ArcGIS Vs QGIS – QGIS is a free and open-source geographic information system (GIS) software application that supports vector, raster, and database formats. This software is mostly used by a lot of organizations for GIS applications like spatial analysis, mapping, and modelling.
ArcGIS is a mapping tool that has a rich history in spatial analysis. ArcGIS Suite is developed by ESRI (Environmental Systems Research Institute).
I have been working in the GIS field for more than 16 Years, and involve working in both of these tools and testing new functionality. In this article, I will do a detailed comparison of ArcGIS Vs QGIS.
Differences Between ArcGIS and QGIS
ArcGIS is a proprietary GIS software company that provides GIS, mapping, and geographic analysis. It is owned by Esri.
QGIS is a free and open-source cross-platform GIS Application.
#1. Cost & License
ArcGIS is more expensive than QGIS. The ArcGIS software costs $100 per year in annual subscription fees for Students and for personal use. For enterprise use, it cost more.
QGIS, on the other hand, is a free open-source application.
This means that if you’re looking at producing beautiful maps or working with data related to GIS systems then you’ll have to pay more if you plan to use ArcGIS.
#2. Extensions
The ArcMap extension for ArcGIS provides a lot of mapping and geoprocessing tools that QGIS does not have. If you like to produce beautiful maps or work with data related to GIS systems then it’s worth getting your hands on ArcMap.
ArcGIS also has an enormous library of add-ons that allow for the extension of functionality to suit any enterprise need. These add-ons are free with ArcGIS Enterprise licensing.
Both QGIS and ArcGIS support scripting and programming language to extend the functionality.
#3. GIS Data Formats
In this section, QGIS has a better edge than ArcGIS. QGIS support more GIS data formats than ArcGIS Platform.
ArcGIS can only support minimum GIS data format. QGIS can open almost all GIS file formats you may work on.
QGIS used GDAL/OGR library to support various GIS file formats.
#4. Platform
ArcGIS suite only runs on Windows and Linux operating systems, still, you cannot access ArcMap and ArcCatalog on Linux operating system.
On the other hand, you can use QGIS on Windows, Linux, macOS and even on Android.
You may get limited functionality of QGIS on android.
#5. Version / Instance
You can only install one version or instance of ArcGIS on your system. Which is usually the latest version of ArcGIS or ArcMap. You cannot install more than one instance in your system.
On the other hand, You can install multiple versions of QGIS on your system. Usually, users install the more stable version (LTR) of QGIS to work on their project and side by side install Current releases just to check the latest features and try them.
#6. GIS Tools
ArcGIS has a wide variety of tools for geoprocessing and analysis. But users need to buy these tools and extensions to get the benefits. This may increase the cost.
Currently, QGIS has a limited range of tools, but more of them are being created to add functionality. Most of the required tools are already available in QGIS. So you can complete your task with the tools that are already available.
#7. Loading Time
QGIS open much faster than ArcGIS or ArcMap. QGIS take less processing time in comparison to ArcGIS.
#8. Help / Support
ArcGIS is proprietary software, so ESRI has provided good technical support and a knowledge base. You can also check out the forum to get help and support.
On the other hand, you can get help from gis.stackexchange.com site and complete tutorials on https://www.qgistutorials.com
For QGIS you can also get commercial technical support from various companies around the world.
#8. Source Code
ArcGIS is paid software suite, so source codes are not available. You can not access the source code and it can only be accessible by companies employee to modify.
But, QGIS is an open-source application, and anyone can download and access the source code to modify as per their own need.
Developers can download and learn using the source code and even improved these source codes.
Strengths of ArcGIS vs QGIS – Which One Wins?
I have collected some of the features of both QGIS and ArcGIS in the below table, which may help you to identify the Strengths of both software.
Features | QGIS | ArcGIS |
Operating System Support | Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android | Windows, Linux |
User Friendly Interface | Yes | Yes |
Cartography | Yes | Yes |
License | Free | Paid |
Instance | Can Install Multiple Instance | Only One Instance Per PC |
File Format | Support almost all geospatial file format | limited GIS file format supported |
Source Code | Open Source | Not Available to Developers |
Guide / Help | Limited Guide and Technical Support | Official Guides and Technical Support available |
Integrate with other open source software | Yes | Partially |
Conclusion: Key Differences Between ArcGIS Vs QGIS Software
In this article, we have seen the key differences between ArcGIS Vs QGIS.
The key difference between open source and proprietary software is that open-source software can be modified according to user’s preferences. Open-source software can be downloaded from the internet and is free to use.
The users of the proprietary software purchase it from the company which developed it, meaning that they cannot modify it if they wanted to.
It’s up to you, which software application you are using for your gis analysis. Both QGIS and ArcGIS can help you to achieve your output. If you have the budget then you can go with ArcGIS Suit.
I hope this article helps you.