DesktopGIS

Desktop GIS refers to geographic information system software that is installed and run on a personal computer or workstation. It enables users to create, edit, analyze, and visualize geospatial data locally, and to produce maps and reports. Desktop GIS contrasts with web GIS and mobile GIS, which are accessed through browsers or apps and may rely on remote servers for processing and data storage.

Typical capabilities include data management and editing; geoprocessing tools for buffering, intersecting, dissolving, and spatial joins; coordinate reference system management; raster and vector analysis; 2D and 3D visualization; map composition and cartography; geocoding and routing; topology checks and metadata handling.

Desktop GIS supports a range of data formats and databases, including shapefiles, GeoJSON, KML, GeoPackage, GeoTIFF, and database connections to PostGIS or SpatiaLite. It often integrates with enterprise data repositories and can publish results to web maps or print-ready outputs.

Users include civil engineers, urban planners, surveyors, researchers, and government agencies who require offline analysis, sensitive data handling, or advanced geoprocessing. Workflows typically involve importing data, cleaning and editing, performing analyses, creating map layouts, and exporting results or publishing to online GIS platforms.

Notable desktop GIS products include QGIS (open source), ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Desktop (Esri, proprietary), MapInfo Pro, Global Mapper, GRASS GIS, gvSIG, and SAGA GIS. The desktop GIS ecosystem emphasizes powerful local processing, data control, and the capability to work with large spatial datasets independent of constant internet access.