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Windows Maps VS ArcGIS

Compare Windows Maps VS ArcGIS and see what are their differences

Windows Maps logo Windows Maps

Maps is your guide to everywhere.

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.
  • Windows Maps Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-01-23
  • ArcGIS Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-03-22

Windows Maps features and specs

  • Integration with Windows 10
    Windows Maps is seamlessly integrated with the Windows 10 operating system, providing users with easy access and consistent updates through the Microsoft Store.
  • Offline Maps
    Users can download maps for offline use, enabling them to access navigation and location information without an internet connection.
  • Cortana Integration
    The app integrates with Cortana, Microsoft's virtual assistant, allowing for voice-activated navigation and search functionalities.
  • Road and Aerial Views
    Windows Maps offers both road and aerial views, giving users the flexibility to choose how they want to visualize their routes and destinations.
  • 3D Cities
    The app includes 3D views of many cities, providing a detailed and realistic perspective of the urban landscape.

Possible disadvantages of Windows Maps

  • Limited Feature Set
    Compared to competitors like Google Maps, Windows Maps may have fewer features, such as less comprehensive traffic data and fewer points of interest.
  • Platform Restrictions
    Being a Windows-based app, it is primarily available on Windows devices, limiting cross-platform accessibility and synchronicity for users who operate on different OS ecosystems.
  • User Interface Complexity
    Some users may find the interface less intuitive than other mapping applications, leading to a steeper learning curve for new users.
  • Infrequent Updates
    Windows Maps updates may be less frequent than those of its competitors, potentially leading to outdated information or slower implementation of new features.
  • Limited User Feedback
    Windows Maps has a smaller user base than its competitors, resulting in less user feedback to guide improvements and updates.

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.

Windows Maps videos

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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

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Windows Maps and ArcGIS)
Maps
5 5%
95% 95
Web Mapping
4 4%
96% 96
Mapping And GIS
0 0%
100% 100
Maps & Navigation
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 Windows Maps and ArcGIS

Windows Maps Reviews

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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,...

What are some alternatives?

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

YourMapp - YourMapp lets you turn your custom maps into an interactive app.

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

HERE WeGo - HERE WeGo - Maps - Routes - Directions - All ways from A to B in one

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

Printmaps.net - Make high-dpi maps for print applications within minutes, using the Printmaps editor. Put custom geo data such as routes or shapes onto your map, or geocode hundreds of addresses to populate your map with POIs.

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.