GIS Programs-low cost

[greenone]

I would like to get recommendations for a program to use for mapping. What we want to do is import data (Excel or Access) into a mapping program, and have the locations mapped. The data includes the coordinates of the locations. We would not use the program much, so I am hesitant to spend $1500 on one seat for Arcgis.

Anyone have experience with fairly simple programs of this type? (non-engineers will likely end up using it, not me)

I appreciate any insights you can offer.

 

[BigInch]

here's a place to start,

http://opensourcegis.org/

I hate Windowz 8!!!!

 

[greenone]

Thank you for the list. I was hoping someone has had some experience with one of the programs, as the list is quite long-by the time I try a test on each one that seems a likely candidate, I'm going to be over budget on hours...Unless I misunderstood my boss and I was supposed to think this was a fun project and wouldn't mind spending my weekend importing and mapping data.

 

[Drew08]

At least you have a good attitude about it

If all you want to do is plot coordinates in space, just use Google Earth. There are a thousand excel to KML converts on the web, you can probably even create your own. KML is just a text file listing data in a specific format. I've used DNRGarmin a lot in the past to convert data between coordinate systems and file types, text to KML to shp. It is an ArcGIS extension, but also works as a stand-alone. I've also used GPSU which has more possible file types than DNRGarmin, but fewer coordinate systems, and is more limited to the number of points.

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/mis/gis/tools/arcview/extensions/DNRGarmin/DNRGarmin.html

http://www.gpsu.co.uk/features.html

For opening and editing shapefiles, I used QGIS a lot before I had ArcGIS. It's been a while, and changed a lot since then though.

http://www.qgis.org/en/site/

 

[LittleInch]

I've used a program called expert GPS which is about $60, but imports excel waypoints and you can build tracks from google earth etc and export etc. they have a limited option free version to try before you buy.

If you need to use shape files then it does seem to get a whole lot more expensive.

My motto: Learn something new every day

Also: There's usually a good reason why everyone does it that way

 

[beej67]

Does QGIS export to AutoCAD DWG or DXF format?

Hydrology, Drainage Analysis, Flood Studies, and Complex Stormwater Litigation for Atlanta and the South East -

http://www.campbellcivil.com

 

[MEM1]

http://www.bluemarblegeo.com/products/global-mapper.php

I use global mapper. Price is going up, but it has a ton of functionality.