Side by side

Octave I/CAD vs SmartCAD

Both stand on dispatch software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.

Choose SmartCAD if your public safety agency needs dispatch, mapping, unit tracking, and integrations across law enforcement, fire, or EMS workflows. Look elsewhere if you need a publicly stated price before contacting the vendor or if the standard purchase maintenance requirement does not suit your plans.

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The facts

	Octave I/CAD	SmartCAD
Free plan	Not published	Not published
Open source	Not published	Not published
Runs on	Not published	API, iPhone, Self-hosted, Windows
Lowest paid plan	Not published	Free or on request
Plans published	None	3
Maker	Not published	Not published
Website	octave.com	smartcop.com
On dispatch software	#28 of 28	#24 of 28

Octave I/CAD: what it does well

SmartCAD: what it does well

Dispatch work can be managed by command line, function keys, or drag-and-drop.
ESRI-based mapping supports unlimited layers and GIS location validation.
AVL tracks units and recommends the closest unit.
Supports ProQA, APCO, and dynamic fire and EMS response plans.
Offers AWS GovCloud, on-premises, and hybrid deployment.

What to know first

Pricing is available only by request.
Standard purchase requires an active annual maintenance agreement.
Financing and leasing terms typically span 36 to 48 months.

Alternatives to Octave I/CAD Alternatives to SmartCAD The whole list