List of geographic information systems software


encompasses a broad range of applications which involve the use of a combination of digital maps and georeferenced data. GIS software can be sorted into different categories.

Open source software

The development of open source GIS software has—in terms of software history—a long tradition with the appearance of a first system in 1978. Numerous systems are available which cover all sectors of geospatial data handling.

Desktop GIS

The following open-source desktop GIS projects are reviewed in Steiniger and Bocher :
Besides these, there are other open source GIS tools:
Apart from desktop GIS, many other types of GIS software exist.

Web map servers

Desktop GIS

Note: Almost all of the companies below offer Desktop GIS and WebMap Server products. Some such as Manifold Systems and ESRI offer Spatial DBMS products as well.

Companies with high market share

Many suppliers are now starting to offer Internet based services as well as or instead of downloadable software and/or data. These can be free, funded by advertising or paid for on subscription; they split into three areas: