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SPECIFICTION
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QGIS

qgis.org

Free plan WindowsmacOSLinuxiOSAndroidSelf-hosted
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Spec score 7.9 #24 of 64 in GIS Software

What it is

QGIS is free, open-source software for creating, editing, analyzing, visualizing, and publishing geospatial information. Its layout designer produces print maps, while reporting tools can assemble atlases and reports containing maps and tabular material. It includes hundreds of analysis tools and supports visual workflows that can be reproduced. QGIS works with many data sources and formats and can use or create web services based on industry standards. More than 2,000 community-developed plugins add capabilities. QGIS Server publishes projects and layers through OGC-compatible WMS, WMTS, WFS, and WCS services. The download page offers a Long Term Release for users who prefer stability over the latest features. The project lists third-party mobile field apps, including QField, Mergin Maps, and IntraMaps Roam; these are separate from QGIS mobile apps. QGIS is licensed under GNU GPL version 2 or later and has community support through forums, GIS StackExchange, chat channels, and local user groups. The free plan costs nothing.

Spec sheet

Purpose
QGIS provides spatial visualization and decision-making tools, including tools to create, edit, analyze, and publish geospatial information.Read 30 Sep 2026 · qgis.org
Audience
QGIS describes itself as a tool for everyone and invites organizations to find local user groups and support providers.Read 30 Sep 2026 · qgis.org
Platforms
The download page lists QGIS for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.Read 30 Sep 2026 · qgis.org
Security
QGIS says desktop and server are written to limit SQL injections and other known security vectors, and QGIS Server has been hardened against SQL injections.Read 30 Sep 2026 · qgis.org
Privacy
The optional QGIS news feed records the request date, QGIS version, country, and operating-system platform; the IP address is discarded and no persistent or personally identifiable information is stored or shared.Read 30 Sep 2026 · qgis.org
Support
QGIS provides community support through its Discourse forum, GIS StackExchange, chat channels, and local user groups.Read 30 Sep 2026 · qgis.org
License
QGIS is free and open source software licensed under GNU GPL version 2 or later.Read 30 Sep 2026 · qgis.org
Founded
2002Read 23 Sep 2026 · qgis.org
Analysis
QGIS includes hundreds of analysis tools and supports reproducible workflows that visually combine tools.Read 30 Sep 2026 · qgis.org
Cartography
Its layout designer produces print maps, and its reporting tools can create atlases and reports with maps and tabular content.Read 30 Sep 2026 · qgis.org
Data formats and services
QGIS supports many data sources and formats and can use and create web services based on industry standards.Read 30 Sep 2026 · qgis.org
Extensions
The project overview says the community has developed more than 2,000 plugins to add features to QGIS.Read 30 Sep 2026 · qgis.org
Mobile field apps
The project lists third-party touch-optimized mobile apps including QField, Mergin Maps, and IntraMaps Roam.Read 30 Sep 2026 · qgis.org
Plugin review limit
Plugin submissions are manually reviewed, but QGIS says it does not conduct advanced QA assessments of plugin code and advises auditing plugins in sensitive environments.Read 30 Sep 2026 · qgis.org
Release options
The download page offers a Long Term Release build intended for users who value stability over the latest features.Read 30 Sep 2026 · qgis.org
Server
QGIS Server can publish projects and layers as OGC-compatible WMS, WMTS, WFS, and WCS services.Read 30 Sep 2026 · qgis.org

Plans and prices

QGIS Free Free and open source software under GNU GPLv2+ Read 30 Sep 2026 · qgis.org

Every QGIS plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free and open source under GNU GPL version 2 or later
  • Hundreds of analysis tools
  • More than 2,000 community-developed plugins
  • Server publishes OGC-compatible map and data services

Limits

  • No QGIS mobile app is listed
  • Plugin code does not receive advanced QA assessment
  • Third-party plugins may need auditing in sensitive environments

Who it suits

QGIS suits people and organizations working with spatial data who need mapping, analysis, or publishing tools. Its community support and plugin ecosystem may also suit users who want to extend the software.

Verdict

QGIS combines desktop geospatial work, analysis, reporting, and server publishing without a software charge. Users considering plugins for sensitive environments should account for the project's stated limits on code review.

Where Specifiction places it

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