Best ArcMap Alternatives for Students

ArcMap has been discontinued by Esri, making it essential for students to find suitable alternatives for GIS work. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best options available in 2025.

1. QGIS – The Top Free Choice

Why Choose QGIS?

• Completely Free: No licensing costs, no student verification required
• Open Source: Active community development with regular updates
• Cross-Platform: Works on Windows, Mac, Linux, and even Android
• Professional Grade: Used by professionals worldwide alongside ArcGIS

Key Features

• Advanced spatial analysis tools
• Support for numerous file formats (Shapefile, GeoJSON, KML, etc.)
• Plugin ecosystem with 1000+ extensions
• Python scripting support
• 3D visualization capabilities

Download & Resources

• Official Website: https://www.qgis.org/
• Download Page: https://qgis.org/download/
• Official Training Manual: https://docs.qgis.org/3.40/en/docs/training_manual/index.html
• Free Tutorials: https://www.qgistutorials.com/
• University Guides:
  • Harvard Library QGIS Guide
  • UC San Diego QGIS Resources

Learning Resources

• Spatial Thoughts Free Course: https://courses.spatialthoughts.com/introduction-to-qgis.html
• QGIS Hub Resources: https://www.qgis.org/resources/hub/

2. ArcGIS Pro (Educational Access)

Student Access Options

Option A: Through Your Institution

Many universities provide free access through site licenses. Check if your school offers:

• Institutional Site License: Free access for enrolled students
• Lab Access: Use in computer labs on campus

Option B: ArcGIS for Student Use

• Cost: Heavily discounted (typically $100/year vs $700 commercial)
• What’s Included: ArcGIS Pro, extensions, ArcGIS Online credits, training
• Official Page: https://www.esri.com/en-us/arcgis/products/arcgis-for-student-use/overview
• Purchase Page: https://www.esri.com/en-us/arcgis/products/arcgis-for-student-use/buy

Option C: Learn ArcGIS Student Program

• Free 1-Year Access: Software and learning resources
• Website: learn.arcgis.com
• Requirements: Student verification required

Download Information

• Official Download Guide: https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/latest/get-started/download-arcgis-pro.htm
• System Requirements: Windows-based program

3. ArcGIS Online (Web-Based)

Student Benefits

• Free Tier Available: Limited credits but sufficient for learning
• No Installation: Browser-based application
• Cloud Storage: Access projects from anywhere
• Mobile Apps: Field data collection capabilities

Access Methods

• Through institutional accounts
• Personal accounts with educational verification
• Learn ArcGIS platform

4. Other Open Source Alternatives

GRASS GIS

• Specialty: Advanced raster analysis and modeling
• Best For: Research-level spatial analysis
• Website: https://grass.osgeo.org/

SAGA GIS

• Specialty: Terrain analysis and geostatistics
• Best For: Digital elevation model processing
• Website: https://saga-gis.sourceforge.io/

PostGIS

• Type: Spatial database extension for PostgreSQL
• Best For: Large datasets and spatial database management
• Website: https://postgis.net/

R with Spatial Packages

• Best For: Statistical spatial analysis and modeling
• Key Packages: sf, sp, raster, tmap
• Website: https://r-spatial.org/

5. Commercial Alternatives

MapInfo Pro

• Publisher: Precisely (formerly Pitney Bowes)
• Student Pricing: Educational discounts available
• Specialty: Business intelligence and location analytics

Global Mapper

• Publisher: Blue Marble Geographics
• Pricing: More affordable than ArcGIS
• Specialty: Data conversion and visualization

Recommendation Strategy for Students

Budget-Conscious Path

1. Start with QGIS: Learn fundamental GIS concepts
2. Add R: For statistical analysis
3. Explore ArcGIS Online: For web mapping skills

Industry-Prep Path

1. Check institutional access to ArcGIS Pro first
2. Use QGIS for personal projects and cost savings
3. Purchase ArcGIS for Student Use if no institutional access

Skills Development Timeline

Semester 1: Foundations

• Install and learn QGIS basics
• Complete QGIS Training Manual modules
• Practice with open datasets

Semester 2: Advanced Skills

• Explore Python scripting in QGIS
• Try ArcGIS Online for web mapping
• Experiment with R spatial packages

Semester 3: Professional Preparation

• Gain ArcGIS Pro experience (if career-relevant)
• Build portfolio projects
• Learn database management with PostGIS

Key Considerations

Cost Comparison

Software	Student Cost	Commercial Cost
QGIS	Free	Free
ArcGIS Pro Student	~$100/year	$700/year
ArcGIS Online	Free tier + credits	Variable
GRASS GIS	Free	Free
SAGA GIS	Free	Free

Industry Relevance

• North America: ArcGIS dominates (70%+ market share)
• Europe/International: More QGIS adoption
• Research/Academia: Mixed, often both
• Government: Varies by region and level

Technical Requirements

• QGIS: Works on any modern computer
• ArcGIS Pro: Windows only, higher system requirements
• Web-based tools: Any device with internet

Getting Started Steps

For QGIS (Recommended First Step)

1. Visit https://qgis.org/download/
2. Download installer for your operating system
3. Install with default settings
4. Start with the official training manual
5. Join QGIS community forums for support

For ArcGIS Access

1. Check if your school has a site license
2. If not, visit the ArcGIS for Student Use page
3. Verify your student status
4. Purchase discounted license
5. Download from My Esri portal

Final Recommendations

Best Overall Choice: Start with QGIS – it’s free, powerful, and will teach you fundamental GIS concepts that transfer to any software.

Best Professional Prep: Combine QGIS for personal use with ArcGIS Pro access through your institution or student licensing.

Best Budget Strategy: Use QGIS + ArcGIS Online free tier for a complete GIS education without major costs.

Remember: The concepts you learn in one GIS software largely transfer to others. Focus on understanding spatial analysis principles rather than just software-specific techniques.