Wed, 29 Jan 2025

7 Tips for Choosing the Best Web GIS Software for Your Organization

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Finding the right GIS platform for your organization can make all the difference. The right choice can streamline your workflows, optimize resources, and enhance collaboration among your team. This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider when choosing a GIS solution. While the focus is on Web GIS applications, many of the insights apply to desktop GIS users as well. 

Web GIS solutions have increasingly replaced desktop GIS applications

Web GIS Applications 

  • Offer intuitive, interactive visuals of spatial data in web portals, whether on an intranet or the internet. 
  • Enable straightforward, flexible, and connected workflows from any web browser—no installation required.
  • Facilitate seamless collaboration through centralized databases, keeping everyone on the same page. 
  • Provide robust access controls to protect sensitive data. 
  • Maintain up-to-date databases by integrating with external systems. 
  • Enhance decision making with efficient data analysis and automated reporting tools. Simplify recurring tasks with optimized, hassle-free processes. 

Desktop GIS Applications 

  • Deliver a full suite of tools for advanced modeling, specialized analysis, and preparing spatial databases. 
  • Operate independently of an internet connection, ensuring uninterrupted work offline. 

The Shift from Desktop GIS to Web GIS Solutions 

Web GIS has steadily replaced traditional desktop GIS. But why is there such a shift towards Web GIS? Modern Web GIS solutions have evolved into much more than content viewers or online maps. They allow businesses and public authorities to create customi maps, analyze dynamic datasets, track spatial developments, and produce visually compelling reports. Whether you work in urban planning, infrastructure management, or industrial operations, Web GIS software can transform how you work with geospatial data. 

7 Tips for Choosing the Best Web GIS Software for Your Organization 

Use these essential tips to assess your needs and choose the right software that supports both your current workflows and your future goals.  

1. Define Your Requirements Early 

Clearly outline what you need from a Web GIS Solution.  What are your specific objectives? Can your exiting software manage all your tasks, or do you still rely on desktop workstations for certain processes? Are outdated processes or technical limitations slowing down your workflows? Think about how a Web GIS solution could simplify or improve the way you work.  

Pro Tip: Get input from all key stakeholders to create detailed requirements sheet. Compare the out-of-the-box features offered by different software providers against your current setup. Test demos to see how various solutions perform with your workflows.  

2. Prioritize Flexibility and Accessibility 

Your chosen solution should easily adapt to your organization’s unique needs. Can you build intuitive user interfaces and search functions and automate key workflows without hiring costly in-house developments? Look for solutions that also simplify the implementation of access permissions to facilitate streamlined collaboration .  

Pro Tip: Check if the solution’s customization features are easy to implement or if they require advanced IT skills. Request case studies or examples from other customers to see how well the solution performs in real-world settings.  

3. Understand the Software’s Architecture and Update Cycles 

Web GIS software handles large volumes of data, so strong system architecture is crucial. The software should deliver smooth performance across different devices and browsers and adapt to ever-changing technical standards – especially for mobile applications.  

Pro Tip: Test the solution’s compatibility with the devices your team uses. Also, review the provider’s update practices to ensure the system remains reliable and future-proof.  Regular updates from a centralized provider with a comprehensive understanding of long-term development cycles are vital.  

With modern Web GIS software, you can explore spatial data across different devices, enable simple data processing, and build powerful analysis tools. 

4. Consider Self-Maintenance vs. SaaS  

While maintaining a self-managed in-house GIS system might be beneficial for some organizations, it requires substantial time and resources. Alternatively, opting for a “Software as a Service” model (SaaS)—where a service provider handles the maintenance of both hardware and software—can be a more cost-effective and scalable solution. 

Pro Tip: Compare the long-term cost-benefit ratio of self-managed systems vs. Saas options. Service-based models often provide access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and security and save valuable internal resources. SaaS solutions are typically highly scalable on the server side, ensuring smooth operation and fast loading times even during periods of high user demand. 

5. Review Data Security and Storage Options 

Data security and compliance are a top priority. Historically, in-house servers have been the primary solution; however, secure cloud storage solutions have emerged as a strong alternative. Modern cloud providers often include features like backups, monitoring, and disaster recovery, offering efficiency and peace of mind for organizations handling sensitive data.  

Pro Tip: Compare the long-term costs and benefits of on-premises data storage vs. cloud services. Many cloud solutions now offer secure, data protection-compliant storage locations within the EU, making them a reliable and secure choice for managing sensitive information. 

6. Prioritize Integration of External Systems 

GIS data alone usually can’t answer all your organization’s questions. Integration with other systems – notably those for data input – can lead to more efficient workflows and consistent, up-to-date datasets.  

Pro Tip: Identify where data overlaps across your systems. Look for integration options that allow you to manage data centrally, cutting down on redundancies and errors.  

7. Examine Long-Term Costs  

License fees typically cover more than just access to the software; they usually include updates, support, and additional features. Technical support is invaluable, especially during the initial phase or when unexpected issues ariseWhile higher license fees may seem daunting, they often lead to lower ongoing maintenance costs. Be cautious about custom solutions. While the one-time implementation cost might seem compelling initially, they often come with higher ongoing costs for updates and support.  

Pro Tip: Don’t be deterred by higher license fees if it means avoiding costly custom solutions. However, make sure to get a clear breakdown of what’s included in the license fees to make sure it’s aligned with your needs and future plans. Evaluate the provider’s market stability to ensure long-term support.  


It’s Time to Modernize Your GIS Software 

Have you outgrown your current GIS solution? If your workflows feel outdated or inefficient, it might be time to explore modern Web GIS solutions like  VertiGIS Studio

Through focused consultations and interactive demos, you can assess your organization’s unique needs and find a solution that empowers your teams while saving resources. Take the first step toward smarter, more collaborative workflows. Request your free demo and consultation today.  

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