Have you ever wondered how services like Google Maps layer traffic data and the location of the nearest coffee shop on their maps? GIS software takes raw geographic data and turns it into useful information, allowing organizations to easily analyze and understand their spatial data – and alerting you about traffic jams during your daily commute.
There’s more to GIS software development than just building maps; it is also about developing systems that allow users to collect, store, and visualize geographic data in real time, including maps, satellite photos, or any other location-based data of interest.
The market for GIS solutions is predicted to increase from $6.3 billion in 2020 to $25.5 billion by 2030, influenced by the pressing need for precise location intelligence for goal-oriented marketing campaigns and real-time decision-making.
Let’s look into it!
The power of spatial data, or What is GIS software?
Strategic business decisions require an understanding of complex and multi-level geographic data. It becomes a problem when this data comes from different sources in various and incompatible formats – and this is where GIS software comes into play.
GIS software allows you to process all of your geographic data on one platform. The result is more accurate spatial data analysis and, therefore, better strategic decisions.
In this article, we explore the idea of geospatial software development and demonstrate how businesses can make different geo-information useful. We overview the main steps, tools, and technologies necessary to create GIS solutions and discuss how our software development expertise can help you create customized, goal-oriented GIS software.
Benefits of custom GIS solutions
A custom GIS is not just an ordinary map; it is a comprehensive, conceptual collection of processes that can help scale the capabilities of any business, enabling managers to make decisions better and faster, handle operations efficiently, and discover new directions for growth.
Here are more reasons to consider investing in custom GIS software:
1. Increased revenue
Customized GIS solutions help businesses uncover profitable geographic regions and accurately target customers and market segments to create new revenue streams and refine marketing strategies.
2. Deeper customer insights
Insights into customer behavior and demographics are crucial for competitiveness. GIS technology helps analyze not only demographics but also preferences and trends, creating room to improve marketing and customer engagement.
3. Improved team collaboration
Custom GIS development helps to create a unified space for sharing, analyzing, and visualizing data, enhancing cross-department collaboration when working with the same datasets, fostering innovation, and improving project outcomes.
4. Smarter decision-making
With GIS, businesses can incorporate multiple sources for a comprehensive overview of spatial data and make informed, data-driven decisions for their long-term strategies or current operations.
5. Improved operational efficiency
With automation at their core, customized GIS solutions can easily take on previously time-consuming manual tasks, optimize workflows, and reduce operating costs. They can also help businesses be more productive and give employees space to focus on high-value tasks.
6. Asset and logistics management
Custom GIS solutions can aid in route optimization, real-time asset tracking, or delivery optimization, among other logistical management functions, ensuring all processes are more efficient, have faster response times, and cost less.
7. Visualizing complex data
By creating interactive maps and 3D visualizations, GIS software displays complex data in an easy-to-understand way, helping stakeholders make informed decisions and develop more insightful strategies.
Explore how the synergy between GIS and 5G networks can revolutionize telecom operations
Understanding GIS software development
GIS software applications help you make informed decisions by creating a clearer picture of spatial data. This clarity can improve resource allocation, city planning, and environmental resource management.
Although there are open-source tools available, they do not offer the same versatility and potential for customization as those developed specifically for the needs of your business.
Customized GIS software can improve productivity, decrease operational costs, and assist in making better decisions while also creating an easier way to plan and update apps in the future. In addition, a licensed and trusted vendor can guarantee that software can be integrated seamlessly into your existing systems and processes, enabling better overall data management, increasing efficiency, and avoiding duplication of effort in your processes.
Key components of GIS software
To create software, GIS developers employ a combination of common software development techniques and tools that are specific to GIS applications. With the help of your development team, you can select the mix of technologies and tools that best suits your specific business needs.
Source: Matellio
GIS software libraries and frameworks
There are a number of libraries and frameworks that offer a wide range of pre-built functions that can easily perform most common tasks that a developer might require of a GIS application. While many of these frameworks are open-source, few offer the level of freedom in customization to business owners, whether their product is developed in-house or not. Some of the better-known open-source frameworks include GDAL/OGR, GeoTools, and OpenLayers. For businesses that require a higher level of flexibility, QGIS supports a wider range of GIS functions and allows for better control over how the software is developed.
Programming languages
Programming languages form the foundation of each GIS application. Depending on your needs, developers working on your GIS software might use Python, Java, C++, or JavaScript.
Cloud computing
Cloud computing has greatly affected the field of GIS development, as it allows applications to leverage a wide array of GIS services without the need for bulky infrastructure. Platforms such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure can be used to seamlessly integrate GIS development.
Spatial databases
Managing spatial data with specialized databases is critical to the functioning of GIS software. These databases will allow your software to store, retrieve, and accurately manipulate spatial feature data, or spatial information. Two of the more well-known options are PostgreSQL/PostGIS and Oracle Spatial, both of which offer a wide range of functionality and user-friendly features.
GIS software packages
GIS software packages offer developers a wide range of tools to capture, store, analyze, and display spatial data. Well-known solutions include ArcGIS, QGIS, and GRASS. They offer the level of development and functionality that businesses need to make the most out of their spatial data.
Overall, GIS software development can be done with a wide range of advanced tools and technologies, which can be adapted and combined to suit a business’s specific needs. If you seek to adapt and leverage a lot of spatial data, your development team can create GIS software of your choice that adheres to your organization’s goals.
Understanding telecom GIS software development
It’s essential to use the most suitable instruments and technologies to build highly effective GIS applications customized for telecom needs. Moreover, constant communication with your development partner is needed to ensure your solution precisely fits your business needs.
Here are some major aspects of GIS software development, primarily focused on network planning, fiber and mobile management, and other telecom operations:
Spatial data collection and management
For telecoms, accurate spatial data collection is crucial for mapping network infrastructure, which can include fiber-optic cables, cell towers, copper/ADSL lines, etc. This data supports operators in effectively managing assets, tracking network coverage, and streamlining expansion.
Spatial analysis for network optimization
GIS spatial analysis helps to enhance network performance by spotting the best locations for cell towers, analyzing service demand, and improving network coverage. It also helps to create efficient routing for fiber and copper networks.
Data visualization for telecom networks
GIS provides real-time network visualizations, allowing operators to monitor service outages, hotspots, weak coverage areas, and overall network infrastructure on interactive maps for faster decision-making and quick repairs.
Application development for telecom operations
Custom GIS applications are tailored to suit many business telecom needs, from field operation management to real-time network monitoring tasks that include fiber deployment, maintenance, and network improvements.
Key use cases of GIS-enabled functionality in telecom
Telecom companies usually benefit from integrating GIS technology in the telecom industry, as it improves everything from network planning to customer service and completely changes the way telecoms run their operations.
Let’s explore some of the most notable GIS use cases in telecom.
1. Network planning and rollout
Planning where to place new infrastructure assets – such as cell towers or fiber-optic cables – requires a deep understanding of spatial factors. GIS makes this process smoother by analyzing population distributions, signal interference, and other relevant data.
2. Fiber route optimization
Routing fiber-optic cables is no small task, and GIS plays a key role in making it more efficient. By considering factors ranging from terrain to urban growth, companies can plan routes that minimize costs and avoid unnecessary delays in deployment and upkeep.
3. Real-time network monitoring
When it comes to monitoring network performance in real time, GIS allows telecom companies to quickly detect signal weak spots or equipment failures, helping teams respond fast to minimize service interruptions and keep customers satisfied.
4. Asset management and maintenance
GIS technology offers telecom providers a clear view of their physical assets, including cell towers and fiber lines. It helps companies schedule maintenance in advance, monitor the health of their equipment, and minimize costly service disruptions.
5. 5G network rollouts
The rollout of 5G networks presents unique challenges, especially in dense urban areas. GIS helps operators identify the best spots for small cells and towers, ensuring they get the coverage they need while overcoming the challenges created by high-frequency bands.
6. Customer service and market analysis
Telecom companies use GIS to gain a better understanding of their customer base and how clients use their services. By analyzing data on demographics, service demand, and usage patterns, companies can alter their services to better meet customer needs.
Cost of developing a GIS software application
Whenever you are planning to build a GIS software application, there are cost factors to consider. Developing GIS software is a lot like ordering a complicated dish – the final price depends on the ingredients used, the skill of the chef, and the location and rating of the restaurant.
Let’s break it down:
1. Features and functionality
The more advanced your GIS software, the higher the price tag. A basic app with map viewing and data layering will be more affordable, while advanced features such as 3D visualizations or real-time data analysis will push the cost upwards.
- Basic GIS application: $10,000 to $50,000
- Medium complexity: $50,000 to $150,000
- High-end: $150,000+
2. Development team expertise
The expertise of your development team makes a big difference. A more experienced team can cost more, but they’ll often deliver higher quality, which can be worth the investment.
Freelancers: $20–$150/hr (varies by location and expertise)
Development agencies:
- US or Western Europe: $100–$250/hr
- Eastern Europe or South America: $40–$120/hr
- Asia: $20–$80/hr
3. Platform and region
The platform you’re targeting (web or mobile) and where your developers are based also influence costs. A web-based GIS app is typically more affordable, while mobile apps, especially if developed for both iOS and Android, can cost more.
- Web application: Often more affordable due to the use of common tools and frameworks.
- Mobile application: Costs can differ between iOS and Android and are higher if you want apps for both platforms.
4. Ongoing maintenance and updates
The job isn’t over once the app is live. Regular maintenance, bug fixes, and updates are necessary to keep things running smoothly, adding to ongoing expenses.
- Maintenance and updates: Expect to spend around 10–20% of the initial cost per year.
5. Unforeseen costs
No project is without surprises. Unexpected technical issues or changes in requirements can pop up, so it’s important to plan for the unexpected.
By factoring in these considerations, you’ll get a clearer picture of the GIS solution development that fits your needs.
Steps involved in GIS software development
Developing a GIS application is a structured process that requires careful planning and collaboration. Each stage is essential to building a robust and effective solution tailored to your business needs.
Below are the key steps involved in GIS development:
Source: Matellio
1. Collecting requirements
The first step is understanding the goals of the GIS application. This involves working closely with stakeholders to identify specific functionality, data sources, and necessary integrations. By gathering detailed requirements early on, the development team ensures that the software is aligned with business objectives and addresses industry-specific challenges.
2. Design and architecture
Once the requirements are clear, the next step is to create the software’s design and architecture. This step includes defining the system’s structure, selecting the right tools and technologies, and ensuring scalability. For GIS software development, this also means designing how telecom GIS data will be collected, processed, and visualized. A well-planned architecture lays the foundation for efficient development and long-term success.
3. Development
With the design in place, actual development begins. This involves writing code; building features; and integrating databases, GIS libraries, and other tools. Developers work to create a functional, user-friendly application based on the agreed specifications. Regular check-ins with stakeholders ensure the project stays on track, and any necessary adjustments can be made early in the process.
4. Testing
Testing is a critical step in GIS software development to ensure that the application functions as expected. During testing, developers conduct both manual and automated tests to identify and resolve bugs, performance issues, or compatibility problems. Spatial data accuracy and the app’s ability to handle real-time data are also tested rigorously.
5. Deployment
After thorough testing, the GIS application is ready to be deployed. This involves moving the software from the development to the production environment, making it accessible to users.
6. Maintenance
The final step is ongoing maintenance. GIS software requires continuous updates, bug fixes, and improvements to ensure long-term reliability and performance. This step also includes scaling the system, adding new features, and adapting to changes in user requirements or external conditions, such as new regulations or technological advancements.
Intellias GIS software development case studies
At Intellias, our extensive expertise in GIS technologies, tools, and resources allows us to create tailored GIS solutions for both web and mobile platforms. Our custom-built applications are designed to deliver powerful functionality with a user-friendly experience, helping our clients elevate their operations and achieve new levels of business success.
Optimizing 5G rollouts with advanced network modeling
Recently, Intellias partnered with Pivotal Commware to develop a network modeling tool that optimizes the deployment of 5G mmWave networks, enhancing both cost-efficiency and performance. By leveraging high-precision GIS data and automating manual processes, the solution reduced capital expenses and improved network planning for mobile network operators (MNOs). The tailored tool seamlessly integrated with third-party services and streamlined operations, enabling faster, more economical 5G rollouts. This innovative approach transformed Pivotal Commware from a product-focused company to a managed services provider.
Optimized network planning with a smart CapEx web solution
Intellias developed a smart CapEx web application for a leading European telecom operator, enabling efficient network planning and capital expenditure management. The solution integrates advanced location-based features like coverage heatmaps and business case calculations to optimize network investments. By leveraging real-time data and AI-driven insights, the tool accelerates network rollouts, improves ROI, and enhances decision-making for future expansions.
AI-driven image processing for telecom network installations
Intellias collaborated with a US telecom provider to design a solution that streamlines network installations through intelligent image processing algorithms. After evaluating the cost and efficiency of various machine learning platforms, the team chose a cloud-based SaaS solution to simplify infrastructure management. Intellias also developed a prototype using drone footage to automatically recognize network elements, enhancing the speed and accuracy of network deployments.
AI-powered digital assistant for enterprise productivity
Intellias developed IntelliAssistant, an AI-powered digital assistant platform that offers tailored solutions for various use cases, including smarter knowledge management, personalized upskilling, crisis management, and sales productivity.
IntelliAssistant can easily be integrated into corporate systems to automate most workflows and provide intelligent insights based on an internal company knowledge base. Cross-functional adaptability reduces operational costs, enhances decision-making, optimizes team performance, and offers faster development turnaround. In short, IntelliAssistant can revolutionize the way you operate your business.
Why choose Intellias for GIS software development?
Intellias offers GIS software expertise to support you in creating tailored performance solutions for industries including telecom, transportation, and urban planning. We’ve developed smart CapEx tools for telecom operators and created geospatial network modeling solutions to facilitate 5G network deployments.
Intellias engineers focus on development of GIS applications that are fully cloud-compatible and can easily be embedded within existing infrastructure. We deliver GIS systems that drive real-world results, whether you are deploying intelligent image processing for telecom network installations or using advanced location-based data for smart infrastructure planning.
