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Best Geographic Information Systems in 2026

Geographic information systems (GIS) help you work with location-based data, perform spatial analysis, and publish maps. This list includes web, desktop, self-hosted, and API options for Windows, macOS, and Linux environments.

  1. 1

    GeoNode

    Free plan APILinuxSelf-hosted+1

    Choose GeoNode if you need an open-source platform for managing spatial data, publishing maps, and controlling shared access.

    7.6 Open source Visit site
  2. 2

    GeoServer

    Free plan APILinuxSelf-hosted+2

    GeoServer covers geospatial publishing and editing with open-standard services, multiple data sources, and configurable security.

    7.5 Free plan Visit site
  3. 3

    GIS Cloud

    Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+2

    GIS Cloud brings mapping, field collection, sharing, and integration options together. Offline collection is supported, while the listed Geocoder remains limited to beta customers.

    7.5 Free plan · paid from $5/mo · 14-day trial Visit site
  4. 4

    GRASS GIS

    Free plan APILinuxMac+3

    GRASS GIS offers extensive geospatial processing through multiple interfaces, with integrations and a large extension repository. It is free and open source, but is provided with no warranty.

    7.3 Free plan Visit site
  5. 5

    Google Earth Engine

    Free plan APILinuxWeb

    Earth Engine pairs a large geospatial archive with analysis tools, APIs, and integrations for varied workflows.

    7.2 Free plan · paid from $500/mo Visit site
  6. 6

    NextGIS Web

    Free plan APILinuxSelf-hosted+1

    NextGIS Web combines geospatial data management, web mapping, and QGIS collaboration, with both cloud and self-hosted deployment options.

    7.2 Free plan · paid from €15/mo (annual) Visit site
  7. 7

    QGIS

    Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3

    QGIS covers mapping, analysis, reporting, and web-service publishing without a listed software charge.

    7.1 Free plan Visit site
  8. 8

    OpenJUMP GIS

    Free plan LinuxMacWindows

    Choose OpenJUMP if you need a free desktop GIS for spatial data editing, map styling, and vector analysis across Linux, macOS, or Windows.

    7.0 Free plan Visit site
  9. 9

    SAGA GIS

    Free plan LinuxMacWindows

    Pick SAGA GIS if you want a free desktop GIS with geoscience and imagery tools, scripting options, and documented data interfaces.

    6.9 Free plan Visit site
  10. 10

    TerrSet

    Free plan Windows

    TerrSet combines raster-focused GIS analysis, image processing, and specialized modeling tools in a Windows desktop system.

    6.5 Free plan Visit site
  11. 11

    uDig

    Free plan LinuxMacWindows

    uDig provides broad desktop GIS access, editing, styling, and spatial-processing capabilities without per-seat license costs.

    6.5 Free plan Visit site
  12. 12

    CARTO

    Free trial APISelf-hostedWeb

    CARTO combines GIS visualization, spatial analysis, AI agents, and warehouse connectivity. Teams should review deployment, support, quota, and production-use terms during the trial and sales process.

    6.4 Pricing on request · 14-day trial Visit site
  13. 13

    Maptitude

    Free trial AndroidAPIiPhone+4

    Choose Maptitude if your work depends on location analysis, territory planning, routing, or sharing interactive maps with a team.

    6.1 From $795/user/yr · 30-day trial Visit site
  14. 14

    ArcGIS Hub

    by ArcGIS Hub
    Paid APISelf-hostedWeb

    ArcGIS Hub combines community-facing websites, data sharing, and engagement tools, with Premium adding collaboration features.

    6.0 Pricing on request Visit site
  15. 15

    MapServer

    Free plan LinuxMacWindows
    6.0 Free plan Visit site
  16. 16

    Manifold GIS (Release 9)

    Free trial Self-hostedWindows

    Manifold Release 9 offers broad spatial connectivity and analysis with edition-based licensing.

    5.9 Visit site
  17. 17

    Cadcorp SIS Desktop

    Paid WebWindows

    SIS Desktop combines broad data connectivity with mapping, analysis, workflow, and routing tools.

    5.8 Pricing on request Visit site
  18. 18

    SuperMap GIS

    Free trial AndroidAPIiPhone+4

    SuperMap GIS covers a broad set of spatial-data workflows, with server, desktop, web and mobile products.

    5.6 Pricing on request · 90-day trial Visit site
  19. 19

    Global Mapper

    Paid AndroidiPhoneWindows
    4.6 14-day trial Visit site

#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price

Compare free plans, paid starting prices, trial periods, deployment choices, supported data formats, mobile apps, offline use, spatial analysis, and map publishing. If source-code access matters, check the licence as well as the price.

Questions

Which GIS tools list a free plan?

GeoNode, GeoServer, GIS Cloud, Google Earth Engine, GRASS GIS, and MapServer list free plans.

Which tools list free trials?

CARTO and GIS Cloud list 14-day trials, Global Mapper lists a 14-day trial, Maptitude lists a 30-day trial, and Manifold GIS lists a free trial.

What paid starting prices are listed?

GIS Cloud lists paid plans from $5 per month, Google Earth Engine from $500 per month, and Maptitude from $795 per user per year. Cadcorp SIS Desktop and CARTO show pricing on request.

Which platforms are covered?

The listed platforms include Windows, web, Linux, self-hosted, API, and macOS.

Is open-source GIS available?

GeoNode is listed as open source. Check the licence for any other tool when source-code access is important.

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