Quynh Ngoc Pham
Content Manager
GIS Application Development: A Complete Guide
5 minutes read
Audio description available
October 14, 2024
Every day, whether searching for the nearest coffee shop, navigating to a shopping mall, or sharing locations on Facebook, we rely on Geographic Information Systems (GIS). These systems transform raw geographic data into actionable insights that enhance organizational decision-making and our daily lives. As the demand for sophisticated geospatial data management grows, GIS application development has become essential for businesses aiming to optimize operations and decision-making. This blog explores the critical aspects of GIS application development, including its importance, market trends, and how BHSOFT can assist you in navigating this complex field.
GIS Application Development: Definition & Market Overview
A GIS application is a tool for collecting, storing, visualizing, and analyzing geographic data. GIS application development involves crafting software applications that manage and interpret geospatial information. This includes maps, satellite images, and crucial location-based data.
GIS is pivotal in planning and decision-making processes for businesses, governments, and non-profits. It produces detailed maps with multiple information layers, effectively representing physical spaces and managing extensive location-based data.
The GIS software market is experiencing robust growth, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.2%. Valued at $6.3 billion in 2020, it is expected to soar to $25.5 billion by 2030 (Allied Market Research). This growth is driven by the increasing need for precise location intelligence. Such intelligence is vital for effective marketing campaigns and accurate site inspections.
Additionally, the demand for spatial analysis software is surging in the agricultural, transportation and logistics sectors. As urban planning becomes more intricate and cities smarter, there is an escalating need for custom, scalable GIS solutions.Benefits Of Custom GIS Applications To Businesses
Custom GIS applications go far beyond basic mapping by enabling organizations to analyze, visualize, and act on spatial data aligned with their specific business goals. When designed for real-world workflows, enterprise GIS applications deliver measurable value across multiple functions.
- Revenue-driven spatial insights: Custom GIS applications help businesses identify high-performing regions, customer clusters, and market gaps, directly supporting revenue growth.
- Deeper market intelligence: Advanced GIS applications analyze customer behavior and location-based trends, enabling more accurate targeting and data-driven marketing strategies.
- Operational efficiency optimization: By automating location-based workflows, custom GIS applications reduce manual processes, lower operational costs, and improve productivity.
- Strategic decision support: GIS applications integrate seamlessly with enterprise data systems, providing reliable spatial intelligence for informed business decisions.
- Optimized marketing and resource allocation: Location analytics within custom GIS applications enable precise campaign planning and efficient deployment of resources.
- Advanced asset management: Custom-built GIS applications support real-time asset tracking, maintenance planning, and lifecycle management.
- Competitive advantage: Tailored GIS applications provide unique geographic insights that competitors using generic tools often lack.
- Improved risk assessment: GIS applications support detailed spatial risk analysis, particularly valuable for disaster-prone or infrastructure-intensive regions.
- Efficient resource distribution: Custom GIS applications help organizations allocate resources based on geographic demand, accessibility, and operational constraints.
- Enhanced customer experience: By visualizing customer data geographically, GIS applications enable faster response times and more personalized service delivery.
You may interested: What is 3D Mapping And What Is It Used For?
GIS Applications Development: Key Technologies and Tools
Developing GIS applications requires sophisticated tools and technologies that transform raw data into actionable insights for enhanced decision-making and operational efficiency.
CesiumJS stands out in GIS development for creating detailed 3D visualizations directly in web browsers, without needing plugins. Known for high-performance graphics, it handles large datasets effectively. Along with GeoServer, ThressJS, Mapbox, and OpenLayers, CesiumJS is essential for scalable geospatial projects.
Alongside CesiumJS, a range of tools supports various aspects of geospatial processing and visualization. Below is an overview of these essential tools and technologies:
Category | Tools/Technologies | Description |
GIS Platforms | ArcGIS, ERDAS IMAGINE, MapInfo | Suites for spatial analysis, visualization, and sensing. |
Open-Source GIS Software | QGIS, GRASS GIS, PostGIS | Free, evolving software for geospatial data analysis. |
Database Management Systems | Oracle Spatial, Microsoft SQL Server Spatial, PostgreSQL with PostGIS | Database management systems software designed for spatial data management. |
Web Development Tools | Leaflet, OpenLayers, ArcGIS API for JavaScript, CesiumJS | Tools for creating web-based GIS applications, including 3D visualizations. |
Remote Sensing Software | ENVI, Orfeo Toolbox | Software focused on image capturing and processing from satellite and airborne platforms. |
Mobile App Development Kits | ArcGIS Runtime SDK, Mapbox Mobile SDK | Mobile GIS frameworks for developing GIS applications on smartphones and tablets. |
Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) | Eclipse, Visual Studio, PyCharm | IDEs supporting GIS-specific libraries and software development kits. |
GIS Libraries and Frameworks | GDAL, OGR, GeoTools, OpenLayers, QGIS | Popular libraries and frameworks for working with spatial data. |
Programming Languages | Python, R, JavaScript, SQL, C++ | Key languages for GIS scripting, data analysis, and web application development. |
Cloud Computing | AWS, Google Cloud Platform, Microsoft Azure | Scalable solutions for GIS data processing and storage. |
GIS Application Development Process
Optimize your business outcomes with a streamlined GIS software development process. Here’s how you can build GIS applications that deliver:
- Needs Analysis: Identify required GIS functionalities and set project boundaries through stakeholder meetings and analysis.
- Design and Architecture: Create a system diagram to outline the general architecture, design data models for spatial databases, and plan the GIS application UI.
- Software Development: Implement map visualization using libraries like Leaflet or OpenLayers. Also, configure server-side programming with Geoserver and connect to spatial databases such as PostGIS.
- GIS Software Testing: Conduct unit, integration, and user acceptance testing to ensure all components function correctly and meet user needs.
- Deployment: Establish servers, migrate data, and deploy GIS solutions on cloud platforms or through local networks.
- Maintenance: Manage bug fixes, system updates, and other maintenance activities to ensure smooth and efficient operations.
What is the Cost of Building GIS Application?
The cost of developing GIS software varies widely by project and organization. A basic GIS application may range from $20,000 to $50,000.
Medium-complexity GIS software typically costs between $50,000 and $150,000. More advanced systems may exceed $150,000.
These estimates are approximate. Actual costs depend on several factors:
- Experience of the GIS software developers.
- Location of the development team.
- Maintenance and update needs.
- Number of functionalities included.
- Chosen platform, such as web or mobile apps.
- Potential unforeseen costs from challenges.
Why Choose BHSOFT For Your GIS Application Development?
BHSOFT is the top GIS application development company in Vietnam. We boast expert professionals who tailor geospatial solutions to your business needs. Our team’s deep knowledge of Agile and Scrum ensures precise, goal-aligned GIS systems. Additionally, we are proud to be Cesium Certified Developers, recognized by Cesium.
We specialize in 3D GIS development, offering services in modeling and web map service for enhanced, interactive data visualization. Additionally, we provide consultation and geo-processing services, improving data accuracy and implementation.
Our experience spans multiple industries, enabling us to apply industry-specific insights to our GIS software development solutions. Whether you're in urban planning, environmental management, or public safety, BHSOFT has the expertise to deliver tailored GIS application development that meets your unique challenges.
Seeking a geospatial software that drives success? Partner with our skilled and trusted developers to enhance your development initiatives.