Geography impacts key business decisions, including where to open locations, plan deliveries, and place headquarters. These choices depend on spatial data, and mapping software makes sense of it.

Location software lets you visualize geographical data features in real time. It reveals trends, risks, and opportunities that spreadsheets can’t. With real-time overlays and customizable mapping tools, businesses gain a clearer view of their operations. 

In this guide, you’ll learn about leading location software solutions and how to choose the best option for your needs.

What is location intelligence software?

Location intelligence software turns spatial data into actionable insights. Instead of relying on spreadsheets or traditional static charts, it uses spatial analysis to reveal patterns and relationships between geographic areas.

Mapping software plays a significant role in business and government. For example, retailers use mapping tools to select potential store locations. Logistics teams rely on route optimization and real-time traffic data. And public agencies use geographic information systems (GIS) for safety and emergency responses.

Even in sales and marketing, territory management depends on accurate maps to match resources with opportunities. Modern, intuitive platforms now deliver capabilities that previously required specialized expertise.

Here are a few common situations when location intelligence software comes in handy:

• Visualizing spatial data: Interactive maps make complex information easier to understand and share.
• Improving operational efficiency: Logistics teams can use the software for route optimization and resource collocation. 
• Enabling real-time location tracking: Operations managers can keep tabs on vehicles, field teams, and moving assets with live updates.
• Supporting territory management: Business owners can identify underserved areas and plan geographic growth.

Comparing the 5 top location software solutions 

It can be challenging to find the best location software for your needs. Here are five leading options to consider.

1. Felt

Felt is a cloud-native GIS and mapping platform that works entirely in your browser without third-party desktop installations. It supports real-time data visualization and live syncs with databases like Postgres, Databricks, and Snowflake. For those working with flat files, Felt’s “Upload Anything” makes it easy to overlay key datasets in any format.

Key strengths:

• Real-time data sync with multiple backend systems
• Displays millions of data features directly within your browser
• No local or third-party installation required
• Intuitive, easy-to-use interface for people unfamiliar with GIS

Pricing:

• Free plan
• Team plan: $200/month
• Enterprise: Custom quote

2. Maptive

Maptive is a mapping tool that converts data like spreadsheets into interactive maps, heatmaps, and territory management dashboards. It uses Google Maps’ infrastructure to produce visuals and helps with route optimization and sales planning.

Key strengths:

• Intuitive, drag-and-drop feature turns data into maps
• Great for territory mapping, route optimization, and business-friendly mapping
• Application programming interface (API) access for integrating maps into other apps

Pricing:

• 45-day pass: $250
• Pro plan: $1,250/year
• Team plan: $2,500/year
• Enterprise plan: Custom quote

3. Mapbox

Mapbox is a developer-focused mapping platform. It offers APIs and software development kits (SDKs) for geocoding, routing, and custom styling via Mapbox Studio. Users can embed maps into mobile and web apps.

Key strengths:

• Plenty of flexibility and customization
• Rich APIs for geocoding, directions, and traffic
• Ideal for embedding maps in web and mobile applications

Pricing

• Pay-as-you-go model with flexible pricing based on monthly requests

4. Esri ArcGIS

ArcGIS is a GIS mapping suite from Esri. It includes desktop, server/enterprise, and online web services. ArcGIS’s geospatial infrastructure supports deep spatial analysis and strong geographic data governance.

Key strengths:

• Advanced spatial and geoprocessing tools
• Broad interoperability with multiple geospatial formats
• Scalable for enterprises

Pricing:

• ArcGIS Enterprise: Tiered pricing
• ArcGIS Online: Subscription-based model with user licensing plus and additionally purchased credits for premium cloud services like analysis tools, storage, and data enrichment

5. BatchGeo 

BatchGeo is a simple web-based mapping tool that lets you paste spreadsheets, with details like addresses and coordinates, and quickly generate maps. If you’re a beginner and want mapping software instead of a tool for deeper GIS workflows, BatchGeo will help you visualize data.

Key strengths:

• Easy to use
• Quick way to visualize address data on a map
• Good for lightweight tasks or one-off mapping projects

Pricing:

• Lite plan: $15/month
• Pro plan: $99/month

How to choose the right location software for your needs

With multiple mapping and tracking platforms, it’s important to take a measured approach when choosing the one for your business. Here’s how to find the right location software.

Define your goals

First, decide what you want to accomplish. It could be real-time vehicle tracking, territory planning, or software with site selection. Identify your top outcomes and tie them to measurable improvements — like on-time delivery rates or safety response times. Then create quantifiable benchmarks to evaluate tools against so you avoid chasing features you don’t need.

Identify required features

Translate your goals into specific features. For example, if you need better logistics planning, prioritize routing and geocoding. For improved collaboration, look for customizable mapping and data sharing tools. 

Most platforms cover basics like data uploading and visualization but lack advanced tools like real-time tracking, spatial analysis, or APIs for customization. You can prioritize features into tiers like “must-have” or “not needed” and compare to see what works for you.

Consider ease of use and learning curve

Evaluate how easy it will be for your team to adopt the software. Look at how user-friendly the platform is, the sample data it provides, and the product guides. 

Non-GIS team members should be able to create and edit maps easily, while analysts should have the depth they need without relying heavily on IT support. Responsive customer support also matters for long-term usage.

Check scalability and integration options

While focusing on today’s needs, keep an eye on how you’ll grow in the future. Choose location analytics software that handles millions of features without performance issues and supports multi-user collaboration. 

Consider integration options and whether that platform can connect to your cloud storage and databases. Evaluate security features like encryption and regional hosting, which protect sensitive geographic data.

Evaluate cost and deployment model 

Consider the total cost of ownership, especially for long-term use. Some platforms bill per seat, while others charge based on map loads, data storage, or API functionality. Whether the platform is SaaS or desktop-based can influence how updates and maintenance are handled. Hidden costs like premium support or third-party installations may also impact your budget over time.

Turn your location-based data into action with Felt

Choosing the right software is the first step, but the real payoff comes when your maps start driving smart decisions. Felt helps teams act on spatial data without delays. With its AI location intelligence, you can quickly import and visualize millions of features without slowdowns. And its browser-based interface eliminates third-party installations and bottlenecks.

Team members can import data, explore maps, and share results in real time with stakeholders. Felt gives you a faster way to act without compromising performance and collaboration. Start your next project with Felt and unlock the full power of location intelligence.

FAQ

What is the difference between GIS and location software?

Geographic information systems (GIS) refers to the broader framework of collecting, storing, and analyzing geographic data. Location software is a subset of GIS tools for specific tasks like tracking and visualization. GIS platforms are highly technical, while modern location software typically focuses on user-friendly interfaces and real-time decision making.

What is geofencing in location software?

Geofencing creates a virtual boundary around a real-world area. When a person or object enters or exits, the software can send alerts, track movement, or trigger actions.

How is geotagging used in location software?

Geotagging attaches a location coordinate to data, such as a photo, asset, or transaction. In location and mapping software, geotags make it possible to track the movement of items on a map and analyze spatial patterns.