Geographic information systems (GIS) is a dynamic program that allows users to convert geographic data into exact and concise data. It offers valuable information about logistic routing, land management and analysis of demographics, designing facilities, and more.
Although research has shown that implementing GIS software can yield profitable returns on investment, the initial costs are often relatively high. That’s why we’ve compiled an inventory of the top free GIS software. Below is a listing of the most effective free GIS software that can be used by businesses with limited budgets or those looking to see if they can test the waters before taking the plunge.
This list includes the best GIS software that comes with no cost. It is possible that they only support just one person or a project. However, they can be free to use. The process of scaling, however, usually requires a significant cost. Let’s get started.
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What is a Geographic Information System (GIS)?
The Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computer that analyses and displays geographic-related data. The data it uses is linked to an individual geographical location. Most of the information we have about the world has a geographical source.
Where are USGS streams located? What was the location where a rock sample was taken? Where exactly are the city’s fire hydrants? For instance, if the rare plant occurs in three locations, GIS analysis might show that all the plants are located on slopes facing north that are higher than 1,000 feet.
They also receive over ten inches of rain each year. GIS maps can display every location with the same circumstances, allowing researchers to know where to find uncommon species. If you know the farms that use fertilizers, GIS analysis of farm places, locations of streams and elevations, and rainfall will reveal which rivers will likely carry the fertilizer downstream.
These are only a few instances of the numerous applications of GIS for earth sciences, the management of resources, biology, and many other areas.
Top 5 GIS Software in 2023
UpKeep
Our list starts with UpKeep. UpKeep can be described as an Asset Operations Management solution that assists businesses in scaling by providing each Maintenance and Reliability team with the equipment and data they require to manage Operations efficiently and efficiently. Cloud-based CMMS (computerized maintenance and management software) specifically designed for smartphones can be used in various sectors like manufacturing construction, distribution warehouses, utilities, restaurants, hotels, food processing and education facilities, churches, etc.
It lets users organize maintenance plans and work orders while on mobile devices, using the tools needed to make work orders priority and signature capture and annotation on images, import asset data and scan barcodes, manage inventory chat and collaboration, invoice production, and much more. UpKeep lets users create individual work orders to serve multiple uses, like making checklists or measuring the value by using forms and template elements. Images, documents, and even parts can be added to the tasks, and the user can prioritize work orders based on the urgency of their Work.
Asset information can be transferred into UpKeep from records already in place, and barcodes assigned to components or assets may be scannable for inclusion in the work order. The user can make recurring maintenance plans that prevent the need to reserve and schedule specific parts for work-related orders. Inventory can be controlled by place of operation, and the history of parts tracking lets users see where each item has been utilized.
- Deployment – Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based.
- Platform – Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, iPhone, iPad.
- Top Features – API, Access Controls/Permissions, Accounting Integration, Activity Dashboard, Activity Tracking, Alerts/Notifications, Appointment Management, Appointment Scheduling, Archiving and retention, Asset Accounting, Asset Lifecycle Management, Asset Planning, Asset Tracking, Audit Management, Audit Trail, Autofill, Automated Scheduling, Barcode Printing.
- Free Trial & Version Available
- Prize – $45/ Per month.
- Best for – Barcode Recognition, Barcode/Ticket Scanning, Barcoding/RFID, Benchmarking, Billing & Invoicing, Bills of Material, Built-in Accounting, CRM.
- Support – Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Phone Support, 24/7 (Live Rep), Chat.
- Overall Rating – 5/5 Stars
MaintainX
The second that comes on the list is MaintainX. MaintainX is a mobile-first work procedure and order digitization program that helps frontline workers in factories be aware of what they are required to complete and the best way to complete it using centrally-controlled security procedures such as environmental checklists, tooling, and gauge report maintenance protocols as well as training checklists and inspection and auditing processes. MaintainX permits users to make paper-based digital procedures, such as safety and checklist inspections. It also provides immediate feedback from field workers. MaintainX is explicitly designed for restaurants, facilities, and manufacturing executives. MaintainX provides rapid and accessible data, which allows users to prioritize and manage the work order in one central location.
MaintainX allows native iOS and Android apps that allow users to create work orders, monitor location and assets, and connect with their teams at any time and anywhere on any tablet or mobile device. The in-app messaging feature and the work order commenting tools help team members collaborate to help keep users organized and on the right track.
It allows unlimited tasks, assets, destinations, messages, and images. It lets users create lists, processes, and read readings using MaintainX’s form builder. MaintainX template builder.
- Deployment – Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based.
- Platform – Windows, Linux, iPhone, iPad.
- Top Features – API, Access Controls/Permissions, Accounting Integration, Activity Dashboard, Activity Tracking, Alerts/Notifications, Appointment Management, Approval Process Control, Archiving and retention, Asset Accounting, Asset Lifecycle Management, and Asset Planning.
- Free Trial & Version Available
- Prize – Price not provided by the vendor.
- Best for – Asset Tracking, Audit Management, Audit Trail, Autofill, Automated Scheduling, Barcode/Ticket Scanning, Barcoding/RFID, Billing and invoicing, Business Process Automation, and Business Process Control.
- Support – Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Phone Support, 24/7 (Live Rep), Chat.
- Overall Rating – 4.8/5 Stars
Jawg Maps
Jawg Maps is third on the list. Jawg Maps allows users to develop maps that can be integrated seamlessly into websites and applications using APIs for application programming (APIs).
The Jawg platform is a mapping solution for enterprises that provide services derived from OpenSource tools and other proprietary ones and OpenStreetMap information. It includes mapping customization tools and statistics that allow you to set up your software to suit your customers’ preferences.
- Deployment – Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based.
- Top Features – API, Activity Dashboard, Automatic Location Detection, Categorization/Grouping, Color Codes/Icons, Customizable Branding, Customizable Fields, Data Import/Export, Data Visualization.
- Free Trial & Version Available
- Prize – $250/ Per month.
- Best for – Directions, Distance Calculation, Geocoding, Geographic Maps, Geolocation, Map Creation, Map Sharing, Mapping, Multi-Location, Multiple Data Sources, Reporting & Statistics.
- Support – Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Phone Support, Chat.
- Overall Rating – 4.7/5 Stars
EZOfficeInventory
EZOfficeInventory allows you to manage inventory and asset stock simply. It monitors the entire lifespan of the asset, allowing you to design purchase Orders, draft service tickets, and oversee suppliers effectively. Make custom labels, then use our mobile app to scan QR codes and Barcodes. We also offer RFID integration, which can cut the processing times by a significant amount.
The software for tracking assets offers straightforward depreciation administration, scan-based audits, and actionable reports that will help you make informed company decisions. The history of possession and location makes it easier to keep track of vast amounts of property. The Zendesk integration and Work order management tools, help organize all tasks related to the assets you own. Additionally, you can set your fields and alerts to provide an asset management experience specific to your preferences!
- Deployment – Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based.
- Top Features – API, Access Controls/Permissions, Accounting Integration, Activity Dashboard, Activity Tracking, Ad hoc Reporting, Alerts/Escalation, Alerts/Notifications, Asset Accounting, Asset Images, Asset Library, Asset Lifecycle Management, Asset Planning, Asset Tracking.
- Free Trial & Version Available
- Prize – $40/ Per month.
- Best for – Audit Management, Audit Trail, Availability Management, Barcode Printing, Barcode Recognition, Barcode/Label Management.
- Support – Email/Help Desk FAQs/Forum Knowledge Base Phone Support, Chat.
- Overall Rating – 4.7/5 Stars
ArcGIS
ArcGIS is a product from Esri, a comprehensive collection of geographical information systems (GIS) software applications compatible with multiple platforms. It promises to use standards-compliant techniques for spatial analysis, data management, and location-based 3D data mapping.
ArcGIS offers contextual tools for mapping as well as spatial reasoning. Users can visualize and evaluate organizational business practices and information regarding their location and collaborate with colleagues using applications, maps, and reports. ArcGIS Online can be described as the software’s hosted online SaaS version that provides an all-encompassing, cloud-based mapping solution.
ArcGIS Online promises a scalable, safe, reliable and secure GIS that allows users to collaborate in creating and using maps and communicate maps using scenes of layers, analytics data, and applications. Furthermore, access is given to ArcGIS’ Living Atlas of the World content and the collection of information about geography from across the globe, such as apps, maps and layers for various work apps.
Besides its cloud infrastructure, the ArcGIS product is supported by several additional apps, as several are compatible with iOS and Android devices. It comprises ArcGIS Companion, an app for field-based access to view organizational data and additional data and gathering tools.
- Deployment – Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based.
- Platform – Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iPhone, iPad.
- Top Features – 3D Imaging, API, Access Controls/Permissions, Activity Dashboard, Activity Tracking, Ad hoc Query, Ad hoc Reporting, Alerts/Escalation, Alerts/Notifications, Asset Lifecycle Management, Asset Tracking, Barcoding/RFID, Behavioral Analytics.
- Free Trial & Version Available
- Prize – Price not provided by the vendor.
- Best for – Benchmarking, Bus Mileage Optimization, Census Data Integration, Chatbot, Check-in/Check-out, Collaboration Tools, Color Codes/Icons, Communication Management, Cost Tracking.
- Support – Email/Help Desk FAQs/Forum Knowledge Base Phone Support, Chat.
- Overall Rating – 4.4/5 Stars
Conclusion
These are the most effective GIS applications available on the market. It is possible to choose any of these for their many GIS application. It is possible to look into the other applications that are available to use with GIS. We’ve included everything you need to begin your research using these no-cost GIS software tools. While they all have all the essential components to simplify your workflow and categorize data, each comes with its capabilities, and it’s left to you to select your favorite.
