MapWindow GIS
What MapWindow GIS is
MapWindow GIS is a free, open-source GIS project that combines desktop mapping tools with components for developers. MapWindow5 is its desktop GIS for Windows, using MapWinGIS as its mapping engine and supporting extensions through plugins. It works with geo-databases such as PostGIS, MS-SQL Spatial, and SpatiaLite, as well as WMS. Its toolbox supports restartable tasks and multithreaded tools; plugins and toolbox tools use the Managed Extensibility Framework, with examples such as buffering and clipping. The broader project includes MapWinGIS, a C++ ActiveX control and API for adding mapping functions to Windows Forms apps, and DotSpatial, a .NET 4 library for spatial data, analysis, and mapping. HydroDesktop helps users find and analyze hydrologic and climate data registered with the CUAHSI Hydrologic Information System. The project says its software uses the MIT license and can be used in commercial products. MapWindow5 documentation remains under construction, while MapWinGIS has API documentation and C# examples.
Who it suits
MapWindow GIS may suit Windows users doing GIS work, as well as developers who want to add mapping or spatial functions to applications. HydroDesktop is aimed at users working with hydrologic and climate data registered with the CUAHSI system.
What it does well
- Free and open source under the MIT license
- MapWindow5 supports several spatial databases and WMS
- Toolbox supports restartable and multithreaded tasks
- Developer components support Windows Forms and .NET apps
- Can be used in commercial products
What to know first
- MapWindow5 documentation is under construction
- MapWindow5 is a Windows desktop GIS
- Project is managed by volunteers and supported by donations
Limits
MapWindow GIS is deployed as Windows desktop software. MapWindow5 documentation remains under construction, so users may rely on the available MapWinGIS API documentation, C# samples, forum, and issue tracker.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| MapWindow GIS | Free and open source · MIT license · Free for commercial products | Free |
As mapwindow.org lists them, read 9 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Visit the MapWindow GIS website
- Download the MapWindow5 desktop release for Windows
- Install the free, MIT-licensed software
- Extend MapWindow5 with plugins or toolbox tools as needed
- Connect supported geo-databases or WMS services
- Use the discussion forum for technical questions
Verdict
MapWindow GIS combines a free Windows desktop GIS with developer libraries and a hydrology-focused application. Its plugin architecture and database support are useful features, though MapWindow5 documentation is still being built.
Questions
Is MapWindow GIS free?
Yes. The MapWindow GIS plan is free, and the project describes its tools as free and open source.
Can it be used commercially?
Yes. The project says its tools and applications use the MIT license and may be used in commercial products.
What operating system does MapWindow5 use?
MapWindow5 is a Windows desktop GIS. The project also lists API and self-hosted deployment options for its broader tools.
Which data sources does MapWindow5 support?
It supports PostGIS, MS-SQL Spatial, SpatiaLite, and WMS.
What developer tools are included?
MapWinGIS is a C++ ActiveX control and API for Windows Forms applications, and DotSpatial is a .NET 4 library for spatial data, analysis, and mapping.
How can users get support?
The project directs technical questions to its discussion forum and bug reports or feature requests to its issue tracker.
Facts from MapWindow GIS's own pages
- Customization
- MapWindow5 uses the Managed Extensibility Framework for plugins and toolbox tools, with examples including buffering and clipping. · mapwindow.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Developer control
- MapWinGIS is a C++ ActiveX control and API that can add mapping functionality to Windows Forms applications written in Visual Basic, C#, Delphi, or other languages supporting ActiveX. · mapwindow.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Developer library
- DotSpatial is a GIS library written for .NET 4 that lets developers add spatial data, analysis, and mapping functions to applications. · mapwindow.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Documentation
- MapWindow5 documentation is still under construction, while MapWinGIS has API documentation and C# code samples. · mapwindow.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 1998 · mapwindow.org, 28 Sept 2026
- Hydrology
- HydroDesktop helps users discover, download, visualize, and analyze hydrologic and climate data registered with the CUAHSI Hydrologic Information System. · mapwindow.org, 9 Oct 2026
- License
- The site says its tools and applications use the MIT license and may be used in commercial products. · mapwindow.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Maker and start date
- The site identifies Daniel P. Ames as co-founder and says he started the MapWindow project in 1998; it does not state a headquarters or company founding date. · mapwindow.org, 9 Oct 2026
- MapWindow5
- MapWindow5 is a desktop GIS that can be extended with plugins and uses MapWinGIS as its mapping engine. · mapwindow.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Processing
- MapWindow5 includes a toolbox with restartable tasks and supports multithreaded tools. · mapwindow.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Product scope
- The MapWindow GIS project includes an open-source desktop GIS, an extensible plugin architecture, a GIS ActiveX control, and the DotSpatial C# GIS programmer library. · mapwindow.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Project management
- The project says it is managed by volunteers and supported by donations. · mapwindow.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Release status
- The MapWindow5 GitHub releases page lists v5.6 as a stable version and says its internal version number is v5.6.3. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Spatial databases and services
- MapWindow5 supports geo-databases including PostGIS, MS-SQL Spatial, and SpatiaLite, as well as WMS. · mapwindow.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project directs technical questions to its discussion forum and bug reports or feature requests to its issue tracker. · mapwindow.org, 9 Oct 2026
Where MapWindow GIS stands on Freedom251
- GIS Software#14 of 64