GIS Software Development – The Complete Guide

Geographic Information System (GIS) software has transformed the way we analyze and visualize spatial data. MarketsandMarkets reports that the GIS software market will likely reach $14.5 billion by 2025, growing at a yearly rate of 12.4%. This rapid growth increases the demand for GIS software developers who are helping to advance location-based services, smart city projects, and digital mapping solutions in various industries.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are powerful tools that help turn raw location-based information into clear, actionable insights. It is like having the ability to visualize your data on a map, spot trends, and generate detailed reports—all in one place. That’s the reason you need to know more about GIS software development because that is the key to all your answers.

GIS solutions developed by experienced teams are designed to simplify this process. Whether you need to edit data, create detailed maps, or produce detailed reports, GIS software has got you covered. It’s like having a high-tech map that not only shows where things are but also helps you understand what they mean.

In this blog, we’ll explore how GIS software can transform your data management and analysis, making your business smarter and more efficient. We will first understand what GIS software development includes.

What is GIS Software Development?

GIS (Geographic Information Systems) software development involves creating and improving tools that help users manage, analyze, and visualize geographic data. Essentially, it’s about building applications that turn location-based information into meaningful insights.

GIS software can handle a wide range of tasks, such as mapping data points, analyzing spatial relationships, and generating reports. This type of software is used in various fields, including urban planning, environmental management, transportation, and public health. The software development process includes designing user-friendly interfaces, integrating data sources, and ensuring the software performs complex analyses efficiently.

In short, GIS software development is about creating powerful tools that help organizations make informed decisions based on geographical data. It’s time to understand the many components included in GIS software development.

What Are The Key Components of GIS Software Development?

GIS (Geographic Information System) software development involves several key components that work together to capture, store, analyze, and visualize spatial and geographic data. Here are the essential components:

1. Interactive Maps and Visual Displays

When you use a map app on your phone, the first thing you see is the map view, showing roads, landmarks, and other features. This is a key component of GIS software development as the visual display is a core part of GIS software. It helps the users quickly understand and interact with geographical data. It’s all about presenting information in a clear, visual format that’s easy to navigate and interpret.

2. Data Collection and Storage Systems

For a GIS to be effective, it needs a system to collect and store data. Therefore it makes this another key component of GIS software development. This data could include information about land types, transportation networks, or population demographics. The GIS software must have robust methods to gather this data and secure storage solutions to keep it organized and accessible.

3. Efficient Data Management Tools

Managing vast amounts of geographical data can be challenging. Think of it like trying to organize thousands of photos on your phone. GIS software development includes data management tools to sort, retrieve, and manage this information efficiently. These tools ensure that your users can find and use the data they need without hassle.

4. User-Friendly Interface

The user interface is what users interact with—like the dashboard in your map app where you zoom in, search for locations, or plot routes. A well-designed user interface makes GIS software development proactive and easy to use, ensuring that users can access and manipulate data with ease.

5. Advanced Analysis and Processing Features

This is where the GIS software’s real power comes into play. Analysis and processing tools take raw data and turn it into actionable insights. For instance, they can analyze traffic patterns to suggest the quickest routes or use environmental data to predict weather conditions. This component of GIS software development helps transform data into valuable information.

6. Detailed Reporting and Visualization

Once the data is analyzed, it needs to be presented in a way that’s easy to understand. Reporting and visualization features are a major component of GIS software development that creates charts, graphs, or even 3D models to convey the results clearly. This could include heat maps showing pollution levels or graphs depicting demographic trends, helping users make informed decisions.

7. Navigation and Search Functionality

Navigating and searching within GIS software is crucial for finding specific locations or data points. These tools help users quickly locate places or get directions, making it easier to interact with and use the geographical information available. Thus making this a crucial component of the GIS software development process.

8. Collaboration and Data Sharing Tools

In a collaborative business environment, sharing data and working together on projects is essential. GIS software development includes tools for sharing maps, data, and insights with others, facilitating teamwork and integration with other systems or software.

GIS software development is indeed a complex process, which includes several tools and technologies. However, we are here to simplify it for you. We have listed down the tools that you can choose from for your next GIS software development project.

Key Tools for GIS Software Development

When you start your journey with GIS (Geographic Information Systems) software development, a variety of tools come into play. These tools help capture, manage, analyze, and visualize geographic data. Here’s a rundown of the key tools you’ll encounter:

Software Tools

1. GIS Software Platforms

These are the main tools for GIS software development used to manage and analyze geographic data. For instance, ArcGIS by Esri is a popular choice for its complete features in analysis and visualization. ERDAS IMAGINE specializes in advanced image processing, making it ideal for remote sensing tasks. MapInfo is another solid tool for mapping and spatial analysis, widely used across industries.

2. Open Source Options

If you’re looking for cost-effective solutions, open-source GIS software is a great choice. QGIS (formerly Quantum GIS) is a versatile, free tool that offers robust functionality for various GIS tasks. GRASS GIS provides tools for data management and analysis, while PostGIS extends PostgreSQL databases to support geographic queries, making it a powerful option for spatial data handling.

3. Database Management Systems (DBMS)

These systems are crucial for storing and retrieving spatial data in your GIS software development. Oracle Spatial and Microsoft SQL Server Spatial are popular for their robust capabilities in managing geographic data. PostgreSQL with PostGIS is another strong option, integrating spatial functions into the PostgreSQL database for advanced data management.

4. Web Development Tools

To build web-based GIS applications, you’ll use tools like JavaScript libraries. Leaflet and OpenLayers are great for creating interactive maps, while the ArcGIS API for JavaScript integrates well with Esri’s platforms. Geoserver and MapServer help serve spatial data to web applications, ensuring your data is accessible online.

5. Remote Sensing Software

This software is another tool for your GIS software development, that is used to process images captured from satellites or airborne cameras. ENVI is a leading choice for detailed image analysis, while Orfeo Toolbox is an open-source option for remote sensing tasks, offering a range of tools for analyzing spatial data.

6. Mobile SDKs

For developing GIS applications on mobile devices, ArcGIS Runtime SDK and Mapbox Mobile SDK are essential. These tools help create mobile apps that can access and use geographic data on the go, making GIS software’s capabilities available wherever you need them.

7. Integrated Development Environments (IDEs)

General-purpose IDEs like Eclipse, Visual Studio, or PyCharm are useful when working with GIS-specific libraries and SDKs. These environments support coding and development tasks, making it easier to manage GIS software development.

Hardware Tools

1. Servers

GIS servers host data and run software, especially in enterprise settings. They provide the necessary power and storage for handling large datasets and complex GIS operations in GIS software development.

2. GPS Devices

To capture real-time location data, GPS devices are essential hardware tools for GIS software development. These range from simple handheld units to sophisticated equipment used for detailed surveying and data collection.

3. Remote Sensing Hardware

This includes satellites, drones, and aircraft equipped with cameras and sensors. These tools are crucial for capturing high-resolution spatial data from the sky, aiding in everything from environmental monitoring to urban planning.

4. Workstations

Powerful computers designed for GIS and remote sensing tasks fall under this category. They handle intensive processing and analysis, making them ideal hardware tools for complex GIS software.

5. Plotters and Printers

To produce hardcopy maps and visual outputs, plotters and printers are used. They translate digital maps into physical formats, useful for presentations and detailed analysis by your GIS software.

6. Digitizers

Though largely replaced by modern methods, digitizers were once used to convert paper maps into digital formats. They played a crucial role in the early days of GIS, laying the groundwork for today’s advanced tools.

These tools collectively support the development and implementation of GIS software, each contributing to the creation of effective, user-friendly geographic information systems. Let us jump into the steps you need to follow to successfully develop your GIS software.

Key Steps for GIS Software Development

Creating a powerful and functional GIS (Geographic Information Systems) application involves several important steps. Here’s a clear breakdown of the process:

1. Requirement Gathering and Planning

The first step is to define what the GIS software is meant to do. This step of GIS software development involves figuring out the purpose of the application, who will use it, and what features it needs. You’ll need to decide on the types of data to include, the analysis methods you’ll use, and how the user interface should look and work. This stage is all about laying a solid foundation for what the application will become.

2. Data Acquisition and Preparation

Next, you gather all the necessary spatial data. This could come from various sources like internal databases, public data portals, or commercial vendors. It’s essential to clean and prepare this data to ensure it’s accurate and consistent. To ensure the quality of GIS software development, proper data preparation is crucial to achieve reliable results.

3. System Design and Architecture

With requirements in hand, the next step is to design the system. This includes planning out the software components, deciding on the hardware needed, and setting up data storage solutions. This is also when you choose the right GIS software development tools and libraries to build the application. A well-thought-out design ensures the application runs smoothly and efficiently.

4. Development and Programming

This is the step in the GIS software development where the coding happens. Developers write the code that brings the application to life, implementing the features and functionalities as planned. They use various programming languages and GIS-specific APIs to build the application. This stage turns ideas into a working product.

5. Testing and Deployment

Once the development is complete, the GIS software goes through rigorous testing. This ensures everything works as expected and that the application is user-friendly. After successful testing, the application is deployed to its intended environment, whether it’s a web platform, desktop application, or mobile app. This step makes the application available for users.

6. Training and Maintenance

Finally, providing training to users is crucial. It helps them understand how to use the GIS software effectively. Ongoing maintenance is also important to keep the application up-to-date with the latest technology and to fix any issues that might come up. Regular updates and support ensure the application continues to meet user needs and perform well over time.

Each of these steps is essential for a GIS software development that meets business needs and provides valuable insights. By following this process, you ensure a well-rounded, functional, and user-friendly GIS solution. Let us look into some of these successful GIS software used by organizations.

GIS Software Development Use cases

We have gathered a few examples where GIS software is used to solve challenges faced by organizations. They are:

OpenStreetMap

Challenge:

Effective use of GIS tools in emergency management is often hindered by a lack of adequate training for users. This gap in knowledge can lead to ineffective use of GIS capabilities and decision-making during crises.

Solution:

To overcome this challenge, ERCC (Emergency Response Coordination Centre) makes use of OpenStreetMap, which is supported by extensive community-driven resources and training materials. It provides tailored training programs to make sure that users can effectively use OpenStreetMap tools. Thus improving the efficiency and accuracy of emergency management efforts.

ArcGIS

Challenge:

In the context of disaster response, a significant challenge is the software integration and analysis of data from various sources, which can be incompatible or difficult to access in real-time. This issue hinders effective decision-making during emergencies.

Solution:

By implementing ArcGIS, a thorough GIS platform developed by Esri, OCHA(UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs) can integrate diverse data sources and access real-time information. It standardizes data formats and uses real-time feeds to help streamline decision-making processes and improve disaster response efficiency.

SurveyApp

Challenge:

Construction projects often face challenges with getting accurate earthquake risk assessments and assessing damage. They also need to plan recovery efforts and manage asbestos safety regulations, which can be unmanageable and time-consuming.

Solutions:

This GIS software development gave detailed insights into earthquake recovery, risk management and asbestos requirement plans for the clients. They used AWS CloudFront, My SQL and other tools to deliver customizable and scalable software fitting the client’s needs the best.

Start Your GIS Software Development With Zealous System

Whether you’re aiming to improve data management, improve spatial analysis, or develop user-friendly interfaces, a thoughtful and methodical approach will ensure your GIS application delivers real value. Remember that having the right tools and expertise is crucial for success.

If you’re ready to encash GIS technology in order to drive your business forward, consider partnering with Zealous System. Our team of dedicated developers are reasy to work with you to build and implement robust GIS solutions customized to your needs. With 12+ years of expertise in multiple domains, we know how to develop tailor-made solutions for your unique needs.

If you know what you need to reach the top of your game, we are ready to deliver the solutions to kickstart your dreams!