Software Development
Published: Aug 8, 2024

GIS Software Development: All The Buzz You Need to Know

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Vivek works as a Software Maestro with 11 years of professional experience. He leverages a wide range of next-gen technologies, including Node Js, React Js, PgSQl, and a lot more.
GIS Software Development Guide

Summary: GIS software development is a revolutionary way of conducting geospatial data management and analysis across businesses and organizations. In this blog, we attempt to shed light on everything related to GIS software development, including its meaning, market statistics, tools, technologies, processes, and components, and how Radixweb can assist you in the journey. So, keep reading!

When we talk about geographic data analysis, one of the challenges in making strategic and well-informed decisions is to manage different and incompatible datasets.

It is at this point where Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software comes into play. With GIS technology, developers can build smart software that unifies various datasets and provides a single platform for comprehensive spatial analysis and great decision-making.

In this blog, we will talk about what GIS software development is and how it can help businesses translate complicated data into comprehensible information. Moreover, we will learn about the steps to develop it, the tools and technologies used to build it, and how Radixweb can help you achieve your desired objective-aligned software solution for geographic information systems.

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On This Page
  1. GIS Software Development: Definition and Market Overview
  2. Benefits of Developing a GIS Software
  3. Components of GIS Software Development
  4. GIS Software Development: Technologies and Tools
  5. GIS-based Software Development Process
  6. What is the Cost of Building GIS Software?
  7. Why Choose Radixweb for Crafting GIS Software?
  8. GIS Software Development for Competitive Edge

GIS Software Development: Definition and Market Overview

GIS software development is the process of creating software applications and systems that facilitate the collection, storage, analysis, and visualization of geospatial information. These include maps, satellite photos, and any location-based data where geographical conditions are of interest.

The market for GIS software is a flourishing one, with an estimated CAGR of 15.2%. From the base value of $6.3 billion in 2020, its market is bound to reach the heights of $25.5 billion by 2030.

This development is mainly influenced by reasons such as the rising need for precise location intelligence for goal-oriented marketing campaigns. Also, site inspections require the implementation of such software to make the most correct decisions at the right time.

Moreover, the software market for spatial analysis is projected to experience a tremendous growth pace, given the rising demand for geographic information system solutions in the transport and logistics industry. In fact, smart city initiatives and urban planning projects increasingly require developing custom-made scalable software for GIS.

Ultimately, with more enterprises depending on spatial data for optimum decision-making, the need for GIS software development services will only be prominent.

Guaranteed Benefits of Developing Geospatial Information Systems

Developing geospatial information systems has become indispensable in addressing complex issues, fostering work efficiency, and fine-tuning decision-making, given that it is built using a well-tested software development process.

Here are some of the promising benefits of crafting essential GIS software.

Benefits of GIS Software Development

  • Enhanced Revenue Generation

Developing impactful GIS helps businesses search for potential yet profitable geographical areas and determine clients in a targeted manner, which in turn helps companies find new revenue sources.

  • Advanced Customer Insights

Geographic Information Systems form the basis for observing and analyzing customer behavior, preferences, and demographics to acceptable marketing strategies and customer engagement.

  • Collaboration Enhancement

GIS promotes team collaboration by providing a single platform for data exchange, visualization, and analysis, resulting in better project outcomes.

  • Optimized Planning and Decision-Making

Integrating diverse data sources, examining spatial influences, and envisioning evidence-based decision-making ensures we rely on data for strategic decisions.

  • Enhanced Emergency Response and Disaster Management

The geographic information systems rapidly respond to disasters through real-time spatial data, situational awareness, and resource allocation optimization.

  • Improved Operational Efficiency

The core advantage of building software for GIS is its ability to control work processes, replace routine work with automation, and save time and resources, which leads to higher levels of efficiency.

  • Business Operations and Marketing Improvement

The GIS enables businesses to identify areas for improvement in their operations and marketing strategies. Spatial patterns, customer behavior, and market trends can be analyzed, allowing the company to compete using those unique attributes.

  • Geospatial Data Visualization and Understanding

Organizations can use GIS to represent information in maps, charts, and graphs and visualize difficult-to-comprehend spatial data engagingly. This helps them better understand spatial relationships and patterns.

  • Advanced Mapping Capabilities

Geographic information systems offer many advanced mapping functions, including the possibility of constructing 3D visualizations, thematic maps, or dynamic maps that users can interact with more easily than conventional maps.

  • Streamlined Services and Logistics

GIS optimizes the delivery of services and logistics by applying data to analyze transportation routes, enhance the suitability and management of supply chains, and provide better asset tracking and management.

  • Efficient Asset Management

Geographic information systems enable organizations to trace and supervise their assets effectively through real-time location data, asset condition monitoring capabilities, and predictive maintenance features.

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Core Components of GIS Software to Be Aware of While Developing

Developing geographic information systems is a wide ground play, and to ace its complete benefits, it is essential to be aware of key components of GIS software, which are as follows -

Key Components of GIS Software

  • Spatial Analysis

The core component of a geospatial information system is its ability to provide high-resolution maps and visualization tools. This aspect offers area maps that display roads and other structures, place names, and geographical information, enabling users to easily visualize spatial data.

  • Comprehensive Data Acquisition and Storage

Efficient GIS software has proper data-gathering processes and safe storage as well. This entails the collection of varied data sets, including topographical data, infrastructure, and demographic details, and then organizing them to facilitate ease of access or data recovery and integrity.

  • Sophisticated Analysis and Computational Tools

Geospatial information systems have components for data analytics and processing raw geospatial data efficiently to derive meaningful information. These tools bring out complex spatial analysis like trend analysis, spatial patterns, and spatial prediction which will act as support for decision-makers.

  • Geospatial Data Stores

The processing and management of large spatial data sets require data storage. These tools are used to structure, verify, and locate data at hand for data retrieval to be simplified and to ensure that the data being subjected to analysis is accurate and current.

  • Intuitive User Interaction Interface

The user interface of GIS software plays the role of a communication tool between the users. Some common characteristics of an effective UI are zoom in and out, click to search, drag and pan, and selection of data on maps.

  • Comprehensive Reporting and Visualization Modules

After the analysis is completed, GIS software provides the following reporting and visualization capabilities. These features organize data into charts, graphs, and 3D models to simplify and convey complex information to stakeholders.

  • Integrated Collaboration and Sharing Mechanisms

Modern geospatial information systems integrate the use of web-based technologies, which facilitate collaboration and data sharing between different users. They include features for the synchronous sharing of data and files, versions, and the ability to interact with different types of software applications to enhance project work and knowledge dissemination.

  • Efficient Navigation and Query Tools

GIS software often features advanced navigation and search tools that improve the working environment of users. Such tools enable spatial query and location search and significantly facilitate navigation through huge datasets, thus facilitating more precise spatial exploration.

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Geographic Information Systems Development: Technologies and Tools

GIS are specialized systems developed to store, process, analyze, and visualize information related to geographies. Here is a comprehensive overview of the essential tools and technologies that your dedicated software development team may use while crafting geographic information systems.

CategoryTools/TechnologiesDescription
GIS PlatformsArcGIS, ERDAS IMAGINE, MapInfoA comprehensive suite of software for spatial analysis, geographic visualization, and remote sensing.
Open-Source GIS SoftwareQGIS, GRASS GIS, PostGISRapidly evolving free-source software with strong capabilities for handling and analyzing geospatial data.
Database Management SystemsOracle Spatial, Microsoft SQL Server Spatial, Postgre SQL with PostGISSpatial DBMS software designed for handling spatial data.
Web Development ToolsLeaflet, OpenLayers, ArcGIS API for JavaScript, Geoserver, MapServerPlatforms for building and hosting web GIS applications.
Remote Sensing SoftwareENVI, Orfeo ToolboxSoftware that concentrates on image capturing and processing from satellite and airborne platforms.
Mobile Development Kits (SDKs)ArcGIS Runtime SDK, Mapbox Mobile SDKMobile GIS frameworks used to develop GIS applications for smartphones and tablets.
Integrated Development Environments (IDEs)Eclipse, Visual Studio, PyCharmIDEs designed for universal GIS use but include support for GIS-specific libraries and software development kits.
GIS Libraries and FrameworksGDAL, OGR, GeoTools, OpenLayers, QGISPopular libraries and frameworks for working with spatial data.
Programming LanguagesPython, R, JavaScript, SQL, C++Popular languages for GIS scripting, data analysis, and GIS web application development.
Cloud ComputingAWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft AzureScalable solutions for GIS data processing and storage.
ServersN/AServes as a host to GIS data and applications; essential in an enterprise or web environment.
GPS DevicesN/ADevices from simple handheld units to sophisticated surveying instruments for real-time location data collection.
Remote Sensing EquipmentN/ARefers to satellites, drones, and aircraft with sensors for spatial data capture.
WorkstationsN/ASpecialized high-performance computers for GIS and remote sensing applications.
Plotters and PrintersN/AHardware for creating hardcopy maps and visual products.

Systematized GIS Software Development Process

By choosing a well-defined software development process, you can create value-providing GIS applications that meet your business objectives.

GIS Software Development Process

1. Needs Analysis: Determine which geospatial information system functionalities are required by users and project boundaries by conducting meetings and analysis with stakeholders.

2. Design and Architecture: Develop a system-level diagram showing general architecture, following a data model for spatial databases, and providing plans for the UI for GIS applications.

3. Software Development: Use libraries such as Leaflet or OpenLayers to implement map visualization for frontend. Also, configure server-side programming using Geoserver and connect spatial databases, including Post GIS.

4. GIS Software Testing: Perform unit testing, integration testing, and user acceptance testing to ensure that all units function properly and meet the end-user needs.

5. Deployment: Set up servers, transfer data, and implement geospatial information systems solutions using cloud platforms or local networks.

6. Maintenance: Perform bug fixes, system updates, and other maintenance tasks to achieve continuous optimal operation.

What is the Cost of Building GIS Software?

The cost of building GIS software is different for different projects and organizations, given the various dynamic factors. But, to give you a rough estimate, it can be said that the cost of building GIS software with basic functionalities can be somewhere around $20,000 to $50,000.

While a medium-complexity GIS software development cost can be around $50,000 to $150,000, and high-complexity GIS software can cost $150,000 or more.

These development cost ranges are just approximate estimates, and the final cost of building GIS software may depend on:

  • GIS software developer experience,
  • Development team location,
  • Maintenance and updates provisions,
  • Number of functionalities to be added,
  • Platform choice for GIS software, such as web or mobile app,
  • Unforeseen costs because of unexpected challenges.

Why Choose Radixweb for Crafting GIS Software?

At Radixweb, our expert professionals offer quintessential geospatial solutions adapted to your business needs, given their in-depth understanding of software development methods like Agile and Scrum. We have hands-on experience developing tailored geospatial information systems that guarantee the desired accuracy and coherence with your goals.

Our core competency lies in 3D GIS development services and modeling that provides enhanced interactive and intuitive data visualization. Moreover, we ensure the development of impactful GIS software by offering consultation and geo-processing services, supplementing the accuracy and implementation of raw data.

Are you looking for geospatial software that leads to success? Hiring capable and trusted software developers can help you make a difference and enhance your development initiative.

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GIS Software Development for Competitive EdgeCreating specialized GIS software provides substantial value across several economic sectors by infusing critical functionalities such as maps, data handling, and powerful analysis algorithms. It improves the usability and applicability of spatial information by increasing its accessibility and consequent application in decision-making and management processes.Given that more and more companies find spatial information to be of primary interest, building powerful geospatial information systems is one of the key steps toward core business performance and long-term growth.However, effective GIS implementation requires adopting the best practices and using emerging technologies. This would enable strategic business growth and resource optimization for efficient decision-making and solving challenging spatial challenges.Contact us today to get optimum consultation and sustainable partnership for GIS software development.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the use case of GIS software?

What are the types of GIS software you can develop?

What are some common challenges in GIS software development?

What is the role of software in GIS?

What are the best practices for GIS software development?

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Vivek Chavda

Vivek Chavda

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About the Author

Vivek is a highly skilled Software Maestro with 11 years of experience in building innovative and scalable solutions. With a strong foothold on Node.js, React.js, PHP & frameworks, PgSQL, Mysql, and Redis, Vivek consistently delivers high-quality software solutions. His meticulous attention to detail and ability to think outside the box enables him to tackle complex technical challenges and provide effective solutions.