Uncovering the Best gvSIG Desktop Alternatives for GIS Professionals
gvSIG Desktop has long been a respected name in the Geographic Information System (GIS) world, offering a robust, user-friendly, and open-source platform for capturing, storing, handling, analyzing, and deploying geographic information. Its ability to integrate local and remote data, extensibility, and multi-platform availability (Linux, Windows, Mac OS X) have made it a go-to tool for many land realm professionals. However, as with any software, users often seek alternatives that might better suit evolving needs, offer different feature sets, or simply provide variety. If you're looking for a powerful gvSIG Desktop alternative, you're in the right place.
Top gvSIG Desktop Alternatives
While gvSIG Desktop offers a comprehensive suite of GIS tools, the market is rich with other powerful options, both open-source and commercial, that provide similar or even enhanced capabilities. Here’s a look at some of the best alternatives that can meet diverse GIS requirements.
QGIS
QGIS stands out as a fully featured, user-friendly, and open-source Geographic Information System with power comparable to commercial giants like ArcGIS and MapInfo. Available across Free, Open Source, Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and BSD platforms, QGIS is an excellent gvSIG Desktop alternative for those seeking multiplatform support, community-based development, and features like Office 365 integration, a table manager, and mapping capabilities.
GRASS GIS
GRASS GIS (Geographic Resources Analysis Support System) is a powerful open-source and free software (FOSS) Geographical Information System. It excels with raster, topological, and vector processing capabilities. As a Free and Open Source solution for Mac, Windows, and Linux, GRASS GIS offers robust mapping features, making it a strong contender if you need a high-end analytical GIS platform similar to gvSIG Desktop.
ArcGIS
ArcGIS is a leading commercial geographic information system (GIS) software known for visualizing, managing, creating, and analyzing geographic data. While not open-source like gvSIG Desktop, its extensive features, including interactive maps, location mapping, optimization for mobile, offline map support, and a built-in editor, make it a powerful alternative for Windows, Web, Windows Mobile, Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, Windows Phone, and iPad users who require a comprehensive commercial solution.
PostGIS
PostGIS extends the PostgreSQL object-relational database with support for geographic objects, effectively 'spatially enabling' the PostgreSQL server. As a Free and Open Source solution available on Mac, Windows, Linux, and BSD, PostGIS serves as a robust backend for GIS applications, making it an excellent gvSIG Desktop alternative if your focus is on database-driven spatial data management and analysis.
Mapserver
MapServer is an Open Source platform dedicated to publishing spatial data and interactive mapping applications to the web. Developed across Mac, Windows, and Linux, it's a powerful gvSIG Desktop alternative for users focusing on web-based GIS solutions and data publishing, offering a strong foundation for building custom mapping applications.
MapWindow GIS
MapWindow is a fully free and open-source GIS project that includes the MapWinGIS ActiveX programming component. Exclusively for Windows, it's an extensible platform for mapping, making it a viable gvSIG Desktop alternative for those who prefer a Windows-specific open-source GIS solution with development capabilities.
SAGA GIS
SAGA (System for Automated Geoscientific Analyses) is a Geographic Information System (GIS) software with extensive capabilities for geodata processing and analysis. Available as Free and Open Source software for Mac, Windows, and Linux, its modular system makes it a strong gvSIG Desktop alternative for users focused on advanced geoscientific analysis and environmental modeling.
uDig
uDig is an open-source GIS software program built on the Eclipse platform, known for its strong mapping features. As a Free and Open Source option for Windows, uDig offers a compelling gvSIG Desktop alternative for those who appreciate an Eclipse-based environment and robust mapping functionalities.
MapInfo Professional
MapInfo Professional is a powerful, feature-rich desktop mapping application from Pitney Bowes MapInfo. As a Commercial software available for Windows, it offers extensive mapping capabilities designed to solve complex business problems, making it a viable gvSIG Desktop alternative for professional environments seeking a comprehensive commercial solution.
what3words
what3words is a unique geocoding system that simplifies location communication with a 3-meter resolution. Available as a Free service for Web, Android, iPhone, and iPad, it's a distinct gvSIG Desktop alternative for specific use cases focused on precise and simplified location sharing rather than full-fledged GIS analysis.
Choosing the best gvSIG Desktop alternative depends entirely on your specific project requirements, budget, and desired level of technical support. Whether you prioritize open-source flexibility, advanced analytical capabilities, or commercial-grade features, there's a GIS solution out there to perfectly fit your needs. Explore these options and find the one that empowers your geographic information endeavors.