GIS software

GIS software has evolved from a combination of two well-established types of electronic mapping software packages:

• Computer-aided-design (CAD) technology, where map geometry is handled based on graphics.
• Conventional spreadsheet and database technology, which has developed the way attribute information is handled.

A professional GIS user must be able to understand the disciplines of both these types of software, as well as appreciating geographic principles.

1. What skills and IT resources do you have, to manage and work with geographic data?
2. What does your organisation need? What problem(s) are you trying to solve?
3. How are you expecting GIS to solve your problem? How does digital mapping relate to your problem?
4. What data do you already have available? Addresses or locations perhaps?
5. Do you know what would be the most appropriate GIS to meet your business need?
6. If you are a department in a larger organisation, you will probably need to create a business case. Answering the above questions will help you do this.

Ordnance Survey is partnered with several GIS software and service providers. They and other GIS mapping companies in the market provide GIS applications and mapping tools, to help with different mapping software needs.

QGIS is an open-source GIS that helps you visualise, manage, edit, analyse data, and compose printable maps. 

allmapdata from CACI provides map-based analysis software and services including GIS, digital mapping, sales and marketing applications, and logistics planning solutions such as territory optimisation or routing and scheduling. 

Cadcorp is a UK-based developer and supplier of GIS and web mapping software. Their cost-effective solutions help public sectors organisations get the most from geographic information.

If you need to licence and manage multiple contractors, Emapsite’s ContractorLink service can help. Emapsite, an OS Partner, manages and distributes mapping data.