Google Earth Engine vs QGIS Cloud
Google Earth Engine
earthengine.google.comQGIS Cloud
qgiscloud.comSide by side
| Figure | Google Earth Engine | QGIS Cloud |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $0.40/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 7 | 2 |
| Spec score · GIS Software | 8.3 (#10) | 7.8 (#28) |
| Intended users | The maker describes use by scientists, researchers, developers, nonprofits, businesses, and government users for work including remote sensing, climate analysis, natural resource management, and sustainability. | The documentation directs commercial or government applications to QGIS Cloud Pro and describes Free for testing and non-commercial activities. |
| Support | Technical support is available through Google Cloud Care, and support packages can include 24/7 coverage, phone support, and a technical support manager. | QGIS Cloud links users to its documentation and Support and FAQ pages. |
Plans
Google Earth Engine
- StorageFree
- Compute (Online and Batch)$0.40 a month
- Enterprise Basic$500 a month
- Individual & SMB Basic$500 a month
- Enterprise Professional$2,000 a month
- Enterprise PremiumPriced on request
- Individual & SMB LimitedPriced on request
In their own words
Google Earth Engine
Google Earth Engine combines satellite imagery and geospatial datasets for large-scale analysis of changes, trends, and surface differences. Its public archive holds more than eighty petabytes of geospatial data and over thirty years of historical imagery, with additions made daily. The web-based Code Editor includes JavaScript editing, map visualization, interactive queries, geometry drawing, task management, API reference, and Git-based script management. Python and JavaScript APIs also support local client-library use. Earth Engine integrates with Google Cloud and can load BigQuery tables, run BigQuery queries, and export results there; the maker also describes interoperability with tools including TensorFlow, PyTorch, Spark, and Pandas. Shareable Apps let stakeholders explore analyses through interactive interfaces. Uses include remote sensing, climate analysis, natural resource management, and sustainability. Eligible groups may qualify for restricted noncommercial use at no cost; commercial and government operational customers are charged. Individual & SMB Basic and Enterprise Basic cost $500 per month; Enterprise Professional costs $2000 per month. Usage-based storage and compute charges are also listed.
QGIS Cloud
QGIS Cloud is a hosted Web-GIS platform for publishing QGIS maps, spatial data, and services online. Users install its plugin in QGIS Desktop, upload data, and publish maps served with QGIS Server; the maps retain the styling of their desktop projects. The service provides PostgreSQL databases extended with PostGIS, manageable through tools such as pgAdmin and QGIS Database Manager. Maps and data can be shared through WMS, WFS, and WFS-T services, with WFS-T supporting edits. QGIS Cloud also includes web and mobile clients and map printing at resolutions up to 1200 dpi. Database access is password protected and encrypted; Pro can restrict access to maps and services. Maps and services under Free accounts are public, and Free use is limited to non-commercial and non-government activity. QGIS Cloud Free costs nothing and includes unlimited public maps, one PostGIS 3.1 database, 50 MB total, and 10 concurrent database connections. QGIS Cloud Pro is billed at 65 Euro/month.