17.7
Mapbox Studio is a suite for creating custom map styles and working with location data.
Free planAndroidiOSWeb
Best GIS and Mapping Software in 2026
GIS and mapping software helps you work with geographic data, build maps, and publish location-based information. Desktop, web, self-hosted, and API tools suit different workflows. Compare supported platforms before choosing. Check for an Android app if you want to work from a Xiaomi, Redmi, or POCO phone or tablet, then review licensing, free access, trial terms, and deployment options.
26.9
Global Mapper is a desktop GIS application for processing geospatial data, spatial analysis, geodetic workflows, and preparing maps for deployment.
AndroidiOSWindows
36.9
QGIS is free, open-source software for creating, editing, analyzing, visualizing, and publishing geospatial information.
Free planAndroidiOSLinux
- 4
GRASS GIS
GRASS GIS is a computational engine for raster, vector, and geospatial processing, including work on terrain, ecosystems, hydrology, data management, and imagery.
Free planWebAPILinuxmacOS6.6Free plan - 5
Manifold GIS (Release 9)
Self-hostedWindows6.3$145 one-time - 6
SAGA GIS
SAGA GIS is a desktop geographic information system for processing and analyzing geodata.
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows6.2Free plan - 7
CARTO
CARTO is a geospatial platform for building AI agents, data workflows, and interactive maps within a cloud data warehouse or lakehouse.
WebAPISelf-hosted6.1 - 8
ArcGIS Hub
WebAPISelf-hosted5.8 - 95.1Free plan
- 10
GeoDa
LinuxmacOSWindows4.8 - 11
MapInfo Pro
Windows4.7 - 124.5
- 13
ArcGIS Pro
Esri
4.3 - 14
Hexagon M.App Enterprise
Hexagon
4.3
Choosing well
Check where it runs
The listed platforms include Windows, Linux, macOS, web, self-hosted deployments, and APIs. Match the tool to your computer, server, or browser workflow.
If mobile access matters, look for explicit Android support before choosing; the listed platform facts do not establish an Android app.
Compare free access and trials
Free plans are available from tools such as GeoDa, GRASS GIS, ILWIS, and Mapbox Studio. GeoDa, GRASS GIS, and ILWIS are described as free, while ILWIS Open is a free plan.
Paid products use different terms. CARTO, Global Mapper, and MapInfo Pro list trials with pricing details, while Manifold GIS lists a free trial.
Choose a delivery model
A web or API option can fit browser-based work and integrations. Self-hosted software gives you a deployment route on infrastructure you manage.
Desktop choices include ArcGIS Pro, Global Mapper, MapInfo Pro, and ILWIS. Check the stated operating-system support alongside your existing setup.
Read the licence terms
If you need to inspect or change source code, check the licence information for the tool you are considering. A free plan does not by itself describe the licence.
For paid software, review the published price or request terms and confirm what a trial includes before adopting it.
Questions people ask
Is there GIS software with a free plan?
Yes. GeoDa, GRASS GIS, ILWIS, and Mapbox Studio list free plans. ILWIS also lists ILWIS Open as free.
Which GIS tools offer a free trial?
CARTO, Global Mapper, and MapInfo Pro list 14-day or 30-day trials. Manifold GIS lists a free trial.
Can I use these tools on Linux or macOS?
Linux and macOS are among the platforms represented in the list. Check the individual product details for the operating system you need.
Is there an Android app for these GIS tools?
The platform facts list Windows, self-hosted, Linux, web, macOS, and API options. Check a product's details for explicit Android support.
Do GIS products have web or API access?
Web and API platforms are represented. Review the product details to confirm whether a chosen tool provides the access method your workflow requires.