Unearth Technologies

Online GIS

Introduction to
Online GIS

Online GIS is accessed via web browser. This means it can be accessed on any device that's connected to the internet.

This stands in stark oppostion to desktop GIS, which can only be accessed on the computer where it was installed.

For decades, desktop GIS defined the trajectory of the GIS industry. It serves as a solid foundation for future innovation: a future that online GIS will help to define.

Some might argue because online GIS offers different functionality than desktop GIS, it can't be considered GIS. This is an oversimplification.

New to GIS? Get started with part one: What is GIS?

Online GIS software expands the definition of GIS.

Offering a fresh perspective on GIS: online mapping platforms complement the power of desktop, while benefiting from advances in modern technology.

This chapter will explore the differences between online and desktop GIS, the online GIS options available today, as well as the benefits and future of this emergent technology.

I.

Online GIS vs
Desktop GIS

The primary differences between online and desktop GIS software are in how users access the platform and how data is stored.

Online GIS is accessed via web browser and all data is stored on the cloud.

These types of platform are often (but not always) cloud-hosted. This means that both the program itself and any associated GIS data is managed offsite on the vendors servers.

This allows users to access data from anywhere and see any updates in real-time. It also negates the need for local installation and storage, as users can log in and access the program from any web browser.

Desktop GIS is installed directly onto a computer and all data is stored on that computer’s hard drive.

This means the program can only be accessed on that specific computer.

To transfer or share data from a desktop GIS, it must be exported to a shareable file type, moved to an external hard drive, or printed.

online GIS software

As a general rule, online GIS software makes mobile usage more accessible. Many platforms have native iOS or Android applications, and those that don’t can still be accessed via mobile web browser.

Some desktop GIS platforms do have mobile add-ons; however, they tend to be less developed and often require additional purchase.

In terms of payment, most online GIS is subscription based, meaning users pay on a monthly or annual basis. As they are a recurring expense, online GIS is usually considered an operational expenditure.

Desktop GIS software involves purchasing a one-time perpetual license. As such, desktop GIS software is generally considered a capital expenditure.

To dive right into online GIS software, skip to the next section.

Online GISDesktop GIS

Functionality

*Different platforms offer different tools.
This table offers a very basic overview.

Simple map making

Geospatial data visualizations

Tools for asset and project management

Complex data visualizations

In-depth data analysis and validation

3D data rendering

Cost

Lower cost upfront

Pay only for what you need

No additional hardware purchase

Predictable operating expense

Initial investment is significantly
more expensive

Additional hardware may be
required, increasing overall cost

Usability

User friendly interface

Little to no training required

Reliant on internet connection

Continuous software updates
from the vendor

More processing power for complex
rendering and analysis

Does not require internet connection

Not reliant on outside servers

Data Storage & Sharing

Easily add storage as needed

More reliable data backup and recovery

Increasing storage capacity can
increase subscription cost

All data is stored onsite

Data is more siloed, making it difficult to
share with the larger organization

Increasing storage capacity can
sometimes require additional servers

Security

Vendor is responsbile for
information security

Organization is responsible for
information security

Additional resources

Cloud vs On-Premise Solutions: The Pros and Cons Cloud ERP vs On-Premise ERPg

II.

Online GIS Software Comparison

Online GIS software is cloud-based, which offers a few distinct advantages over locally-based desktop platforms:

  • Simple data sharing
  • Quicker communication
  • Real-time updates

Additionally, online GIS is a much newer technology: meaning it benefits from a modern approach to software.

Below we explore three popular online GIS options, all of which offer a more user-friendly experience than their desktop counterparts.

Rather than exist in perfect fidelity with desktop GIS, online GIS software can often complement these platforms: offering a way to capture and share data where there otherwise was none.

Online GIS was built to streamline map making and open data management to everyone.

As such, many of these platforms are quite simple when compared to popular desktop solutions. This simplicity is a significant upside for many, as online platforms provide the GIS tools they need without unnecessary extras.

Each platform below is subscription based, offering various tiers of service. Organizations can choose the level of service they need at a lower upfront investment, upgrading only as necessary.

unearth technologies logo
NameTypePrice
OnePlace™Cloud$20-40/mo
$200-400/yr
Custom plans
Best forMobile capable
Simple map making, workflow management, data captureYes, iOS and Android apps available
Summary

Built to streamline workflows and simplify data management, Unearth's OnePlace™ platform for designed for built-world industries.

Cloud-based and mobile-friendly, the simple user interface means anyone can make a map in minutes.

Features include:

Native mobile apps for both iOS and Android, make data capture and sharing simple.

There are three subscription options: Core, Pro, and Enterprise.

Explore OnePlace
GIS cloud logo
NameTypePrice
GIS CloudCloud$15-95 user/mo
Best forMobile capable
eld data collection, data management, map editing and sharingYes, with purchase of Mobile Data Collection
Summary

GIS Cloud was created to promote team collaboration and improve organizational workflow through a scalable, cloud-based software suite.

Product offerings include mobile data collection, map viewer, map editor, and map portal. Each product is purchased separately, but can be combined depending on organizational needs.

According to the GIS Cloud website, their mission is to “build a collaborative mapping platform for users of all profiles.”

Additional add-ons include:

  • GIS Cloud On-Premises (installing a local version)
  • A crowdsourcing extension
  • Publisher for ArcMaps (for transfering maps from ArcGIS)
mango map logo
NameTypePrice
MangoMapCloud$49-$399/mo
$470-3830/yr
Best forMobile capable
Simple online map makingVia web browser
Summary

MangoMap provides simple online mapping and data management.

With spatial analysis tools and support for all major spatial file formats, this platform is a solid alternative to desktop GIS platforms.

One factor that makes MangoMap an especially attractive option for small businesses is the emphasis on simplicity. Users report a much lower learning curve when compared to desktop GIS systems.

MangoMap also allows for personalization of the mapping application itself, as well as brand integration - though, removal of MangoMap branding does require an Enterprise level subscription.

III.

How Online GIS Can Benefit Your Entire Organization

Online GIS has two primary benefits: simplification of GIS workflows and streamlined data sharing.

Using online GIS, either alone or in tandem with a legacy GIS software, opens the potential to increase communication, collaboration, and efficiency throughout your organization.

office

Online GIS can benefit your organization, even if you already have a desktop solution.

Implementing online GIS gives everyone from executives to GIS specialists the ability to access and share data more effectively.

owners/executives

Owners/Executives

Online GIS provides an easily accessible project overview.

For folks in leadership, an online GIS dashboard offers the ability to gauge project progress and make informed decisions concerning resource allocation, personnel management, and next steps.

Depending on how the team is organized, leadership can either check in quickly with little to no engagement, or make notes and comments directly within the software.

office staff

Office staff

From simple map making, to field team management, to QA/QC review - office staff are responsible for a wide variety of tasks.

The primary benefits for office staff are real-time updates and the ability to make notes and comments within the software. This streamlines communication with the field and allows office staff to review data in real-time.

Office staff can assign tasks directly, make maps for their crews, and monitor progress as it’s happening.

field crews

Field crews

Online GIS allows crews to capture data in the field, a capability that is actually quite rare in the world of GIS.

The traditional data collection method involves printing out large paper maps, annotating by hand, manually transferring data into a GIS or other system, and then exporting deliverables to a PDF or external hard drive.

With online GIS crews make map annotations in the field and associate photos and videos to a specific location on the map. This helps to improve collaboration with the office, streamline field workflows, and prevent re-work.

gis specialist

GIS specialist

For GIS specialists, the ability to collect and share data easily is the primary benefit of online GIS.

When field crews use online GIS to collect data onsite, GIS specialists can engage with it almost instantly: increasing overall efficiency.

Online GIS empowers GIS specialists to easily share GIS maps and data, including Shapefiles, throughout the organization: rather than relying on hard drives, PDFs, or paper.

IV.

The Future of Online GIS

As online GIS has evolved, questions have arisen about the future of the industry.

  • Is it possible to create a cloud-based GIS with the same functionality as desktop?
  • If so, is that the goal?
  • Will cloud-based GIS replace desktop GIS?

There are no clear cut answers. The GIS industry is massive and technological innovation is happening at breakneck speed, making accurate predictions difficult.

For the moment, our argument is this:

  • Yes, it’s likely possible to create an online GIS with the same functionality a desktop GIS
  • Perfect fidelity is not the goal
  • Cloud-based GIS will not replace desktop GIS
GIS vector image GIS vector image GIS vector image

Perfect fidelity is not the goal

Consider a mid-size sedan and an RV.

You can drive point A to point B with either option. However, there's a significant difference in functionality and overall experience.

The sedan was built for (and excels at) everyday tasks: commuting, grabbing groceries, and the occasional weekend trip. The engine functions well and gets you where you need to go.

On the other hand, the RV has everything you need for life on the road: beds, kitchen, bathroom, etc. It excels at long road trips, but commuting to work everyday would be impractical.

Both options fall under the same general category (vehicles), but they’re built for different tasks.

You wouldn’t take the sedan on an extended road trip, nor would you take the RV to go buy milk. Both vehicles can theoretically complete both tasks, but neither situation would be ideal.

This same concept applies to desktop and online GIS. They fall under the same category, but were built to achieve different goals.

Cloud-based GIS will not replace desktop GIS

For decades the definition of GIS has remained fairly narrow: dominated by a few powerhouse programs.

Desktop GIS software excels data visualization and analysis, but falls flat when it comes to mobile capabilities, data sharing, and ease-of-use.

For field crews, it makes data capture cumbersome and transfer slow. For office staff, they either rely on a GIS specialist to get the maps they need, or cobble together a system using point solutions.

For GIS specialists, the problem is two-fold.

Not only is it difficult to share data throughout the organization, but they are often inundated with smaller, time-consuming requests: pulling them away from more specialized work.

Online GIS expands the definition of GIS: democratizing data and opening maps to all.

With online GIS, field teams can collect data quickly and the office can process and review in real-time. GIS specialist gain greater access to data, and can quickly share maps and visualizations.

At best, desktop GIS and online GIS complement the same goals. At worst, they achieve different goals.

Defining the needs of your organization will help you decide which option, or combination of the two, will best address your needs.

Conclusion

Online GIS is redefining the field of GIS as a whole.

Used as a standalone GIS software, or to complement an exisiting desktop GIS, online GIS provides significant value to any organization working with location-based data.

To learn more about the definition of GIS, mapping, data, or desktop GIS software -be sure to check out the other installments in this series.

Try online GIS for yourself with a free 14 day trial of OnePlace.


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