Author:
Stewart Berry
Images: Dan Martin
24 April 2024
Online maps are becoming increasingly essential for a variety of purposes. From creating visual representations of spreadsheet data to optimizing sales territories and completing data visualization projects, there are many ways to make use of them. With the sheer number of online mapmaking platforms now available, it can be difficult to find the best mapping software to suit your needs.
Before deciding, you should evaluate which features are offered, the pricing, and any advantages or disadvantages. To help you make an informed choice, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 free and paid online mapping tools for 2024. This breakdown of available software provides information to make sure you are selecting the right tool for your specific use case.
Each of these platforms provides unique capabilities, ranging from basic mapping to complex geographic analysis and data visualization. However, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each platform before deciding on which one to use.
Mapping software has become an invaluable tool for businesses, organizations, and individuals alike. From tracking deliveries to optimizing routes, it has made it easier to manage complex tasks with greater accuracy. With so many options out there, it can be hard to decide which mapping software is best for you. To help you out, here are the 10 best online mapping software programs, along with their positives and negatives.
Whether you want an offline or online mapping solution, one-off pricing, or a subscription, Maptitude mapping software has you covered. No matter which option you choose, you get access to an extensive range of analytical, reporting, sharing, and visualization tools. In addition, Maptitude comes with extensive data for traffic counts, demographics, business locations, and much more.
Not only do you have the greatest flexibility in the pricing model you are most comfortable with, but the prices for each option are the lowest in the industry.
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“I've been using Maptitude for more than 15 years. It is simply the best tool available for businesses that need a market planning mapping and data resource. It can do everything I need it to do - from the very simple to the complex. It integrates nicely with other programs and file types making analysis and presentation very easy. I highly recommend Maptitude to firms who need a function-rich GIS mapping solution. It is the best!”
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“Pros: Cost. Much easier to reach a purchasing decision. I loved the integrated country data package so I didn't have to download census layers and other info - it was all built in.”
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Maptitude is a powerful GIS software suite that offers a range of mapping and data analysis capabilities. It is designed for organizations that need to visualize and analyze their data, while providing support for most geospatial data formats. Pros of Maptitude include a range of powerful features, ease of use, and extensive data analysis capabilities. Additionally, it is the most cost-effective solution compared to any other GIS or mapping system.
Desktop or online versions are available, both of which provide extensive capabilities for reporting and business intelligence such as sales territory alignments, heat maps, routing, and logistics.
This interactive map lets you see the population, age, and income data for U.S. ZIP Codes
Google Maps is one of the most popular programs, and for good reason. It offers satellite and street views, real-time traffic updates, and more. Pros: It’s free to use and easy to navigate. Cons: It doesn’t have as many default map customization options as some of the other mapping software programs and is lacking in out-of-the-box analytical tools.
Mapbox is a cloud-based mapping platform that allows you to create custom maps with satellite imagery, street views, and more. Mapbox's vector tiles help keep loading times fast, even for large datasets and offers a wide range of customizable map styles, allowing users to create a unique look for their maps. Mapbox provides access to rich data layers, including satellite imagery and terrain information and can be used to monitor and display real-time updates in the form of heatmaps, traffic flow visualizations, and more.
Cons: Some of the features are only available in the paid versions and the software has been geared toward programmers who develop custom solutions. In fact, Maptitude Online leverages Mapbox to provide a best of breed solution.
The software from Esri is popular in many sectors such as education and government. It offers a wide range of features and tools that allow users to create, share, and analyze maps. Pros include the ability to access data from multiple sources, powerful analysis tools, and the ability to share maps with others. Cons include users reporting a steep learning curve and the cost of subscription fees and credits for usage.
The strength of ESRI software lies in its flexibility, allowing users to customize the software to their needs. Plus, there is a wide range of add-on products available. Additionally, extensive online support and documentation are available for users.
On the other hand, using ESRI software can require a significant investment in time to learn its features and may be too costly for some users compared to lower cost options. Ultimately, ESRI is a powerful GIS and data visualization tool but it is important to carefully consider the pros and cons before deciding if it is the best option for your needs.
Mapme is an online mapping platform for creating custom maps with satellite imagery, street views, and more. Pros: It’s easy to use, offers a wide range of customization options, and is relatively affordable. Cons: It’s software aimed at those hosting online interactive mapping rather than those doing business analysis.
Mapline is a web-based mapping tool that allows users to create customized maps. It allows users to add multiple data layers, track and analyze data, and share maps. Pros of Mapline include the ability to easily customize maps with various data layers, track and analyze data, and share maps with others. Cons of Mapline include the fact that it can be difficult to use for those who are not familiar with mapping software, and Mapline pricing has been on the more expensive side.
BatchGeo is a web application that visualizes data quickly and easily on a map and is best known for the bulk geocoding of locations. It enables users to take their address data, upload it to the app, and create a map of their data points. It also has several customization options, including labels, styling, and search capabilities.
BatchGeo is designed for users of any experience level and is easy to learn. Users can customize the look and feel of their map, as well as how their data is presented. It allows the user to upload data from several sources, including CSV, KML, and GeoJSON files and allows users to quickly find data points on the map using a powerful search function.
However, BatchGeo does not offer the same level of data visualization tools as more advanced GIS software. Also, the pricing model allows users to pay for more features as they need them. This can be expensive in the long run. BatchGeo’s customer support is limited, and users may have difficulty obtaining help when they need it.
eSpatial is a web-based Geographic Information System (GIS) platform that enables users to visualize, analyze, and share spatial data. It provides a range of tools for performing location-based analysis, creating online interactive maps, and sharing insights.
eSpatial offers a range of analytical tools for quickly and easily analyzing spatial data and makes it easy to securely share maps with colleagues and customers. However, the tiered pricing plans segment their feature offerings and are much more costly than most other similar applications.
MapBusinessOnline offers a variety of features, including the ability to create custom maps, analyze customer data, and publish maps.
Pros: MapBusinessOnline is a budget mapping solution that offers choices for map styles and colors, allowing users to customize their maps to suit their needs. Analysis tools allow users to gain insights into their data.
Cons: MapBusinessOnline lacks some modern features, such as the ability to create 3D maps and automate territory creation. Additionally, the user interface can be a bit confusing for those who are not familiar with mapping software, while an Updater is required to fix map problems.
Maptive produces professional-looking, interactive maps from your data. It provides a range of features, such as the ability to build and share maps and explore data.
Pros: Maptive offers a range of mapping tools to enhance its Google Maps foundation that include easy-to-use location tracking and data visualization tools.
Cons: Maptive’s pricing is on the high side, and there are some limits on the amount of data that can be used. Additionally, Maptive can be expensive for smaller organizations/sales teams, and some users have noted that the given tools are not sufficient and that there is room for improvement.
While not a commercial product, and not making our top 10 list, OpenStreetMap (OSM) is a free, open-source, and community-driven mapping platform that allows users to create and edit detailed maps of the world. Unlike many commercial mapping software, OSM is built and maintained by a global community of volunteers, providing a unique and collaborative mapping experience.
Some key advantages of using OpenStreetMap include:
While OSM may not offer the same level of advanced features as some commercial mapping software, its community-driven approach and open-source nature make it a valuable tool for organizations and individuals with limited budgets or a need for more customizable mapping solutions.
Open-source and free online mapping software and tools certainly have their merits, but they're not without their flaws, especially when pitted against commercial mainstays like Maptitude.
First and foremost, we should consider reliability. Open-source options often rely on community support. There might be a lot of people contributing, but they are not all necessarily experts. Maptitude, on the other hand, comes with professional support and a track record you can rely on.
Functionality is the next biggest consideration. Free mapping tools typically offer basic features while others do provide extensive functionality, but often suffer from usability and design issues. When it comes to the robust capabilities required by businesses, they often fall short. By comparison, Maptitude comes with extensive customer tested geospatial functionality that is built on a stable and mature platform that benefits from decades of user-centric development.
Scalability is another issue. Open-source tools might suffice for small-scale projects, but what happens when your business grows? Do you then need to rely on 3rd party consultants, negating the perceived benefits of opensource technology? Maptitude is designed to scale with you, offering the flexibility and power that organizations have come to expect as their mapping needs expand.
Security in the business world is a critical consideration. Open-source software can be vulnerable to security breaches if it is not constantly monitored and updated. With Maptitude, you're investing in a product that prioritizes security, ensuring your sensitive data stays where it belongs—safe and sound. This is especially true of the desktop product that can even be run entirely offline.
Finally, there is user-friendliness. Open-source tools can have a learning curve that can be very intimidating. Maptitude, however, is designed with the user in mind, and provides an intuitive wizard-driven interface with integrated commercial grade data and maps. You don't need to be a tech wizard to navigate the features of Maptitude and to extract valuable insights.
While open-source mapping tools have their place, businesses serious about mapping need a reliable, feature-rich, and scalable solution like Maptitude. After all, in the business world, sometimes you get what you pay for—and investing in the right tools can make all the difference.
In conclusion, each of these mapping platforms offers unique capabilities and features that can be used to help organizations visualize and analyze their data. However, as shown in the rankings above, Maptitude is the perfect choice for businesses seeking to generate impactful maps that can boost their bottom line.
With sophisticated, but user-friendly features, Maptitude enables you to link to data sources, build maps, and to distribute them to both internal teams and external audiences. With all these great tools, at an unbeatable price point, there's no better mapping solution around.
Learn more about Maptitude to see how you and your team can benefit from mapping software!
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Mapping software is a computer system that allows you to map, model, query, and analyze large quantities of data from multiple sources within a single database according to their location. Mapping software stores information as a collection of layers that users can assemble into maps to find geographic patterns or trends in data.
Mapping software is used by individuals and organizations, schools, governments, and businesses seeking innovative ways to visualize patterns and develop effective solutions.
Yes, GIS (Geographic Information Systems) is a type of software that is used to create and manage geographic data, maps, and spatial analysis. GIS software allows users to input, store, analyze, and visualize spatial data, and to create maps and other types of visual representations of this data. GIS is often used to analyze and understand patterns, trends, and relationships in data that is tied to specific locations, such as data on population demographics, land use, natural resources, and infrastructure. GIS software can be used in a wide range of applications, including environmental planning, natural resource management, public health, transportation, and many other fields.
GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and mapping are closely related, but they are not the same thing. Mapping refers to the process of creating visual representations of geographic data, usually in the form of maps. GIS is a type of software that is used to create, manage, and analyze geographic data, and to create maps and other types of visualizations. While GIS software is often used for mapping, it can also be used for a wide range of other applications, such as spatial analysis, data management, and decision making.
In other words, mapping is a specific type of activity that can be done using GIS software, but GIS is a more general term that refers to the entire system of tools, technologies, and processes used for working with geographic data. GIS includes not only the software that is used to create maps and other visualizations, but also the hardware, data, and other resources that are needed to support these activities.
Based on an analysis of real user reviews, the top 6 best software for mapping are:
1. Maptitude mapping software (best overall and best for business and health care)
2. BatchGeo (Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate)
3. Esri/ArcGIS/ArcMaps (Government Administration, Civil Engineering)
4. Google Maps/Earth (Civil Engineering, Construction)
5. Scribble Maps (Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate)
6. Carto (Web Developers)
Mapping software is a type of GIS (Geographical Information Software). Most reviews are for GIS and are not specific to mapping software.
We identified the top sites for user generated reviews of mapping software. Sites such as SourceForge and SoftwareAdvice both allow sorting by average rating. The only brand featuring in the top 5 of both lists is Maptitude. Maptitude is ranked in first place on SourceForge. Only one other product, RealZips, was reviewed and had a single response.
SoftwareReviews takes a deep dive into how users feel about mapping brands. Each year they publish their Geographic Information Systems Emotional Footprint Awards. Hexagon GeoMedia and Maptitude received multiple best GIS (Geographic Information System) awards.
We sorted by highest rated on the popular Capterra and G2 review sites and Maptitude is again in the top 5 vendors. G2 allows you to compare products side-by-side. We looked at the products for the top-ranking vendors. You can see that the ratings are quite close for the four offerings. However, Maptitude consistently has the highest scores for "Features."
Check out our G2 Reviews
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