Web mapping has gone a long way in history, from drawing simple, non-interactive maps with crude software to designing 3D and story maps. Today, web mapping for GIS enables users to upload, interact, analyze, and manipulate geographic data from any part of the world.
Coincidentally, several Web mapping platforms are springing up to solve novel problems for geographic information systems. Keep reading to learn more about the best among these platforms.
CartoVista
CartoVista is a novel cloud-based web mapping solution that makes it seamless to create, visualize, analyze, and interact with maps. It’s a solution that’s easily accessible with a stress-free, aesthetically pleasing interface while keeping non-GIS specialists in mind. If you don’t have advanced coding knowledge or do not own an Esri license, this is the platform suitable for you. The platform makes story mapping a walk in the park due to its ease of use.
First of all, data safety is one of the core building blocks of CartoVista. The platform ensures that only pre-registered login details have access to any data. It also has a live update feature that ensures that you don’t miss out on any important changes.
The platform is highly interactive and enhances collaboration between other team members and software. In terms of automation and data integration, this software has enviable resources that ensure that you enjoy some features in other tools like ArcGIS within its framework. This means that you can connect to various web services and integrate files in several formats on the platform. Apart from the multiple and diverse format support, you also get to work with a powerful rest API and a system with robust data processing capabilities.
In terms of pricing, the platform has flexible plans that cater to individuals and organizations regardless of size and duration. The basic plans start at fifty-nine dollars per user. This flexibility makes it easy for businesses to invest wisely and adequately without wasting resources.
Additionally, the platform offers a 14-day free trial period during which the user can try all the capabilities of the software before paying. When compared to other high-ranking story mapping platforms like ArcGIS, CartoVista only falls short in some data analysis capabilities.
ArcGIS
Esri has a comprehensive GIS suite made for specialists with numerous extensions. The suite has an online component called ArcGIS that enables users to upload and create interactive maps through data. This platform was the first to enable users to do technically difficult tasks in GIS, like story mapping.
In terms of functionality and features, you can have all basic mapping activities and styling done seamlessly on the platform. Its connectivity features allow users to do complex data analysis while ensuring maximum data security and safety. It goes without saying that a platform with robust features supports a wide range of formats.
Pricing can be a bit tricky on the platform as users are classified as viewers, administrators, or map creators. The category to which you belong, as well as the usage requirements, determine how much you’ll pay for the service. Typically, a license is awarded when you subscribe, which gives you some credits to perform various tasks on the platform.
One of the most notable cons of this enviable platform is that it’s not suitable for users with no GIS knowledge. The interface can also be quite daunting to navigate. Additionally, its cross-platform integration is not as robust as its counterpart, CartoVista.
Mapbox
This is a tool for developers who have access to in-house developer resources. It’s one of the best web mapping tools that makes it easy to create enviable 3D visualizations. This is the tool for you if you’re an engineer working on a large scale project with unique visualizations. The visualizations help you make a detailed and customized map. The platform also has remote sensing tools for developers who need to incorporate them into their projects.
The downside to using Mapbox is that it isn’t the best tool for newbies or those with little or no web development skills. Also, working with text on a map can be quite daunting with the software. Lastly, cross platform data ligation is a con when it comes to Mapbox. You can access the platform online after registering as a member.
Mapline
This platform is suitable for businesses, especially large-scale firms looking to analyze, visualize, and make data annotations. It offers fresh and dynamic insights into data sets that an ordinary spreadsheet won’t be able to uncover. You can gain access to a wide variety of features like location plotting, route making, and movement tracking.
You can also share maps and data among teammates across various platforms with this tool. The con of using Mapline is that it has a confusing interface that can occasionally be difficult to use. Besides, it’s one of the most expensive web mapping tools out there.
ScribbleMaps
Here’s a basic mapping platform for beginners and users who wish to literally scribble a map. With the platform, you can draw and make annotations on a map. The platform also makes it easy for tech newbies with no design or development skills to map locations and add visual elements to existing maps.
One of the big pros of using ScribbleMap is that the interface is simple and easy to navigate. It’s similar to using Paint or Adobe Photoshop. The con, however, is that you’ll not be able to do any advanced web mapping or data analysis on the platform. The membership fee on the platform starts at about nineteen dollars per month.
A final word
To sum it up, choosing the best web mapping platform for your needs depends on a number of factors. On top of the list is to consider the functionality and capabilities of the platform.
It is best to patronize a solution that ticks all the boxes of your needs and supports cross-platform collaboration. Also, the number of users and the duration you’ll use the platform are important factors. Consider the technical knowledge of the users and, lastly, the pricing. Ensure that the monthly or yearly subscription fits into your budget.