Alternatives to QGIS
A free and open-source desktop GIS for making maps, editing spatial data and running analysis. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.
The original
QGIS
A free and open-source desktop GIS for making maps, editing spatial data and running analysis.
Replacements
Listings that take over the same core job as QGIS.
Felt
A collaborative web mapping and GIS tool for making maps, apps and dashboards from uploaded data.
Felt moves mapping and GIS work into the browser with real-time collaboration and drag-and-drop imports, but it is proprietary, cloud-only and puts advanced features in paid plans.
QMapShack
Consumer-grade GIS desktop app for planning trips and viewing GPS tracks on vector, raster and elevation maps.
QMapShack is a free open-source desktop program aimed at outdoor trip planning and GPS tracks, with far fewer analysis and print layout tools.
kepler.gl
An open-source WebGL web application for visualizing and exploring large geospatial datasets.
kepler.gl is an open-source browser tool for visualizing large datasets with WebGL, focused on exploration rather than editing or full GIS analysis.
Also worth comparing
These listings name QGIS as their own alternative, so the relationship runs both ways.
geojson.io
A web tool for drawing, editing and converting GeoJSON map data in the browser.
QGIS is a free open-source desktop GIS for Windows, macOS and Linux that handles large datasets and analysis, with a steeper learning curve.
GRASS
An open-source geospatial processing engine for raster, vector and imagery analysis.
QGIS is also free and open source, adding a print layout designer and CAD-like editing tools alongside analysis, with a dense interface that suits mapmaking.
MapOSMatic
A free web service that turns OpenStreetMap data into printable city maps in PNG, PDF and SVG.
QGIS is a free open-source desktop GIS with a print layout designer and atlases, giving far more control than MapOSMatic but with a steep learning curve.
uMap
An open-source web tool for creating custom maps on OpenStreetMap layers and embedding them in websites.
QGIS is a free, open-source desktop GIS with print layouts and analysis tools on Windows, macOS and Linux, but it has a steep learning curve.
Similar software
Related functionality, not a direct replacement.
Mapbox Studio
A browser-based design tool for building custom vector map styles and publishing them to apps.
GPSBabel
A free program that converts waypoints, tracks and routes between GPS receivers and mapping software.
Google Earth
A free 3D globe with high-resolution imagery, historical imagery layers and guided Voyager stories.
OpenStreetMap
A collaboratively edited world map you can browse, search, route on and edit in a browser.
GeoServer
An open-source server that publishes geospatial data from common spatial sources through open OGC standards.
