GIS software reviews: Difference between revisions
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2006 things I was thinking about | |||
==Exploring low cost options for desktop GIS== | ==Exploring low cost options for desktop GIS== | ||
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ArcExplorer 2 (Windows) and ArcExplorer 9.1 (Java) (free) | ArcExplorer 2 (Windows) and ArcExplorer 9.1 (Java) (free) | ||
[http://cmtinc.com/ Corvallis Micro Technology] PC-GIS ($500) | [http://cmtinc.com/ Corvallis Micro Technology] PC-GIS (free) PC-GIS PRO ($500) | ||
[ | [[Manifold]] No trial version available; 30 day refund policy ($245-545) | ||
[http://mapmaker.com Map Maker] Gratis (free) and Pro (Pro version is free if you are in Africa); see [http://www.mapmaker.com/comparison.htm Comparison] of Gratis and Pro. | [http://mapmaker.com Map Maker] Gratis (free) and Pro (Pro version is free if you are in Africa); see [http://www.mapmaker.com/comparison.htm Comparison] of Gratis and Pro. | ||
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Does it read the TFW files? GeoTIFF's don't come up in the right place. | Does it read the TFW files? GeoTIFF's don't come up in the right place. | ||
[[Category:GIS]] | |||
Latest revision as of 22:22, 19 March 2019
2006 things I was thinking about
Exploring low cost options for desktop GIS
Web-based solutions are fine for many applications, but for creating and maintaining vector-based spatial data, desktop solutions are currently the most effective solution.
If you are on a tight budget, what are the alternatives?
It's even possible that ESRI ArcGIS at $1500+ per seat might even be the best. I am not ruling that out... yet. Your requirements might demand it.
The options
ESRI ArcGIS ($1500+) incl. for comparison purposes
ArcReader (view maps published from ArcGIS via ArcPress extension) (free)
ArcExplorer 2 (Windows) and ArcExplorer 9.1 (Java) (free)
Corvallis Micro Technology PC-GIS (free) PC-GIS PRO ($500)
Manifold No trial version available; 30 day refund policy ($245-545)
Map Maker Gratis (free) and Pro (Pro version is free if you are in Africa); see Comparison of Gratis and Pro.
QGIS is a "user-friendly Open Source Geographic Information System" (free)
Thuban is "an interactive geographic data viewer". (free)
CMT PC-GIS
First impressions
When it imports shapefiles, it forces you to define the projection instead of reading the existing PRJ file.
After loading up a shapefile, nothing appears on the screen. Hmm.
Qunatum GIS (QGIS)
release 0.7.4 it is < 1.0 !
First impressions
Loads vector shapefiles. (Points, Lines, Polygons) Loads orthoimages.
Reasonable user interface. File dialogs remember where you are! :-) Allows loading multiple layers.
Crashes consistently upon loading signals shapefile!
Does it read the TFW files? GeoTIFF's don't come up in the right place.
