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If you want to draw a world map, what method will you choose, hand-drawing, mapping software or professional GIS software? Everything in today’s life is related to geographic information. GIS is based on spatial data and covers transportation, aerospace, meteorology, resources, agriculture and other fields. The various online map products we come into contact with in daily life, such as Baidu Maps, Amap, Meituan, etc., are just the tip of the iceberg of GIS. This article recommends five common GIS software for everyone. See how many you have used?

1. GISBox — Free GIS software suitable for the public GISBox is a free and powerful one-stop 3D GIS processing platform. It performs well in 3D geographic data processing and provides users with a full-process solution from data processing to service publishing.

a. Multi-format file import

Supports the import of multiple formats such as GLTF, FBX, OBJ, SHP, GEOJSON, OSGB, etc. After importing, it can be previewed in real time, which is convenient for users to quickly view the data content and meet the needs of different data sources. Whether it is complex 3D model data or common vector data, it can be easily connected to the platform for subsequent processing.

b. Massive format slice conversion

It covers various types such as oblique photography slice, general model slice, terrain slice, image slice, point cloud slice, oblique photography reverse cutting, etc. In the urban 3D modeling project, the oblique photography slice function can be used to quickly convert the collected oblique photography data into a format suitable for network transmission and display, greatly improving the data processing efficiency.

c. Free service release

It supports the release of protocols such as 3DTiles, Terrain, Wmts, and also supports the release of collection services. After the slicing is completed, models and data files of different formats can be automatically released. After the release is completed, the slice content can be quickly previewed, and the release path can be viewed with one click.

d. Wide application scenarios

In the field of urban planning, SHP data can be imported by selecting the map, and the urban building model can be generated by one-click pull-up, and the urban 3D scene can be quickly built to help planners intuitively carry out urban layout planning and program evaluation; in disaster emergency response, its data processing capabilities can be used to quickly integrate terrain, image and other data in the disaster area.

1. Manifold GIS — Multidisciplinary Integration Platform Manifold GIS is a comprehensive platform that integrates GIS, CAD, database and network functions. It is known for its high performance and multidisciplinary integration capabilities and is suitable for scientific research, engineering and commercial analysis scenarios.

a. Multi-engine architecture

It has hybrid data management functions and supports seamless integration of vector/raster/tabular data. The built-in CAD engine can directly edit DWG/DXF files without converting formats. It natively supports TIN, point cloud, and BIM models, and can perform 3D spatial analysis and visualization.

b. Spatial computing optimization

Using “SQL-Map” technology to achieve second-level query of millions of features, which is more than 10 times faster than traditional GIS, greatly improving the efficiency of GIS data processing and analysis.

c. Collaboration and sharing

Built-in Git-like version management system, supports multi-person collaborative editing, and supports connection to cloud storage such as AWS and Azure to achieve cloud data synchronization.

1. Global Mapper — Lightweight Data Conversion Global Mapper is a lightweight but powerful GIS tool, known for its wide support for data formats and 3D visualization capabilities, especially suitable for data processing and rapid mapping.

a. Multi-format compatibility

Supports conversion of more than 300 vector/raster data formats (such as LiDAR LAS, drone orthophotos), and built-in CAD tools can directly edit engineering drawings.

b. 3D analysis capabilities

Provides tools such as TIN modeling, contour generation, and line of sight analysis, and supports direct loading of oblique photography models for 3D measurement.

c. Online service integration

Built-in online data sources such as NASA WorldWind and Bing Maps, and supports real-time calls to WMS/WFS services.

1. MapInfo — Easy to use MapInfo is a popular geographic information system software. It occupies a unique position in the GIS field with its simple and easy-to-use features. It is especially suitable for users who do not have complex GIS function requirements and only need to make basic maps and simple data analysis.

a. Simple and convenient operation

With an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI), novice users can quickly become familiar with and get started, and easily complete tasks such as data import, editing, analysis and map presentation.

b. Map visualization function

With a wealth of map drawing and analysis tools, it can create and edit map layers, and intuitively display geographic data through different symbols, colors, labels, etc., to help users more clearly understand the relationship between data and geographic information.

1. Google Earth Engine — Cloud Data Processing

Google Earth Engine is a cloud computing-based geographic information system platform that allows users to efficiently process and analyze massive amounts of geographic data in the cloud.

a. Based on cloud computing

With the help of Google’s powerful cloud computing infrastructure, users do not need to store large amounts of data and perform complex calculations locally, and can directly process and analyze PB-level geospatial data in the cloud, greatly saving time and hardware costs.

b. Massive data resources

It integrates a large number of geographic data sets such as satellite images, terrain data, and meteorological data, covering global and long-term data series. Users can easily obtain and use these data without having to search and download them everywhere.

c. Simple API

It provides simple and easy-to-use JavaScript and Python APIs, which facilitate developers to carry out customized development and application integration. It can easily integrate the functions of Google Earth Engine into their own projects to expand the functions and value of applications.

Summary
In summary, these five tools have their own advantages and highlights. When choosing GIS tools, it is recommended that you first clarify your needs and application scenarios, and then choose the tool that suits you. If you are a GIS novice, then the free GISBox is definitely the best choice.