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QGIS description
QGIS is a free and open-source software that lets you analyze and visualize location data to create maps and reports. It works with various data formats, making it easy to integrate with existing systems. QGIS is highly customizable, offering advanced tools for map creation, data editing, and analysis. It's a popular choice across industries due to its powerful features and flexibility.
Who is QGIS best for
QGIS is a free, open-source geospatial software catering to users from students to government agencies. Its versatile features, from 2D and 3D visualization to geoprocessing tools, meet diverse mapping and analysis needs. Users praise its customizability and extensive data format support but note a learning curve and occasional stability issues.
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Ideal for small to enterprise-level organizations needing geospatial analysis.
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Suitable for diverse sectors like government, education, and IT.
QGIS features
| Supported QGIS supports geoprocessing tools including buffering, clipping, and spatial joins. |
| Supported QGIS supports interactive maps, enabling users to zoom, pan, and interact with map elements. |
| Supported QGIS supports creating thematic maps, including choropleth and graduated symbol maps. |
| Supported QGIS supports creating and displaying 2D maps, including various data formats and rendering options. |
| Supported QGIS supports importing, storing, and managing various raster formats using the GDAL library. |
| Supported QGIS supports creating and adding custom map layers. |
| Supported QGIS supports 3D maps using built-in features and plugins like Qgis2threejs. |
We evaluate the sentiment that users express about non-functional aspects of the software
Value and Pricing Transparency
Ease of Use
Reliability and Performance
Ease of Implementation
QGIS reviews
We've summarised 242 QGIS reviews (QGIS Capterra reviews and QGIS G2 reviews) and summarised the main points below.
- Free and open-source software with a wide range of features
- Highly customizable and extensible with plugins
- Supports a variety of data formats
- Active community support with numerous online resources
- Occasional issues with software stability and bugs
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- The user interface is outdated and can be tricky to navigate
- 3D features can slow down performance
QGIS pricing
The commentary is based on 49 reviews from QGIS Capterra reviews and QGIS G2 reviews.
QGIS is a free and open-source GIS software, a significant advantage for users seeking cost-effective solutions. While some reviewers mention a learning curve and occasional bugs, the consensus is that its powerful features, extensive plugins, and active community provide excellent value.
Users sentiment
QGIS alternatives
ArcGIS ProBetter suited for medium and large businesses. Provides 3D visualization and integrates with other Esri products. Steeper learning curve and higher system requirements. More expensive.Read more
OpenStreetMapPrimarily a data source, not a software like QGIS. OpenStreetMap is growing faster. Lacks the direct data analysis and visualization tools of QGIS. More focused on collaborative map editing. A QGIS competitor and alternative for sourcing map data.Read more
ArcGIS OnlineCloud-based, easier to share data and collaborate, and simpler to use, especially for non-GIS professionals. However, it has a steeper price and fewer advanced features than the QGIS alternative. ArcGIS Online is a strong ArcGIS Pro competitor for those prioritizing collaboration and ease of use.Read more
ArcGIS EnterpriseBetter for enterprise users needing advanced geospatial analysis and visualization tools. A QGIS alternative, ArcGIS Enterprise offers more robust data management, but at a higher cost. It has a steeper learning curve, and users dislike the complex setup. It is growing slower than QGIS.Read more
Google Earth ProEasier to use with better ratings. A good QGIS alternative for those seeking simplified visualization and exploration, especially in education, real estate, and urban planning. Not open-source.Read more
Google Earth EngineBetter for sustainability efforts and analysis of large satellite imagery datasets. Cloud-based, unlike the desktop-based QGIS. Steeper learning curve and potential for lag.Read more
QGIS FAQ
What is QGIS and what does QGIS do?
QGIS is a free, open-source geographic information system (GIS) software. It provides tools for viewing, editing, analyzing, and mapping spatial data. QGIS supports various data formats, offers customizable features, and benefits from a large, active community. It's a popular choice for individuals and organizations seeking powerful, flexible GIS capabilities.
How does QGIS integrate with other tools?
QGIS integrates with other tools through its support for various data formats, including shapefiles, GeoJSON, and databases. It also supports plugins extending its functionality and integration with other software. This flexibility makes QGIS a powerful tool for diverse geospatial workflows.
What the main competitors of QGIS?
Top alternatives to QGIS include ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcGIS Online, and Google Earth Pro. These alternatives offer similar geospatial data analysis and visualization capabilities, but with varying levels of complexity and cost. If open-source is not a requirement, consider these options.
Is QGIS legit?
Yes, QGIS is safe and legitimate. It's a widely used, free, and open-source geographic information system (GIS) software trusted by numerous individuals and organizations globally for diverse mapping and spatial analysis needs. It's known for its robust features and active community support.
How much does QGIS cost?
QGIS is open-source software and is free to use. There are no hidden costs or subscription fees, making it a cost-effective choice for those seeking powerful GIS software.
Is QGIS customer service good?
QGIS's customer service primarily relies on community support through forums and online resources. Users appreciate the active and helpful community, extensive documentation, and readily available tutorials. However, dedicated support is lacking, which can be challenging when immediate assistance is needed.
Reviewed by
Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.
Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.