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Browse free open source GIS software and projects below. Use the toggles on the left to filter open source GIS software by OS, license, language, programming language, and project status.

  • Powering the next decade of business messaging | Twilio MessagingX Icon
    Powering the next decade of business messaging | Twilio MessagingX

    For organizations interested programmable APIs built on a scalable business messaging platform

    Build unique experiences across SMS, MMS, Facebook Messenger, and WhatsApp – with our unified messaging APIs.
  • Enterprise and Small Business CRM Solution | Clear C2 C2CRM Icon
    Enterprise and Small Business CRM Solution | Clear C2 C2CRM

    Voted Best CRM System with Top Ranked Customer Support. CRM Management includes Sales, Marketing, Relationship Management, and Help Desk.

    C2CRM consists of four modules that integrate to provide a comprehensive CRM solution: Relationship Management, Sales Automation, Marketing Automation, and Customer Service. Only buy what each user needs.
  • 1
    GeoServer
    GeoServer is an open source software server written in Java that allows users to share and edit geospatial data. Designed for interoperability, it publishes data from any major spatial data source using open standards: WMS, WFS, WCS, WPS and REST
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    Downloads: 30,260 This Week
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  • 2

    GeographicLib

    Geographic library

    GeographicLib is a small C++ library for: geodesic and rhumb line calculations; conversions between geographic, UTM, UPS, MGRS, geocentric, and local cartesian coordinates; gravity (e.g., EGM2008) and geomagnetic field (e.g., WMM2020) calculations.
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    Downloads: 8,710 This Week
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  • 3
    SAGA GIS
    SAGA - System for Automated Geoscientific Analyses - is a Geographic Information System (GIS) software with immense capabilities for geodata processing and analysis. SAGA is programmed in the object oriented C++ language and supports the implementation of new functions with a very effective Application Programming Interface (API). Functions are organised as modules in framework independent Module Libraries and can be accessed via SAGA’s Graphical User Interface (GUI) or various scripting environments (shell scripts, Python, R, ...). Please provide the following reference in your work if you are using SAGA: Conrad, O., Bechtel, B., Bock, M., Dietrich, H., Fischer, E., Gerlitz, L., Wehberg, J., Wichmann, V., and Boehner, J. (2015): System for Automated Geoscientific Analyses (SAGA) v. 2.1.4. Geosci. Model Dev., 8, 1991-2007, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-8-1991-2015. For more information visit the project homepage and the wiki.
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    Downloads: 4,022 This Week
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  • 4
    Blender GIS

    Blender GIS

    Blender addons to make the bridge between Blender and geographic data

    Import in Blender most commons GIS data format, Shapefile vector, raster image, geotiff DEM, OpenStreetMap XML. There are a lot of possibilities to create a 3D terrain from geographic data with BlenderGIS, check the Flowchart to have an overview. Display dynamics web maps inside Blender 3d view, requests for OpenStreetMap data (buildings, roads, etc.), get true elevation data from the NASA SRTM mission. Manage georeferencing information of a scene, compute a terrain mesh by Delaunay triangulation, drop objects on a terrain mesh, make terrain analysis using shader nodes, set up new cameras from geotagged photos, set up a camera to render with Blender a new georeferenced raster.
    Downloads: 178 This Week
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  • JobNimbus Construction Software Icon
    JobNimbus Construction Software

    For Roofers, Remodelers, Contractors, Home Service Industry

    Track leads, jobs, and tasks from one easy to use software. You can access your information wherever you are, get everyone on the same page, and grow your business.
  • 5
    QGIS

    QGIS

    Cross platform (lin/win/mac) geographical information system (GIS)

    Create, edit, visualize, analyze and publish geospatial information on Windows, Mac, Linux, BSD and mobile devices. For your desktop, server, in your web browser and as developer libraries. QGIS is a user-friendly open-source Geographic Information System (GIS) licensed under the GNU General Public License. QGIS is an official project of the Open Source Geospatial Foundation (OSGeo). It runs on Linux, Unix, Mac OSX, Windows and Android and supports numerous vector, raster, and database formats and functionalities. QGIS provides a continously growing number of capabilities provided by core functions and plugins. You can visualize, manage, edit, analyze data, and compose printable maps. We also collect case studies of how people all over the world use QGIS for their GIS work. You can view combinations of vector and raster data (in 2D or 3D) in different formats and projections without conversion to an internal or common format.
    Downloads: 33 This Week
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  • 6
    GeoTools, the Java GIS toolkit

    GeoTools, the Java GIS toolkit

    Toolkit for working with and mapping geospatial data

    GeoTools is an open source (LGPL) Java code library which provides standards compliant methods for the manipulation of geospatial data. GeoTools is an Open Source Geospatial Foundation project. The GeoTools library data structures are based on Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) specifications.
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    Downloads: 341 This Week
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  • 7
    The Java RTree project aims to maintain an Java version of the RTree spatial indexing algorithm. See http://jsi.sourceforge.net for more information, and http://github.com/aled/jsi for latest development code.
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    Downloads: 470 This Week
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  • 8
    Yet Another APRS Client
    Client software for users of the Automatic Packet Reporting System amateur radio network.
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    Downloads: 525 This Week
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  • 9
    The JUMP Pilot Project
    OpenJUMP is a community driven fork of JUMP the "Java Unified Mapping Platform" GIS software. The original JUMP was developed by Vivid Solutions, released under GPL2 in 2003 and discontinued in 2006. During 2004 already some enthusiastic developers joined together to enhance further the features of JUMP. They launched an independent development branch called OpenJUMP. The name gives credit to the original JUMP development, and at the same time describes the objectives of this project to be fully open to anyone wanting to contribute. These days OpenJUMP is developed and maintained by (some few) volunteers around the globe. If you need functionality or even better want to contribute you are very welcome to contact us at our mailing list.
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    Downloads: 301 This Week
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  • Free and Open Source HR Software Icon
    Free and Open Source HR Software

    OrangeHRM provides a world-class HRIS experience and offers everything you and your team need to be that HR hero you know that you are.

    Give your HR team the tools they need to streamline administrative tasks, support employees, and make informed decisions with the OrangeHRM free and open source HR software.
  • 10
    GPX Editor
    Load, modify and save your GPX 1.1 files. Add and remove waypoints, edit track and routes, simplify tracks (reducing file's size), clean recorded data, add and edit GPX metadata, edit waypoint, route and track properties, all with real-time preview.
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    Downloads: 357 This Week
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  • 11
    Viking GPS data editor and analyzer

    Viking GPS data editor and analyzer

    Viking is a free/open source program to manage GPS data

    Viking is a free/open source program to manage GPS data. You can import, plot and create tracks, routes and waypoints, show OSM, Bing Aerial and other maps, geotag images, create routes using OSRM, see real-time GPS position (not in Windows), make maps using Mapnik (not in Windows), control items, etc. It is written in mostly in C (with some C++) & the GTK+3 toolkit. Viking is currently dual managed - with a corresponding Github presence at: https://github.com/viking-gps/viking Where you may find it easier to view the code and raise issues there too.
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    Downloads: 189 This Week
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  • 12
    NASA World Wind is a graphically rich 3D virtual globe for use on desktop computers running Windows. It combines NASA imagery generated from satellites that have produced Blue Marble, Landsat 7, SRTM, MODIS and more.
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    Downloads: 109 This Week
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  • 13
    OpenCPN: A concise ChartPlotter/Navigator. A cross-platform ship-borne GUI application supporting * GPS/GPDS Postition Input * BSB Raster Chart Display * S57 Vector ENChart Display * AIS Input Decoding * Waypoint Autopilot Navigation
    Downloads: 71 This Week
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  • 14
    GeoNetwork - Geographic Metadata Catalog
    A web based Geographic Metadata Catalog for data description and discovery. It implements international standards (e.g. ISO19115/19139, ISO19115-3, Z39.50, CSW 2.0, OGC). It originates from the United Nations and is used by many governments as geoportal software. This page is not maintained actively. Active development and discussion takes place on github. You can also connect directly with the companies supporting the development. Source code available on github https://github.com/geonetwork/
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    Downloads: 427 This Week
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  • 15
    gpsfeed+

    gpsfeed+

    A software gps simulator

    A software gps simulator, providing TCP/IP, UDP, http and serial port connectivity in NMEA 0183, XML or user defined output format. Usable for testing all kinds of GPS applications. Can playback pre-recorded GPS files with NMEA output.
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    Downloads: 73 This Week
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  • 16
    S-GeMS is a software for 3D geostatistical modeling. It implements many of the classical geostatistics algorithms, as well as new developments made at Stanford University. See http://sgems.sourceforge.net
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    Downloads: 167 This Week
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  • 17
    QLandkarte GT
    QLandkarte GT is the ultimate outdoor aficionado's tool. It supports GPS maps in GeoTiff format as well as Garmin's img vector map format. Additional it is the PC side front end to QLandkarte M, a moving map application for mobile devices.
    Downloads: 57 This Week
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  • 18
    Mapbox GL JS

    Mapbox GL JS

    Interactive, thoroughly customizable maps in the browser

    Mapbox GL JS is a JavaScript library that uses WebGL to render interactive maps from vector tiles and Mapbox styles. It is part of the Mapbox GL ecosystem, which includes Mapbox Mobile, a compatible renderer written in C++ with bindings for desktop and mobile platforms. Mapbox GL JS is part of the cross-platform Mapbox GL ecosystem, which also includes compatible native SDKs for applications on Android, iOS, macOS, Qt, and React Native. Mapbox provides building blocks to add location features like maps, search, and navigation into any experience you create. To get started with GL JS or any of our other building blocks, sign up for a Mapbox account. In addition to GL JS, this repository contains code, issues, and test fixtures that are common to both GL JS and the native SDKs. Mapbox GL JS v2 enables 3D mapping with elevated terrain, customizable skies and atmospheric lighting, a new camera, and performance enhancements.
    Downloads: 2 This Week
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  • 19
    The JTS Topology Suite is an API for modelling and manipulating 2-dimensional linear geometry. It provides numerous geometric predicates and functions. JTS conforms to the Simple Features Specification for SQL published by the Open GIS Consortium.
    Downloads: 43 This Week
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  • 20
    OffRoad

    OffRoad

    Offline vector map display ported from OsmAnd

    An offline map viewer for the Desktop based on OsmAnd.
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    Downloads: 54 This Week
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  • 21
    KMLCSV Converter
    Converts Google Earth KML file to a CSV file, and vice versa. This enables you to plot all custom POIs with Google Earth first before transferring them into your Garmin GPS using the POI Loader.
    Downloads: 54 This Week
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  • 22
    Automatically geocode pictures from your camera and a GPS track log. Following Google code closure the only official webpage is (doc, support, code) : https://github.com/notfrancois/GPicSync
    Downloads: 40 This Week
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  • 23

    JGPSTrackEdit

    GPS track editor for editing tracks and planning (multiple) day tours

    JGPSTrackEdit is a tool for editing gps tracks and planning (multiple days) tours (GPS track editor). An abritary number of tracks may be opened or created, tracks may be merged. A track may be splitted, reversed or edited (e.g. compressed and corrected). Points may be inserted or appended to a track (routing supported) or may be moved or deleted from a track. Maps of several providers are available, the default map is OpenStreetMap. Currently supported track formats: Garmin gpx route, Garmin gpx track, Garmin tcx, kml and plain txt. JGPSTrackEdit my also be used to download tile images for later offline use by smartphone apps. JGPSTrackEdit is written in the java language. To run the software, a java runtime installation is required (may be obtained from https://www.java.com/de/download/ or https://openjdk.java.net/projects/jdk8/ or https://adoptopenjdk.net/) More information, including the user manual, may be found on the wiki pages (https://sourceforge.net/p/jgpst
    Leader badge
    Downloads: 40 This Week
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  • 24
    NAVeGIS

    NAVeGIS

    GPS navigation software for Windows Mobile & WinCE devices.

    NAVeGIS is a WinCE/Windows Mobile navigation application.
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    Downloads: 48 This Week
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  • 25
    GeoServer

    GeoServer

    GeoServer repository

    GeoServer is an open-source software server written in Java that allows users to share and edit geospatial data. Designed for interoperability, it publishes data from any major spatial data source using open standards. Being a community-driven project, GeoServer is developed, tested, and supported by a diverse group of individuals and organizations from around the world. GeoServer is the reference implementation of the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) Web Feature Service (WFS) and Web Coverage Service (WCS) standards, as well as a high-performance certified compliant Web Map Service (WMS), compliant Catalog Service for the Web (CSW) and implementing Web Processing Service (WPS). GeoServer forms a core component of the Geospatial Web.
    Downloads: 1 This Week
    Last Update:
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Guide to Open Source GIS Software

Open source GIS software is a powerful and versatile type of mapping software that can be used to create, store, and manipulate spatial data. This software is typically distributed freely under an open source license, which allows anyone to access the technology without paying any fees or obtaining permission from the copyright holder.

Open source GIS (geographic information system) software provides users with a wide range of tools for creating digital maps. This includes tools for creating point, line and polygon vector layers as well as raster image analysis and interpretation techniques. These types of mapping systems are very popular in research applications since they allow users to customize the workflow according to their specific needs or goals. The output from these programs can be in either paper or electronic formats such as PDFs or image files. Open source GIS systems also provide various methods for sharing data across networks within different organizations or individuals working together on collaborative projects.

The advantages of using open source GIS software include cost savings due to no licensing requirements, improved security due to control over who has access to the code base, better accessibility thanks to web-based interfaces and cross-platform compatibility between multiple operating systems like Windows, Mac OS X and Linux. Additionally, the ability to modify existing code can help improve performance when dealing with large datasets or complex operations that require optimization specific for particular tasks. Furthermore, by having complete control over your own code base you are able to provide bug fixes quickly when necessary as well as update features as needed according to user feedback or new technologies available in the marketplace. Finally, there may be some legal benefits associated with open source licenses that restrict how competing companies use your intellectual property within their own products but still allow you unrestricted use for your own purposes.

Overall open source GIS software offers numerous benefits ranging from improved security and accessibility through customization options all while allowing people around the world access this powerful technology free of charge.

Features Provided by Open Source GIS Software

  • Data Storage and Management: Open source GIS software provides an organized way to store, manage, and analyze geographic data. It can be tailored to specific needs by allowing users to customize the formatting of attribute tables as well as configure a workflow that works best for their individual projects.
  • Spatial Analysis Tools: Open source GIS software includes various spatial analysis tools that allow users to explore patterns in their data sets by analyzing correlations in space. These tools may include functions such as proximity searches, viewsheds, watershed delineation, line of sight analysis, network routing optimization and much more.
  • Mapping Capabilities: Users can visualize their data with powerful mapping capabilities provided by open source GIS software. This allows users to create maps quickly and easily so they can make informed decisions about their project quickly. They can also use these maps for creating animations or reports that showcase the results of their analysis in a visually appealing manner.
  • Integration with Other Programs: Open source GIS software is often compatible with many other programs such as CAD programs and spreadsheets — meaning it is easier than ever before to integrate your existing work into your new project. Additionally, it also makes collaboration simpler between different team members who may have varying levels of knowledge when it comes to geographical information systems (GIS).
  • Customizations & Extensions: Many open source GIS packages are highly customizable which makes them easy to adapt or extend based on particular user needs or preferences. With extensions or customizations developed for open source platforms, users can take advantage of the flexibility that comes with using an open platform while still providing powerful features designed specifically for them.

What Are the Different Types of Open Source GIS Software?

  • Desktop GIS Software: This type of open source GIS software provides a full desktop environment with tools for mapping, analysis, and data management.
  • Web Mapping Applications: These applications provide web-based services that allow users to access geographic information through their internet browser or mobile device.
  • Mobile GIS Software: Open source GIS software also provides options for deploying mobile maps and apps on devices such as tablets and smartphones.
  • Spatial Databases: There are several open source databases available that can be used to store and manage geospatial data.
  • 3D Visualization Tools: Open source tools enable the creation of 3D visualizations by utilizing terrestrial laser scan data, drone imagery, aerial photographs, etc.
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS): These systems utilize spatial models and techniques to analyze complex geographical processes in order to make better decisions about land use and other planning activities.
  • Cartography Tools: Cartography is the study of making maps – this includes how to design, develop, symbolize, display and distribute them. Specialized software can be used to create aesthetically pleasing maps from existing data layers with features like graticules (lines representing latitude/longitude).

Benefits of Using Open Source GIS Software

  1. Cost-Effective: One of the primary advantages of open source GIS software is that it’s typically much less expensive than proprietary software. This makes it an attractive option for businesses and organizations with limited budgets. Plus, most open source software can be easily downloaded from the internet for free or at a very low cost.
  2. Customizable: Unlike proprietary GIS software, which only allows users to operate within its set parameters, open source GIS offers a great deal of flexibility and customizability. Users have access to the code, so they can modify and tweak it according to their specific needs. This makes open source applications especially useful for large enterprises as well as tailored solutions for smaller organizations.
  3. Cross-Compatible: Open source formats are generally compatible across multiple operating systems, meaning they can be used on both Windows and Mac computers without making any adjustments. This also means that data analysis between these platforms is straightforward and efficient.
  4. Security Benefits: Open source application codes can be examined by users in order to identify any vulnerabilities before hackers have a chance to exploit them. As such, companies using these types of applications can feel secure knowing that regularly updated patches keep their data safe from malicious attackers.
  5. Extensive Documentation & Community Support: Since many individuals are involved in contributing towards coding initiatives with open source GIS software, there’s usually plenty of extensive documentation available online if someone runs into issues while trying to use it. Additionally, since many developers work on the same project simultaneously there is usually some kind of support network or community forum readily available in case help is needed with troubleshooting or other questions arise related to usage or development processes.

What Types of Users Use Open Source GIS Software?

  • Students: Students use open source GIS software to create maps and explore spatial data for educational purposes.
  • Researchers: Researchers use open source GIS software to collect and analyze data in their research projects.
  • Developers: Developers utilize open source mapping tools to produce web-based applications, share or expose data through web services, and create custom geospatial solutions.
  • Government Agencies: Government agencies utilize open source GIS software to make decisions based on analysis of geographic information such as housing statistics, population density, transportation networks, and more.
  • Commercial/Business Companies: Businesses use open source GIS software for a variety of reasons such as mapping customer locations, planning delivery routes, optimizing logistics processes, analyzing market trends and customer demographics.
  • Environmental Organizations: Environmental organizations use opensource GIS software for monitoring environment changes due to climate change or land-use change over time. They also use it to create interactive maps with analysis of ecosystem services like flood risk or air quality levels.
  • Archaeologists & Geologists: Archaeologists and geologists utilize open source GIS software as an important tool in their exploration of historic sites or geological features across the world.

How Much Does Open Source GIS Software Cost?

Open source GIS software is typically free of charge, although some companies may provide a paid version of the software with added features and support. Open source GIS software provides users with a range of powerful tools for mapping, analysis, and data management without any upfront cost associated with licensing or purchasing the software. Some popular open source GIS projects include QGIS, MapServer, GRASS GIS, GeoNetwork, OpenLayers and PostGIS. These projects are developed by a large community of volunteers who contribute to their development and maintenance. Many open source GIS projects are actively maintained with new features being added regularly based on user feedback. Additionally many universities offer free courses in using these tools helping to get people up and running quickly while also providing access to expert advice when needed. Depending on the project some additional costs may be incurred such as hosting fees or additional third party data sources that may be required for certain analyses but overall the cost associated with using open source GIS software can be minimal compared to other proprietary sources.

What Software Can Integrate With Open Source GIS Software?

There are many types of software that can integrate with open source GIS software. These include web development tools and frameworks, databases like PostGIS, geospatial analysis libraries such as GDAL and GRASS, machine learning libraries like Scikit-Learn and Tensorflow, graphics programs such as Adobe Illustrator and Autodesk Maya, map creation tools such as Mapbox or CartoDB, office productivity suites like Microsoft Office or LibreOffice, programming languages such as Python or JavaScript, data visualization libraries like Matplotlib and D3.js, server technologies like Apache Tomcat or Node.js., geographic information system (GIS) backends such as GeoServer or Esri’s ArcGIS Server. With this range of devices available to be integrated with open source GIS software the possibilities for creating powerful custom solutions is immense.

Recent Trends Related to Open Source GIS Software

  1. Open source GIS software is becoming increasingly popular due to its cost-effectiveness and flexibility.
  2. It allows users to customize their GIS applications without having to purchase expensive proprietary software.
  3. Open source GIS software is being used by many organizations, from small businesses to large government agencies.
  4. Open source GIS software has seen a surge in popularity due to the development of open standards such as OGC and GeoPackage, which allow for interoperability between different systems.
  5. Open source GIS software is often developed collaboratively, with contributions from developers around the world, making it highly modular and easily customizable.
  6. As the use of open source GIS software grows, so does its functionality and capabilities. Many open source GIS packages now include advanced features such as data analysis tools, 3D visualization, image processing, and more.
  7. Open source GIS software is becoming increasingly accessible thanks to cloud computing solutions like Amazon Web Services (AWS). This makes it easier for users to access data and applications from any location.
  8. Open source GIS projects are becoming increasingly user-friendly, with more intuitive user interfaces and easier-to-follow tutorials. This makes open source GIS a great option for beginners and experienced users alike.

How To Get Started With Open Source GIS Software

  1. Getting started with open source GIS software is easy and can be done quickly. First, decide which type of open source GIS software you want to use; there are many options available including QGIS, ArcGIS Open Source, MapServer, GeoServer, and others. Once you’ve chosen the one you want to use, download the program from its website and install it on your machine (a desktop computer or laptop). After installation is complete, open the software and explore some of the features that come with it.
  2. Once you’re familiar with the main capabilities of your GIS software, start learning about spatial data: what it is and how to obtain it from public sources. You may have access to some datasets from local governments or other organizations - downloading them directly into your mapping program is often possible if this type of feature is supported by the specific program you chose. If not, then shapefiles (.shp) or geospatial file formats can usually be imported into most programs for analysis.
  3. As you become more experienced in using these tools, consider also obtaining aerial imagery – either publicly-available data such as Landsat Imagery or through an online subscription service like Digital Globe – and adding it as a layer in your project to better analyze features on earth’s surface. This will allow a much deeper understanding of how natural features interact with each other.
  4. Next step would be to apply your knowledge by creating a project: plotting points on maps to capture sites like hospitals or schools; drawing polygons around geographical regions; tracing routes along roads connecting two locations; analyzing environmental changes over time based on satellite images; etc. There are so many ways in which open source GIS software can be used. Start experimenting with different types of projects that pique your interest and let yourself get creative.

The possibilities are endless - have fun exploring all that open source GIS has to offer.