GIS is more than just a software program like Word or Excel^®, it consists of users, hardware, data, software and methods to use all of these components. GIS software comes in a variety of formats suitable for enterprise use or for use in small, no budget volunteer groups. There are incredibly expensive proprietary programs and free, open-source programs, all with their advantages and limitations.

We have broken down the available programs into Desktop: locally installed programs, run fully by a single user on a stand-alone or networked computer; Web Mapping: online systems with data, maps and some level of interactivity; Server Based: more sophisticated systems installed on some type of server that make data and maps available to a wider audience for concurrent use; and Spatial Databases that allow for the storage, extraction and manipulation of spatial data.

• Desktop Software
• Web based Mapping
• Spatial Databases
• Server Based GIS