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ArcGIS VS Spectator

Compare ArcGIS VS Spectator 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.

Spectator logo Spectator

Spectator simplifies access to satellite imagery from NASA, ESA and other providers.
  • ArcGIS Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-03-22
  • Spectator Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-31

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.

Spectator features and specs

  • Real-Time Viewing
    Spectator Earth allows users to view satellite imagery in near real-time, providing updated visuals of different parts of the world.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The platform offers an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, making it accessible for users of all skill levels to explore satellite imagery.
  • Free Access
    Spectator Earth provides free access to its satellite imagery, allowing anyone with internet access to explore and utilize its features without any cost.
  • Diverse Applications
    The platform supports a range of applications, such as monitoring environmental changes, tracking weather patterns, and observing natural disasters.

Possible disadvantages of Spectator

  • Limited Historical Data
    Spectator Earth may not offer extensive historical satellite imagery, limiting users who require long-term data for analysis.
  • Image Resolution
    The resolution of the satellite images provided might not be sufficient for detailed analysis, particularly for scientific research or specific professional needs.
  • Data Load Time
    Loading satellite imagery can take time, especially when accessing large datasets or during peak usage times, which may affect user experience.
  • Dependency on Internet Connectivity
    Accessing Spectator Earth requires a stable internet connection, which might be a limitation for users in areas with poor connectivity.

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

Spectator videos

Reviewing The Spectator Magazine - Receiving Internationally - Page Turning, Column, Section Review

More videos:

  • Review - Jacques Ranciere 'The Emancipated Spectator' - REVIEW
  • Review - How We Review Wine | Wine Spectator

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to ArcGIS and Spectator)
Maps
96 96%
4% 4
Mapping And GIS
97 97%
3% 3
Web Mapping
96 96%
4% 4
Travel
100 100%
0% 0

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 Spectator

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 you’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,...

Spectator Reviews

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What are some alternatives?

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

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

Google Earth Pro - Google Earth Pro allows you fly anywhere around the earth to view satellite imagery, maps, 3D building, and terrain, from galaxies in outer space to the canyons of the ocean.

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

SAS.Planet - SASGIS - Качаем карты и спутниковые снимки высокого разрешения из различных источников (google, яндекс.карт, kosmosnimki.ru, digitalglobe).

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.

NASA World Wind - World Wind permits any client to zoom from satellite height into wherever on Earth, utilizing great determination Landsat symbolism and SRTM rises information to experience Earth in outwardly beautiful 3D, pretty much as though they were truly there.