Overview

Publishing starts with the QGIS Cloud plugin in QGIS Desktop, which uploads data and publishes maps. QGIS Server renders those maps to match the styling of the desktop projects, keeping an established cartographic workflow intact. The trade-off is that publishing depends on QGIS Desktop; users looking for a standalone hosted mapping workspace should look elsewhere.

The service pairs published maps with PostgreSQL databases extended with PostGIS. Users can manage those databases through compatible tools including pgAdmin and QGIS Database Manager. WMS and WFS share maps and data, while WFS-T supports edits. A WebGIS client and mobile client provide ways to view maps, and background layers can come from WMS, WMTS, XYZ, OpenStreetMap, Bing, and Google Maps. Printing up to 1200 dpi is a useful option when maps also need to work on paper.

Database access is password protected and encrypted, but that does not make Free suitable for private maps: maps and services published under a Free account are public. Pro adds restricted access for maps and WMS, making it the relevant plan for controlled access.

Key features

Publishing from QGIS Desktop

The plugin-based workflow and QGIS Server rendering are a strong fit for users who have already built and styled projects in QGIS. They preserve the connection between desktop work and published maps, but make QGIS Desktop central to the service.

Hosted spatial data and services

PostGIS-backed databases and OGC services make QGIS Cloud more than a place to display maps: WFS-T supports editing, and the database can be managed with compatible desktop tools. The 1200 dpi print ceiling and included WebGIS and mobile clients extend its use across output and viewing.

Pricing

QGIS Cloud Free — 0.00 USD per free

Free includes unlimited public maps, one PostGIS 3.1 database, 50 MB total, and 10 concurrent database connections. Its terms restrict use to non-commercial and non-government activity, and maps and services are public. It suits testing and public-interest or other non-commercial work that fits the storage and connection caps; it is not a fit for commercial or government projects, or private maps.

QGIS Cloud Pro — custom pricing

Pro is billed at 65 Euro/month and includes restricted access for maps and WMS, SSL support, 10 PostGIS 3.1 databases, 500 MB total, 20 concurrent database connections, and daily database backups. WebGIS client editing and viewer logo and CSS customization add options for teams managing a more tailored map service. Its higher capacity and access controls suit commercial or government publishing; users should weigh those additions against Free’s public-only use and smaller limits.

Platforms

QGIS Cloud supports Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web, and Windows, and is described as a hybrid deployment. The platform range covers desktop publishing and browser or mobile access, while the publishing workflow remains centered on QGIS Desktop.

Who it's for

Choose QGIS Cloud if your maps are built in QGIS and you want hosted publishing, PostGIS databases, and standards-based services in the same workflow. Free is aimed at testing and non-commercial activity; Pro is the appropriate route for commercial or government applications and restricted maps. It is less compelling for users who do not work in QGIS Desktop or need private publishing on the free plan.

Pros and cons

Pro: QGIS Server preserves the styling of desktop projects, reducing the need to recreate maps for online publication.
Pro: PostGIS databases, WMS, WFS, and editable WFS-T support data management and sharing as well as display.
Pro: The WebGIS and mobile clients, plus printing up to 1200 dpi, support more than browser-only viewing.
Con: Free maps and services are public, and Free use excludes commercial and government activity.
Con: Free is limited to one database, 50 MB total, and 10 concurrent database connections.
Con: Publishing depends on the QGIS Desktop plugin, so it is not a general-purpose hosted mapping workspace.

Alternatives

QGIS is the better starting point for users seeking free, open-source GIS software under GNU GPLv2+ rather than a hosted publishing service. Choose Felt if a free personal mapping plan with unlimited maps and sharing matters more than uploading your own data files; its Personal plan does not allow those uploads. StatSilk is another freemium option to compare for cloud mapping. GIS Cloud offers publisher plugins for QGIS and ArcMap, so it may suit users comparing publishing across those desktop tools. GPXSee and GRASS GIS are free alternatives. Google Earth Engine and Mapbox Studio are other freemium options to consider. Browse more options in GIS Software.

Verdict

QGIS Cloud is a strong choice for QGIS users who want to publish styled maps with hosted PostGIS data and OGC services. Free makes sense for public, non-commercial work within its modest caps; choose Pro when commercial or government use, restricted access, backups, or greater capacity matter. Look elsewhere if you need private maps without moving beyond Free or want to publish without relying on QGIS Desktop.

	GeoServer	QGIS Cloud
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Free trial	No	No
Paid from	Free	Free
Open source	No	No
Platforms	api, Linux, self-hosted, Web, Windows	Android, extension, iOS, Linux, macOS, Web, Windows
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Spatial analysis	advanced	—
Web mapping	Yes	Yes
Raster data support	Yes	Yes
Deployment	—	hybrid
Mobile apps	—	Yes

GeoServer vs QGIS Cloud

GeoServer

QGIS Cloud