Google Earth Engine vs QGIS

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 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.