Software solutions for geographical informations systems: a comparative analysis

Abstract

A Geographic Information System (GIS) corresponds to an organization and communication structure that allows understanding relationships, patterns and trends in our world, through visualization, exploration, analysis and interpretation of geospatial data. This work aims to present the concepts, identify and characterize the open-source software (OSS) and proprietary software solutions, and comparatively analyze an open-source desktop GIS software and a proprietary software of reference in the market. Starting from a documentary analysis, several open-source and proprietary GIS software are analyzed, concluding with a comparative analysis between ArcGIS and SAGA GIS software. At an educational level, teachers can use both open-source software and proprietary software, but in some identified situations, it is recommended to use OSS. The OSS provide capabilities and tools for the teaching-learning process of GIS principles and these tools are suitable for the learning requirements.