Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

ArcGIS VS LocationAPI

Compare ArcGIS VS LocationAPI and see what are their differences

ArcGIS logo ArcGIS

ArcGIS software is a data analysis, cloud-based mapping platform that allows users to customize maps and see real-time data ranging from logistics support to overall mapping analysis.

LocationAPI logo LocationAPI

Instantly locate any device w/ WiFi, celltowers & IP address
  • ArcGIS Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-03-22
  • LocationAPI Landing page
    Landing page //
    2019-01-27

ArcGIS features and specs

  • Comprehensive Toolset
    ArcGIS offers a wide range of tools for data analysis, map creation, spatial analytics, and geoprocessing, making it suitable for a variety of GIS applications.
  • Data Integration
    ArcGIS supports integration with various data types and formats, including CAD, satellite imagery, and real-time data streams, providing flexibility in data management.
  • User Community and Support
    ArcGIS has a large, active user community and extensive support resources, including online forums, tutorials, and documentation, facilitating user assistance and knowledge sharing.
  • Scalability
    ArcGIS is scalable from single-user desktop applications to enterprise-wide deployments, allowing organizations of all sizes to leverage its capabilities.
  • Advanced Spatial Analysis
    ArcGIS provides advanced spatial analysis capabilities, including 3D mapping, network analysis, and spatial statistics, enabling in-depth geographic insights.

Possible disadvantages of ArcGIS

  • Cost
    ArcGIS can be expensive, requiring significant investment for licensing, maintenance, and potentially additional modules or extensions.
  • Learning Curve
    The software has a steep learning curve, particularly for new users, due to its comprehensive and complex functionalities.
  • Resource Intensive
    ArcGIS can be resource-intensive, requiring robust hardware and processing power, which may be a limitation for users with older or less powerful systems.
  • Closed Ecosystem
    ArcGIS operates within a largely proprietary ecosystem, which can limit compatibility and integration with non-Esri systems and tools.
  • Maintenance and Updates
    Frequent updates and maintenance requirements can be time-consuming and sometimes disrupt workflow, necessitating constant attention from IT staff.

LocationAPI features and specs

  • Comprehensive Data Coverage
    LocationAPI by Unwired Labs offers access to a wide range of location data sources, including cellular networks, WiFi access points, and IP addresses, ensuring accurate and comprehensive location detection globally.
  • Flexibility and Customization
    The API provides customizable solutions tailored to various use cases, from personal tracking to IoT applications, allowing developers to choose specific data sets and services that meet their needs.
  • Scalability
    LocationAPI is designed to handle varying loads, from small-scale applications to enterprise-level deployments, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes.
  • Ease of Integration
    The API offers detailed documentation, SDKs, and support for multiple programming languages, facilitating straightforward integration into existing systems.
  • Reliability and Performance
    With robust infrastructure and reliable performance, the LocationAPI ensures consistent and fast response times for location queries.

Possible disadvantages of LocationAPI

  • Cost
    While offering a free tier, the extensive features and usage of the LocationAPI could lead to substantial costs for high-volume or enterprise users.
  • Privacy Concerns
    The collection and use of location data may raise privacy issues, which could be a concern for users and require compliance with regulations such as GDPR.
  • Dependency on Connectivity
    The effectiveness of LocationAPI heavily depends on the availability and accuracy of network signals, which could be inconsistent in remote or underdeveloped areas.
  • Data Accuracy Limitations
    While generally accurate, the precision of location data can vary depending on the available data sources and environmental factors, such as signal interference.
  • Technical Complexity
    For users not familiar with handling geolocation services or APIs, the initial setup and integration process may require a steep learning curve.

Analysis of ArcGIS

Overall verdict

  • Yes, ArcGIS is considered a highly effective and efficient tool for GIS professionals and organizations that require advanced spatial analysis and mapping capabilities. Its comprehensive and scalable solutions make it a leading choice in the GIS industry.

Why this product is good

  • ArcGIS by Esri is a comprehensive geographic information system (GIS) platform known for its robust functionalities and tools that support spatial analysis, data visualization, and geographic mapping. The platform is widely used across various industries, including urban planning, environmental science, government, and utilities. It offers powerful features such as geospatial analysis, data integration capabilities, a wide range of mapping tools, and support for a broad array of data formats. Furthermore, with its continuous updates and improvements, users benefit from the latest advancements in GIS technology.

Recommended for

  • Urban Planners
  • Environmental Scientists
  • Government Agencies
  • Utility Companies
  • Educational Institutions
  • Transportation and Logistics Companies
  • Real Estate Developers
  • Public Safety and Emergency Response Organizations

ArcGIS videos

What is ArcGIS?

More videos:

  • Review - ArcGIS Data Reviewer: An Introduction
  • Review - ArcGIS Data Reviewer: Integrating Data Quality Control into Web Applications
  • Review - ArcGIS Review: History teacher heaven!
  • Review - ArcGIS Review: WJCUD mapping and asset collection

LocationAPI videos

No LocationAPI videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

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Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to ArcGIS and LocationAPI)
Maps
97 97%
3% 3
Developer Tools
68 68%
32% 32
Mapping And GIS
100 100%
0% 0
Geolocation
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare ArcGIS and LocationAPI

ArcGIS Reviews

Top 7 ArcGIS Alternatives For Your GIS Needs
ArcGIS is a scalable and secure GIS software platform developed by Esri. It enables customers to enhance decision-making by collecting, managing, and analyzing data and sharing apps and maps with a collaborative and connected online geographic information system. From transportation to retail, urban planning, and even retail management, ArcGIS offers applications for every...
Source: nextbillion.ai
Top 10 GIS Software Tools And Solutions
Despite its strengths, ArcGIS Pro does have some limitations. The high licensing cost can be a significant barrier, particularly for smaller organisations or individual users. Project files can become bulky, which may affect performance and storage. MXD file conversions often result in missing objects, which can complicate transitions from older versions of ArcGIS. License...
Source: em360tech.com
Top 3 GIS & Map Dashboard Software to Watch in 2025
ArcGIS Dashboards, part of Esri's ArcGIS ecosystem, is designed for professionals who need detailed geospatial analysis and sophisticated map dashboards.
Source: atlas.co
18 Top Google Places API Alternatives for Points of Interest Data in 2022
If youโ€™re an ArcGIS user, you can use its geocoding service to search for a location and return complete addresses. You can also use it to search for name of a business within a specific distance from a location or find places by category name.
Source: traveltime.com
The Top 10 Alternatives to ArcGIS
GIS software is a powerful tool that enables for the presentation, collection, manipulation, management, and analysis of spatial data. It is therefore no surprise that it is used in such a variety of industries ranging from transportation and infrastructure, to environmental planning and disaster response. Currently, ArcGIS is one of the world-leading GIS software available,...

LocationAPI Reviews

We have no reviews of LocationAPI yet.
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, LocationAPI seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 2 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

ArcGIS mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of ArcGIS yet. Tracking of ArcGIS recommendations started around Mar 2021.

LocationAPI mentions (2)

  • What methods are used to locate a phone?
    Check the API, in geolocation section, of unwiredlabs. It will give you an overview. Source: about 3 years ago
  • What are some good REST API services to use with Google Maps?
    Unwiredlabs.com provides 100 free calls/day for a location API. If you are interested in map work/development also check out Here.com they have a really cool platform/tools. Source: almost 4 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing ArcGIS and LocationAPI, you can also consider the following products

OSGeo - QGIS is a desktop geographic information system, or GIS.

IPTrace - API to build location-aware mobile and web apps

Google Maps - Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

HyperTrack - Build logistics apps that feel like the future

Mapbox - An open source mapping platform for custom designed maps. Our APIs and SDKs are the building blocks to integrate location into any mobile or web app.

WiFi Map - A crowdsourced list of routers and passwords