GIS Software Comparison

When choosing your GIS software, being either a GIS specialist or organisation needing a complete GIS software package, it can be daunting deciphering the functional differences between offerings. For example, what is the difference between ArcView and ArcEditor, and why do the cost so much? Why is MapInfoclassed as more suitable for demographic data? And how can IntelliGIS cost a fraction of the price of ArcEditor yet offer so much functionality?

To save you the headache, the software comparison below is a starting point for comparing ArcView, MapInfo, ArcEditor and IntelliGIS.

MapInfo, ArcEditor & IntelliGIS Compared

CriteriaMapInfoArcEditorIntelliGIS
VendorPitney BowesESRIISS

Key Features

  • Mapping & Printing
  • Spatial & Attribute Data Analysis
  • Visual Data Editting & CAD
  • Extensive demographic data modelling
  • Enhanced Data Access
  • Programming Environment
  • Mapping & Printing
  • Spatial & Attribute Data Analysis
  • Visual Data editting
  • Extensive data modelling.
  • Extensive analytical capabilities.
  • Mapping & Printing
  • Spatial & Attribute Data Analysis
  • Visual Data editting
  • Report & Map Templates
  • Programming Environment
    		•  
    UsabilityRegarded as one of the most usable GIS offerings providing XP/Vista style interface.Windows 2000 style interfaces look dated, though tools are still intuitive to use.Windows XP & Vista Style interface provides familiarity with intuitive visual tools & wizards. 
    Pro's
    • Extensive demographic analysis & editting tools.
    • Supports the latest database formats like MS SQL 2008Spatial .
    • Automatic feature options like labelling.
    • VB.NET & C# programming environment to add MapInfo to other applications.
    • Map anti-aliasing coming soon.
    • Extensive product support.
    • Extensive analytical functionality
    • Extensive product support
    • Supports multi-user editting
    • Provides ready to use datasets like TIGER-2000 street maps.
    • Limited degree of appearance customizing using ArcReader wizards.
    • Supports 30+ data formats including Shapefiles, ArcSDE, MapInfo, OGIS, TIGER, Google KLM and more.
    • Store Data in any RDBMS using the full-wealth of database functionality available - like ArcSDE at no cost.
    • IntelliGIS Script Environment allows users to develop extended functionality.
    • Create custom maps & reports.
    • Personal service & per request customisation.
    • Price
    Con's
    • MapInfo data format
    • More attribute data focus than spatial
    • Price.
    • Locked into complex ESRI Object Model.
    • Frequent wholesale changes to Object Model creates version incompatabilities.
    • Locked into ESRI data format.
    • Price.
    • Relative smaller vendor than competitors like ESRI.
    • High-end analytical tools not included.
    PriceUS$ 3000 approx. per license. Not pricing is readily available so approach reseller for quote.US$7000 per licensing plus maintenance costs. This excludes any ArcInfo functionality which is an additional US$14,000.US$ 1000 per license 
    (optional extensions & customisations cost extra)
    VerdictVery attractive & user-friendly offering & widely used for more demographic GIS needs. Its moderate price is preferred to ESRI products. 
    For attribute data focused GIS.    		Most extensive, spatially focused GIS, but very costly & restrictive in terms of object model & data formats.
    Only for very serious spatial GIS Specialists with budget.    		Best value for money given scope of functionality, openGIS, RDBMS use and data formats supported.
    Choose IntelliGIS!