ArcGIS vs LocationIQ

Google Maps

QGIS

Scribble Maps

Mapbox

Surfer

Global Mapper

Compare ArcGIS and LocationIQ based on features, pricing, verified reviews, integrations & more on GetApp. Find out which software is best for your business in 2026.

QGIS is a Geographic Information System (GIS) application, licensed under the GNU and supports various vector, raster, and database formats and and projections without converting to an internal or common format.

Global Mapper is a comprehensive GIS software offering tools for geospatial professionals. It supports multiple file formats, including vector, raster, elevation, and point cloud data. The software provides access to favorite scripts, online data sources, and advanced features for terrain analysis, vector data creation and editing, and raster data display and analysis.

Mapbox is the location platform preferred by developers for adding geospatial features to mobile and web applications. Mapbox provides global map data, real-time traffic, address search, routing, and navigation directions. Performant and scalable, Mapbox is trusted by leaders across industries.

ArcGIS by Esri is an integrated suite of geographic information system (GIS) software, providing a compliant platform for spatial analysis, data management, and mapping, with ArcGIS Online offering a web-based solution accessible anywhere, anytime for the creation & sharing of 3D map visualizations

3D Imaging

Access Controls/Permissions

Activity Dashboard

Activity Tracking

Ad hoc Query

Ad hoc Reporting

Alerts/Escalation

Alerts/Notifications

Asset Lifecycle Management

Asset Tracking

Barcoding/RFID

Behavioral Analytics

Benchmarking

Bus Mileage Optimization

Census Data Integration

Chatbot

Check-in/Check-out

Collaboration Tools

Color Codes/Icons

Communication Management

Cost Tracking

Customer Segmentation

Customizable Branding

Customizable Fields

Customizable Forms

Customizable Reports

Customizable Templates

Dashboard

Dashboard Creation

Data Capture and Transfer

Data Collection

Data Connectors

Data Extraction

Data Import/Export

Data Management

Data Mapping

Data Synchronization

Data Transformation

Data Visualization

Database Support

Deep Learning

Demographic Data

Depreciation Management

Dispatch Management

Disposal Management

Document Management

Document Storage

Drag & Drop

Driver Logs

Driver Management

Equipment Maintenance

Equipment Management

Equipment Tracking

Facility Asset Management

Fixed Asset Management

Fixed Route Management

For Sales Teams/Organizations

Forecasting

Geocoding

Geofencing

Geographic Maps

Geolocation

Geotargeting

Heatmaps

Historical Reporting

Image Management

Internet Mapping

Interoperability

Inventory Tracking

IT Asset Tracking

Key Performance Indicators

Labeling

Location Tracking

Maintenance Management

Maintenance Scheduling

Map Creation

Map Sharing

Metadata Management

Mileage Tracking

Mobile Access

Mobile App

Monitoring

Multi-Language

Multi-Location

Multiple Data Sources

Multiple Route Support

Order Management

Paratransit Management

Performance Metrics

Predictive Analytics

Predictive Modeling

Preventive Maintenance

Process/Workflow Automation

Profitability Analysis

Publishing/Sharing

Real Time Simulation

Real-Time Analytics

Real-Time Data

ArcGIS

Android

Linux

Web-based

Windows

iPad

iPhone

Freelancer

I got an outstanding applause from my  audience during my project presentation on drainage simulation I did with Arcgis, and I got the first contract deal same day.

GIS Technician

I like the ability to format and being able to change the symbology. And generally feel that they make a very good looking maps compared to other, non-premium GIS software.

Marketing Director

ArcGIS is terrific because it is free and still very functional. It is well-supported and has ample user training available from actual users on YouTube.

Executive

It's very much difficult to install to our pc. If it's wrongly installed we have again updated the os and reinstall the software.

Environmental engineer

It is robust and has permanent technical support. It has a large community with which solutions and ideas are shared.

Student Engineer

The features in ArcGIS are incredible. With every project there are new ways to use the program to best highlight our work.

Business Analyst

I don't use this frequently, but when I do need to verify some data, it is not very intuitive and I often get lost in the amount of data shown.

Engineering Student

I love using ArcGIS for initial site investigations for school projects. It has helped me find distances, and helps organize everything in order to get things done quickly.

This software can fit all your GIS needs, from analyzing date to creating maps from data. It can create very nice graphics for use on various platforms, such as Internet sites.

Founder/ Managing Director

The software keys getting more and more user friendly year by year. The software is clean, really intuitive for general mapping work.

GIS/Analyst

I really enjoy the ability to analyze acquired field data in a multitude of ways.

Student

Also, downloading and licensing this software is the biggest pain.

Analyst

I found the online support for this software quite robust. The software has a number of statistical tools built in to allow for data analysis and mapping.

Assistant Utilities Director

One such example is just the login screen to the AGOL mobile apps causes our users frequent struggles as they can't remember the sequence of steps to get to the organization login.

Geospatial Information Specialist

It makes the overall cost of the software high, making it difficult for small to medium businesses to have this at their disposal.

sys admin

Easy to follow instructions to build custom maps. This can be integrated with many other applications.

Custodian

The file path saves can get annoying when you work on different computers at once and the integration of different data can be tedious but it really can't be simplified all that much at the moment.

Program Coordinator

For a small nonprofit, the discount has made it feasible for us to build program maps and analyze our site choices by location before we commit to them, and later to visualize results.

ArcGIS screenshot: ArcGIS Online can be configured to match an organization’s needs and structure, creating user groups that reflect corporate teams or departments

ArcGIS screenshot: System dashboards support activity monitoring with the ability to view activity-based metrics across users, maps, and apps etc

ArcGIS screenshot: The SaaS-based ArcGIS Online allows created and shared 3D map visualizations to be scaled so that hundreds, thousands or millions of people can interact with them simultaneously

ArcGIS screenshot: Promising enterprise-ready support, organizational tools include group-based people management options, activity monitoring, dashboard metrics and more

ArcGIS screenshot: ArcGIS Online provides a number of security and privacy certifications such a s compliance accreditation for FedRAMP, FISMA, Privacy Shield and TRUSTe

ArcGIS screenshot: ArcGIS is an integrated suite of GIS software products that promises a standards-based platform for conducting spatial analysis, data management and mapping

ArcGIS screenshot: ArcGIS Online from Esri is a SaaS-based mapping and analysis solution, securely hosted for 24/7 web-based access

ArcGIS screenshot: Explorer for ArcGIS is a companion mobile app for iOS and Android devices, providing remote online / offline access to searchable maps

ArcGIS screenshot: Collector for ArcGIS is a companion mobile app for iOS and Android that supports the remote collection and update of data using the map or GPS

ArcGIS screenshot: Navigator for ArcGIS is a companion mobile app for iOS and Android, providing map-based navigation for field-based workers

ArcGIS screenshot: ArcGIS Companion app is a native mobile companion for iOS and Android that facilitates mobile access to an ArcGIS Online organization

ArcGIS screenshot: Create maps by dragging and dropping spreadsheets, uploading locally stored data files or connecting to content already stored within the cloud

ArcGIS screenshot: Smart suggestions are offered for the creation of the resulting data-driven visualizations, while also accepting custom styling choices

ArcGIS screenshot: A suite of geographically accurate "basemaps" in vector format can be used as ready-made data canvas' and showing satellite pictures, streets, land and oceans etc

Freelancers

Large Enterprises

Mid Size Business

Non Profit

Public Administrations

Small Business

Google Maps is a web-based service that enables users to find local businesses, view maps, get driving directions, and more

Surfer is a 2D and 3D mapping and modelling tool, which helps display data while maintaining accuracy and precision. Users can communicate information related to geology, environmental, hydrology, construction and more.

Scribble Maps is a web mapping visualization software, which helps hobbyists, students, government, and the military, annotate maps, filter and analyze data, plot territories, optimize routes, and more.

LocationIQ is a location data provider that offers a variety of geocoding, routing, and mapping APIs. The solution helps change location data to street addresses and vice versa.

Spatial Analysis

LocationIQ

Super easy to implement (10 minutes for devs to change APIs and push up to servers), increadibly affordable (we are saving 90% compared to Google maps), beautiful maps.

Website Development

Im very impressed with the performance and accuracy of this product and that they allow me to test on a free account. This really is the best service i have ever had.

It is very easy to setup and works very well. I am impressed at how Reliable LocationIQ has been for us at EnVsion.

Developer

Great service with easy integration as is a default nominatim service. Great service and low cost solution as backup for nominatim server.

Agency Partner

It’s extremely reliable, more so than we’ve used in the past. Great free and inexpensive options.

Owner

Forward geocoding is very quick, and generally the results are of great quality.

Easy to use and great instructions to integrate in our solution.

Apis were super easy to access integrate and understand , quick to get set up and make use of what we needed and reliable low latency service.

CEO & Founder

Easy to set up and integrate, fast, reliable, great support.

Software Engineer

LocationIQ is, in my opinion, the best free service for internal geocoding for most companies.

Senior System Administrator

The product is very easy to use and integrates perfectly with my private Traccar server for reverse geocoding. The data is accurate and I haven't encountered any downtimes.

Website operator

LocationIQ is the perfect solution to search locations for Open Streetmap. I use it in conjunction with the Wordpress plugin mapsmarker Pro.

Easy implementation, quick customer support and an affordable service.

Founder

If a location isn't found, it sometimes returns a generic match rather than indicating no results.

ArcGIS vs LocationIQ Comparison (2026)

ArcGIS

LocationIQ

Overview

Video & Screenshots

Pricing

User reviews

Key features

Integrations

Alternatives