GIS software comparison: QGIS, ArcGIS, GE Smallworld, and Enterprise Solutions with what3words integration
what3words integration has become a key differentiator in today's competitive GIS software landscape, transforming how infrastructure teams manage precise locations across major platforms. This comprehensive comparison examines leading GIS solutions and reveals why what3words compatibility is now essential for operational efficiency.
Platform comparison and core capabilities
The GIS software landscape offers diverse solutions tailored to different organisational needs and technical requirements. Each platform brings distinct capabilities whilst supporting modern location intelligence through what3words integration as a standard feature.
| Platform | Available Features |
|---|---|
| ArcGIS |
✓ what3words integration via native locator
✓ Industry-leading spatial analysis tools ✓ Comprehensive 3D capabilities ✓ Seamless cloud integration via ArcGIS Online ✓ Extensive extension library (Spatial Analyst, Network Analyst) ✓ Enterprise security and governance ✓ Mobile field apps (Collector, Survey123) |
| QGIS |
✓ Completely free and open-source
✓ what3words Tools plugin with comprehensive functionality ✓ Extensive plugin architecture (1,000+ available) ✓ Superior data format compatibility via GDAL ✓ Highly customisable interface ✓ Strong community support ✓ Cross-platform compatibility |
| GE Smallworld |
✓ Gold standard for utility companies
✓ what3words integration for asset management ✓ Unmatched long transaction capabilities ✓ VMDS database technology for complex networks ✓ Proven to scale to thousands of users in large utility deployments ✓ Proven enterprise scalability ✓ Advanced network topology management |
| Microsoft Dynamics |
✓ what3words compatibility through partner integrations
✓ Seamless CRM-spatial data integration ✓ Azure Maps cloud infrastructure ✓ Strong field service management capabilities ✓ Familiar Microsoft ecosystem integration ✓ Enterprise-grade security and compliance ✓ Business intelligence dashboards |
| Geocortex Essentials |
✓ what3words support as geocoding service
✓ Powerful web mapping frameworks ✓ No-code application development ✓ Advanced workflow automation ✓ Built specifically for ArcGIS environments ✓ Comprehensive reporting capabilities ✓ Mobile-responsive applications |
| MapInfo Pro |
✓ what3words integration for desktop workflows
✓ Robust data manipulation capabilities ✓ Strong traditional GIS analysis tools ✓ Excellent cartographic output quality ✓ Established user base in government sector ✓ Reliable desktop performance ✓ SQL-based query capabilities |
| Cadcorp SIS |
✓ what3words integration in SIS 9.1 with enhanced provision
✓ Advanced spatial analysis for crime and safety data ✓ Ordnance Survey Premium Partner status ✓ Desktop and WebMap deployment options ✓ Strong UK public sector presence ✓ Comprehensive planning application tools ✓ Cloud-hosted services available |
| Granicus govService |
✓ what3words integration for public sector location reporting
✓ Digital service request management ✓ Citizen portal and mobile applications ✓ GIS mapping with automatic location display ✓ Integration with 100+ business systems ✓ Workflow automation and case management ✓ Cloud-hosted SaaS deployment |
| Salesforce Maps |
✓ what3words API integration tutorials available
✓ Native CRM-location data integration ✓ Sales territory mapping and optimisation ✓ Real-time route planning capabilities ✓ Mobile field applications ✓ Advanced analytics and reporting ✓ Property and demographic data layers |
| Maptitude |
✓ what3words API connectivity for geocoding
✓ Territory mapping and optimisation ✓ Route planning and delivery optimisation ✓ 850+ GIS functions via GISDK ✓ Microsoft Office integration ✓ Cost-effective licensing model ✓ Multiple international versions |
This list is not a comprehensive list of all features. Please check software provider website for most up to date information.
what3words: an essential standard feature
what3words addressing has become an essential standard feature across major GIS platforms, providing infrastructure teams with 3-metre location precision through simple three-word addresses. The technology addresses critical field operations challenges, with 85% of UK emergency services now accepting what3words addresses for incident response.
Cadcorp SIS 9.1 recently expanded what3words provision with enhanced spatial analysis capabilities , whilst Granicus govService enables public sector organisations to “find, report and save precise locations easily, accurately and efficiently” using what3words integration. Maptitude connects to external service APIs including what3words for comprehensive geocoding, and Salesforce provides detailed tutorials for what3words API integration across the platform.
Leading infrastructure organisations demonstrate proven what3words implementations across diverse GIS environments:
- Network Rail incorporated what3words for more than 35,000 access points and tens of thousands of staff devices (1, 2)
- UK Power Networks reports “saving time and lives by helping us make incidents safe as quickly as possible” (3)
- Skanska emphasises what3words’ value for remote locations where traditional postcodes lack sufficient accuracy
- G4S at Hinkley Point C uses the system for emergency rendezvous points and incident location sharing.
Platform-specific what3words integration
QGIS Plugin: The what3words Tools plugin offers comprehensive functionality including coordinate conversion, grid overlays, CSV import/export, and field calculator integration. Users can convert coordinates to what3words addresses, search locations, and integrate what3words data into processing workflows.
ArcGIS Locator: Seamlessly integrates what3words API across the entire ArcGIS product suite, enabling address conversion, search functionality, and spatial analysis with three-word precision. The locator supports both desktop and web applications within the ArcGIS ecosystem.
MapInfo Pro Integration: Provides native what3words functionality within MapInfo’s desktop environment, allowing users to leverage what3words addresses for asset management and field operations.
Geocortex Essentials: Supports what3words as a geocoding service, enabling organisations to build custom web applications with integrated what3words address functionality. This integration extends what3words capabilities to mobile and web-based field applications.
Business impact and ROI
Infrastructure organisations report significant operational improvements through what3words integration. UK Power Networks states the technology is “saving time and lives by helping us make incidents safe as quickly as possible” (3). Since adding what3words to its incident reporting software, UK Power Networks has reduced the average time it takes to identify a caller’s exact location from 12 minutes to 4 when a caller is in a hard-to-describe location (3). Skanska emphasises what3words’ value for remote and rural locations where traditional postcodes lack sufficient accuracy.
Field teams eliminate location ambiguity, reducing wasted time navigating to unclear sites and improving incident reporting accuracy. The technology supports RIDDOR compliance by providing precise, auditable location data for safety reporting workflows.
Implementation strategy
Successful what3words deployment requires API integration rather than relying solely on the free app. Infrastructure organisations achieve maximum value by embedding what3words into existing GIS platforms through official plugins and extensions.
The integration process involves selecting appropriate GIS extensions, obtaining API keys, and training field teams on what3words address usage. Leading organisations like Thames Water, Balfour Beatty, and South Staffordshire Council demonstrate proven implementation pathways.
Making your choice
Your GIS platform selection should prioritise what3words compatibility alongside core functionality requirements. Whether choosing open-source QGIS flexibility, ArcGIS enterprise capabilities, or GE Smallworld’s utility focus, ensure what3words integration supports your location precision needs.
Ready to transform your infrastructure operations with precise location technology?