QGIS versus ArcGIS

http://gislounge.com/qgis-versus-arcgis/



When considering which GIS desktop software to adopt, two of the most popular choices are Esri's ArcGIS and Quantum GIS, also known as QGIS. While each option offers a suite of options which includes desktop, mobile, and web offerings, this article will focus on what some of the main similarities and differences are between ArcGIS for Desktop and QGIS Desktop.

QGIS Versus ArcGIS by Category


QGIS is a freely downloadable open source GIS software suite that has a popular desktop option, mobile, and web component.

Esri's ArcGIS is a commercially available suite of software that includes three desktop versions with varying levels of complexity, mobile, and web components.
Licensing

Since QGIS is FOSS (free and open source software), there are no licensing concerns. QGIS can be loaded on any computer. ArcGIS is restricted through a seat license. Single install versions of ArcGIS are regulated through a licensing key.
Development Process

QGIS is developed by volunteers. ArcGIS is a commercial GIS software package developed by paid staff members of Esri.
Platform

Esri's ArcGIS for Desktop only runs in a Windows PC environment, although there are some hints from Esri staff that a native Mac based version is being seriously considered. In the meantime, users with Mac computers can only run ArcGIS for Desktop using either a virtual machine setup or Bootcamp.

QGIS is cross-platform and can be installed and run on Windows, Mac, or Linux machines.

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