIS software users rejoice. Once commercial GIS software, now turned into open source GIS. ILWIS (Integrated Land and Water Information Management) is an oldie but a goodie.
The extinction-proof ILWIS is free GIS software for planners, biologists, water managers and geospatial users. ILWIS is good at the basics – digitizing, editing, displaying geographic data. Further to this, it’s also used for remote sensing with tools for image classification, enhancements and spectral band manipulation.
Over time, it has improved support for time series, 3 analysis and animation. Overall, I found it difficult to do some of the basics like adding layers. However, the documentation is thorough with a pretty decent following for usage.
READ MORE:Integrated Land and Water Information Management (ILWIS)
8 GeoDa
GeoDa is a free GIS software program primarily used to introduce new users into spatial data analysis. It’s main functionality is data exploration in statistics.
One of the nicest things about it is how it comes with sample data for you to give a test-drive. From simple box-plots all the way to regression statistics, GeoDa has complete arsenal of statistics to do nearly anything spatially.
It’s user base is strong. For example, Harvard, MIT and Cornell universities have embraced this free GIS software to serve as a gentle introduction to spatial analysis for non-GIS users. From economic development to health and real estate, it’s been used as an exciting analytical in labs as well.
READ MORE:GeoDa Software – Data Exploration at its Finest
9 uDig
uDIG is an acronym to help get a better understanding what this Free GIS software is all about.
- u stands for user-friendly interface
- D stands for desktop (Windows, Mac or Linux). You can run uDIG on a Mac.
- I stand for internet oriented consuming standard (WMS, WFS or WPS)
- G stands for GIS-ready for complex analytical capabilities.
When you start digging into uDig, it’s a nice open source GIS software option for basic mapping. uDig’s Mapnik lets you import basemaps with the same tune as ArcGIS
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Specifically, it’s easy-to-use, the catalog, symbology and Mac OS functionality are some of the strong points. But it has limited tools and the bugs bog it down to really utilize it as a truly complete free GIS software package.
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10 OpenJump
Formerly JUMP GIS, OpenJump GIS (JAVA Unified Mapping Platform) started as a first class conflation project. It succeeded. But eventually grew into something much bigger. Because of how its large community effort grew, OpenJUMP into a more complete free GIS software package.
One of its strengths is how it handles large data sets well. Rendering is above-grade with a whole slew of mapping options. For example, you can generate pie charts, plotting and choropleth maps.
OpenJUMP GIS Plugins enhance its capabilities. There are plugins for editing, raster, printing, web-processing, spatial analysis, GPS and databases. Conflating data is another option with a whole lot more from its plugins.
11 Diva GIS
Biologists using GIS unite! This one specializes in mapping biological richness and diversity distribution including DNA data.
Diva GIS is another free GIS software package for mapping and analyzing data. Diva GIS also delivers useful, every day free GIS data for your mapping needs.
It’s possible to extract climate data for all locations on the land. From here, there are statistical analysis and modeling techniques to work with.
For the biologist in you, it’s worth a long look for biologists around the world. Otherwise, you should be looking at one of the top options above.
12 FalconView
The initial purpose of FalconView is to be a free and open source GIS software.
Georgia Tech built this open software for displaying various types of maps and geographically referenced overlays.
Georgia Tech built this open software for displaying various types of maps and geographically referenced overlays.
Now, most of FalconView’s users are from the US Department of Defense and other National Geospatial Intelligence Agencies. This is because it can be used for combat flight planning.
In SkyView mode, you can fly-through even using MXD files. It supports various types of display like elevation, satellite, LiDAR, KMZ and MrSID.
13 OrbisGIS
OrbisGIS is a work-in-progress. Its goal is to be a cross-platform open source GIS software package designed by and for research.
It provides some GIS techniques to manage and share spatial data. OrbisGIS is able to process vector and raster data models.
It can execute processes like noise maps or hydrology process without any add-ons. Orbis GIS Plug-ins are available but are very limited for the time-being.
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The developers are still working on the documentation. You may want to look elsewhere until this project gets sturdy up on its feet.
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Free GIS Software List
As we have shown, there’s a bucket load of free GIS software that can:
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- Perform hundreds of advanced GIS processing tasks.
- Generate stunning cartography and mapping products.
- Manage your company’s geospatial assets efficiently.
Now that you have a better vision of free GIS software available to you, did we miss anything?
Let us know with a comment below.