GIS Software Market Trends and Forecast
The future of the global GIS software market looks promising with opportunities in the automotive, energy and utilities, government, defense and intelligence, smart cities, insurance, and natural resources markets. The global GIS software market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 11.4% from 2025 to 2031. The major drivers for this market are the increasing demand for smart cities and urban planning solutions, advancements in geospatial data analytics and AI technologies, and the rising adoption of GIS in environmental management and resource planning.
Lucintel forecasts that, within the type category, desktop GIS will remain the largest segment over the forecast period.
Within the end use industry category, smart cities are expected to witness the highest growth.
In terms of region, APAC is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period.
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Emerging Trends in the GIS Software Market
The use of new technologies and changing market needs are aiding the rapid growth of the GIS software domain. With more and more industries adopting geographic information system software, there are significant trends transforming the world of GIS software.
• Higher Adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and AI-Driven Machine Learning: AI and machine learning are increasingly being used on GIS platforms to enable better predictive analytics and automated decision-making. AI and machine learning help in processing high volumes of geospatial data within a short time frame, improving accuracy and operational efficiency.
• GIS Based on Cloud Technology: The increasing use of cloud computing makes providing GIS solutions easier and more affordable. Savings from cloud-based GIS services allow for storing geospatial data remotely, permitting better interaction and reducing expenditures on IT infrastructure.
• Mobile Applications for GIS: Mobile GIS is poised for rapid expansion, enabling users to obtain their position in real time and make decisions on the spot. This is particularly valid for fields such as field service, agriculture, and rescue operations, where data collection is done in real time.
• Real-Time Analytics: The need for real-time data analytics is growing in GIS for all applications, especially in areas of transportation, logistics, and city planning. Geographic information that is up to date enables a quicker response to changes in the environment, with immediate action based on the current geographic snapshot.
• Growth in Sustainability Services: Today, there are greater applications of GIS technology, such as in the governance of fossil fuels, monitoring environmental changes, and even ascertaining the consequences of climate change. These applications are driving demand in sectors like agriculture, water management, and energy.
These trends point to a transition toward less sophisticated, more easily accessible, and more unified GIS functionalities that are vital for stakeholders such as businesses and public authorities who seek to capture geospatial information for business process improvement, cost savings, and productivity enhancement.
Recent Development in the GIS Software Market
Practically every sector of the economy is engaged in the enhancement of GIS software, and their efforts are producing results. Major changes have been brought about by intergovernmental organizations, ministries, and business organizations in the field of information technology.
• Progress in 3D GIS Modeling: Enhanced 3D GIS technology permits better and more precise geographic modeling, with a wide range of applications in fields such as urban planning, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure management. This has enabled many stakeholders in complex projects to make sound, data-based decisions.
• Connection with Other Software Systems: The tracking and monitoring of datasets with GIS software is now integrated with IoT devices. Much faster monitoring of environmental conditions, health status of facilities, and performance in systems like agriculture, utilities, and transport is now possible.
• Enhanced Tools for Data Visualization: The latest advancements in GIS software aim to improve the visualization of data, providing users with better ways to understand complex geospatial information. More sophisticated 3D modeling, augmented reality, and interactive maps are now available to aid in decision-making.
• Geospatial AI for Advanced Predictive Analysis: The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in GIS has reached new markets, enhancing predictive analytics. These improvements make it feasible to anticipate natural disasters, monitor changes in the environment, and improve city planning through the use of previously gathered geospatial information.
• Increased Usage of GIS within Smart Cities: The proliferation of smart cities has greatly increased the pace of GIS software development. Such cities use GIS for a wide range of tasks, including traffic control, energy management, and security, which motivates software vendors to develop specific GIS solutions for cities.
These developments broaden the usage of GIS software in various sectors and improve the usability and functionality of GIS tools, which is fundamentally changing the software market.
Strategic Growth Opportunities in the GIS Software Market
The integration of smart technologies in the GIS software market opens up new avenues for businesses looking to enhance the productivity of specific targeted applications. Meeting business and market demand in these areas can be beneficial for organizations wanting to utilize new opportunities.
• Smart Cities: Smart city developments offer a tremendous growth opportunity in the GIS software market. As cities begin implementing IoT technologies for better infrastructure management, the need for sophisticated GIS systems to track, evaluate, and improve urban areas continues to rise.
• Environmental and Resource Management: Concerns about climate change have grown, and with it, so has the use of GIS software in resource management and planning. Companies can capitalize on this opportunity by providing GIS solutions for monitoring environmental resources and managing waste.
• Mobile and Field GIS: There is also significant growth in mobile GIS applications due to the increased demand for real-time data collection. In fields such as logistics, construction, and emergency services, there is an increased need for mobile GIS systems that allow field personnel to make data-informed decisions on the go.
• Defense and Intelligence: The defense industry continues to become more dependent on GIS for planning, intelligence gathering, and operational awareness. There will be growth in the market for the defense and intelligence sector for GIS software systems as governments and militaries look for comprehensive geospatial solutions.
• Healthcare: Specialists in GIS technology are especially increasing the use of GIS in healthcare services delivery, epidemiology, healthcare access and planning, and disease surveillance. The pandemic has accentuated the role of GIS in public health data management, revealing a gap that GIS specialists are trying to fill by developing healthcare-centric solutions.
This shift underscores the adaptive nature of GIS applications and their increasing importance within different sectors of the economy. Organizations that target these markets will continue to see good returns on their investments due to the increasing demand for spatial solutions.
GIS Software Market Driver and Challenges
As in any other software sector, competition in GIS software is determined by various socio-technical, economic, and political forces. It is important for firms to understand these issues if they are to operate successfully in the market.
The factors responsible for driving the GIS software market include:
1. Technological Improvements: The integration of AI, machine learning, and IoT is a major reason for shifts in technology within GIS. These innovations are making GIS software more productive in a wide variety of ways, including analysis, predictive modeling, and real-time decision-making.
2. Increased Political and Population Support for Smart Cities: The continuous development of regions has led to increased demand for GIS solutions for effective functionality and resource allocation. GIS is being adopted for traffic control, energy optimization, and infrastructure development in smart cities.
3. Environmental Awareness: The population’s growing concern toward resource management and climate change is increasing the use of GIS technology for monitoring the environment, sustainable farming, and managing natural resources.
4. Government Initiatives: Governments across the world have adopted investments in GIS technologies for public safety, urban planning, and disaster management. Such government spending is a major contributor to the geospatial IT industry and, therefore, drives the sales of GIS software.
5. Data-Driven Decision-Making: The increasing focus on data for decision-making in business is facilitating the adoption of GIS. Many businesses and organizations today use GIS technology to gather data and make well-informed business decisions.
Challenges in the GIS software market are:
1. High Implementation Costs: The use of GIS software can be expensive, particularly for large projects. This poses issues for small and medium enterprises that may not have the requisite financial resources for such solutions.
2. Concerns Over the Privacy and Security of Data: As geospatial information systems interface with sensitive geospatial data, security and privacy concerns become more pronounced. Certain policies, like GDPR, make it even more difficult to deploy GIS software in some areas.
3. Integration Complexity: Businesses find it difficult to integrate GIS with other systems used by the enterprise. There are numerous restrictions based on the capability of older systems and the specialized skills required, which makes the adoption of GIS software challenging.
The culmination of these drivers and challenges, along with the market dynamics, means that companies competing in the GIS software domain need to innovate and balance costs and compliance issues.
List of GIS Software Companies
Companies in the market compete on the basis of product quality offered. Major players in this market focus on expanding their manufacturing facilities, R&D investments, infrastructural development, and leverage integration opportunities across the value chain. With these strategies GIS software companies cater increasing demand, ensure competitive effectiveness, develop innovative products & technologies, reduce production costs, and expand their customer base. Some of the GIS software companies profiled in this report include-
• Hexagon
• Caliper Corporation
• Computer Aided Development
• General Electric
• Autodesk
• L3Harris Technologies
• Bentley Systems
GIS Software Market by Segment
The study includes a forecast for the global GIS software market by component, type, end use industry, and region.
GIS Software Market by Component [Value from 2019 to 2031]:
• Services
• Software
GIS Software Market by Type [Value from 2019 to 2031]:
• Desktop GIS
• Server GIS
• Developer GIS
• Mobile GIS
• Others
GIS Software Market by Region [Value from 2019 to 2031]:
• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• The Rest of the World
Country Wise Outlook for the GIS Software Market
The need to obtain geospatial data has led to the expansion of the GIS industry in many nations, and the market keeps growing due to improved technology, government initiatives, and better resource management. Every nation is experiencing different changes depending on its economic, social, and industrial needs along with its global strategy.
• United States: The US has always been a frontrunner when it comes to the use of GIS solutions due to the rapid pace of urbanization, smart city programs, and developments in the government and defense industries. The US government is using GIS for effective urban planning, as well as for managing infrastructure and disaster relief. Other industries, such as retail, utilities, and the private sector, have started using GIS for improved planning, decision-making, and resource allocation.
• China: China contributes a fair share to the GIS software market, especially in relation to urban planning and development. GIS plays an important role in the government’s ambitious smart city plans to enhance the city’s infrastructure, improve traffic control, and assist in environmental surveillance. The government’s other priority areas, such as a focus on technological advancements and promoting the digital economy, increase the need for GIS solutions, particularly in the fields of public transport and public services.
• Germany: The integration of GIS technologies is furthered in Germany due to its strict regulations, particularly on environmental management, smart manufacturing, and government services. Additionally, the European Union’s sustained push for sustainable development and digital transformation of public services is promoting the application of GIS in environmental and infrastructure planning processes. Furthermore, the management of renewable energy resources makes GIS important for the energy sector in Germany.
• India: India is currently focusing on the use of GIS technologies for urban planning and infrastructure development as part of its Smart Cities Mission. The increased use of GIS in agriculture, disaster management, and transportation sectors is also aiding the growth of the market. Due to rapid urbanization and new technological improvements, it is anticipated that the GIS software market in India will grow tremendously, with increasing sophistication of available solutions from both the public and private sectors for resource allocation and optimization.
• Japan: The increase in demand for the development and management of natural disasters has greatly contributed to the growth of the GIS market in Japan. Due to constant natural disasters, GIS is crucial in identifying disaster-prone regions on the map, enhancing emergency response strategies, and improving overall disaster management. Moreover, advancements in technology, coupled with government spending on smart city infrastructure, drive the need for GIS solutions in Japan.
Features of the Global GIS Software Market
Market Size Estimates: GIS software market size estimation in terms of value ($B).
Trend and Forecast Analysis: Market trends (2019 to 2024) and forecast (2025 to 2031) by various segments and regions.
Segmentation Analysis: GIS software market size by component, type, end use industry, and region in terms of value ($B).
Regional Analysis: GIS software market breakdown by North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World.
Growth Opportunities: Analysis of growth opportunities in different components, types, end use industries, and regions for the GIS software market.
Strategic Analysis: This includes M&A, new product development, and competitive landscape of the GIS software market.
Analysis of competitive intensity of the industry based on Porter’s Five Forces model.
FAQ
Q1. What is the growth forecast for GIS software market?
Answer: The global GIS software market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 11.4% from 2025 to 2031.
Q2. What are the major drivers influencing the growth of the GIS software market?
Answer: The major drivers for this market are the increasing demand for smart cities and urban planning solutions, advancements in geospatial data analytics and AI technologies, and the rising adoption of GIS in environmental management and resource planning.
Q3. What are the major segments for GIS software market?
Answer: The future of the GIS software market looks promising with opportunities in the automotive, energy and utilities, government, defense and intelligence, smart cities, insurance, and natural resources markets.
Q4. Who are the key GIS software market companies?
Answer: Some of the key GIS software companies are as follows:
• Hexagon
• Caliper Corporation
• Computer Aided Development
• General Electric
• Autodesk
• L3Harris Technologies
• Bentley Systems
Q5. Which GIS software market segment will be the largest in future?
Answer: Lucintel forecasts that desktop GIS will remain the largest segment over the forecast period.
Q6. In GIS software market, which region is expected to be the largest in next 5 years?
Answer: APAC is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period.
Q7. Do we receive customization in this report?
Answer: Yes, Lucintel provides 10% customization without any additional cost.
This report answers following 11 key questions:
Q.1. What are some of the most promising, high-growth opportunities for the GIS software market by component (services and software), type (desktop GIS, server GIS, developer GIS, mobile GIS, and others), end use industry (automotive, energy and utilities, government, defense and intelligence, smart cities, insurance, natural resources, and others), and region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World)?
Q.2. Which segments will grow at a faster pace and why?
Q.3. Which region will grow at a faster pace and why?
Q.4. What are the key factors affecting market dynamics? What are the key challenges and business risks in this market?
Q.5. What are the business risks and competitive threats in this market?
Q.6. What are the emerging trends in this market and the reasons behind them?
Q.7. What are some of the changing demands of customers in the market?
Q.8. What are the new developments in the market? Which companies are leading these developments?
Q.9. Who are the major players in this market? What strategic initiatives are key players pursuing for business growth?
Q.10. What are some of the competing products in this market and how big of a threat do they pose for loss of market share by material or product substitution?
Q.11. What M&A activity has occurred in the last 5 years and what has its impact been on the industry?
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