Simple GIS Client Reviews

“affordable mapping app”

Pros

One of the biggest advantages is the value for money. The license is much cheaper than the large enterprise GIS platforms but it still handles the core mapping and data editing tasks we rely on every day. For small teams and environmental consultancies, it delivers a lot without the high cost. Another strong point is how approachable it is. The interface is clean and not cluttered so even new technicians with very little GIS experience can begin digitizing boundaries and producing maps within a few hours. It also starts up quickly on older machines and doesn't bury users under endless menus. For basic mapping work, the functionality is dependable: shapefiles, geodatabases, rasters and GPS tracks all load without any hassle. The map view is clear, symbology is simple to apply and offline mapping is especially useful when working in remote areas of Malawi without internet access. Direct GPS connection, attribute table editing and spatial query tools are included as well which is enough for the majority of simple GIS projects without needing to switch to other software.

Cons

Once the work goes beyond the basics, the gaps become pretty noticeable. Traffic and road condition data, along with proper route planning, are more or less missing. There's no live traffic feed, no road network condition layer and the routing tool is very limited. It can measure distance and sketch simple paths but it won't optimize routes, handle one way streets or consider practical real world constraints. Because of that, it's not suitable for logistics or transport planning. Advanced spatial analysis is also where it falls short. There's no geoprocessing model builder, no raster calculator, no terrain or hydrology analysis and no connection to cloud GIS services. It remains a desktop only application with no API for automation. Support is another weak area since it's only available through email and replies to technical questions can take several days. A proper knowledge base or live chat option would help a lot. The symbology and cartographic output do the job but they feel dated and producing publication quality maps usually requires finishing the work in another program.

“reliable location tracking”

Pros

It includes all the location and tracking features needed which helps businesses stay accountable.

Cons

This platform has made every tracking process instant.

“helpful support every time”

Pros

Right from the start, the customer service has been outstanding. I'm not especially tech savvy so I needed guidance customizing the software for my business and the GIS team walked me through the features and how to set everything up, including importing all kinds of different data. Whenever I run into the occasional issue or need help, they're still there with quick replies and a patient, timely, helpful and professional attitude. Really appreciated!

Cons

It just seems like there's always something else to add to the wish list.

“cost efficient mapping with practical tools”

Pros

This hits a really nice middle ground between being affordable and still simple enough to learn without feeling overwhelming. The learning curve is there but it feels manageable rather than intimidating. The census data downloader and printing maps functions are convenient to use. It also does a good job of being capable and useful without burying you under too many options.

Cons

That said, it still is not the most user friendly software out there. QGIS gives you better data visualization options so I usually download the data in Simple GIS and then open it in QGIS afterward. The color palette system is awkward to use and the geolocation lookup only works well if your data is in a very specific format.

“powerful toolkit”

Pros

The app comes with a solid set of features for building and analyzing maps, including useful tools for data visualization and spatial analysis.

Cons

If you haven't worked with other GIS programs before, the software can feel a bit difficult to navigate.

“fantastic support for travel maps”

Pros

For an informational travel blog and online course I'm putting together, I needed a map tool that was affordable and this one has been working really well. The only thing holding me back is not having enough time to dig into it more. On top of that the customer service has been fantastic. Theyre very quick to respond, answer my questions and helped customize the setup to what I specifically needed.

Cons

The one area I'm still working through is detailed map printing. It's not really about the size since I'm printing in booklet format but I do need the image to come out sharper. That may be more of a printer issue on my end so I'm going to keep testing it.

“Not easy to use”

Pros

Having all the geographic context in one place really helps users make better informed decisions.

Cons

This software is not very simple to use, requires a lot of data entry and the results are not always that accurate.

“affordable option”

Pros

It works as a practical alternative to other programs that cost more or need stronger hardware to run properly.

Cons

I do not have many complaints at this stage since I am still testing it. If anything, the graphics could use some refinement and improvement to make the overall experience more visually pleasant.

“Practical alternative to expensive GIS platforms”

Pros

GIS apps have high value across a wide range of business uses but most of the big name GIS platforms are just too expensive. This software really fills that gap and offers a practical alternative.

Cons

Naturally, it doesn't have the same depth of features as ArcGIS but for the price, it still delivers a lot of value and is very useful for what it offers.

“fantastic support”

Pros

Honestly, this software checks every box for me. It's simple to work with, very affordable and it handles the job quickly and effectively. The support team has been amazing as well. They really go out of their way to answer questions and help. The name fits perfectly because everything is organized in a clear and logical way so it's simple to locate what you need and start using it right away. Before this, I tested three other mapping programs priced anywhere from $750 to $2500 and Simple holds up just as well as those options while costing far less. I really can't see why someone would spend more on another program when this already includes everything they need. Add in the month long trial and the outstanding customer service and it feels like an obvious choice.

Cons

My only real issue isn't with the software itself and it's more about my computer not being powerful enough. Every cartography program I've used, including Simple, has frozen or crashed on my machine so that's clearly a hardware problem on my end. One thing I would recommend though, is making the manual searchable so users can use the find function to jump directly to specific topics. I'd also suggest changing the YouTube tutorials a bit. The videos are helpful but it would be much better to have short 1 to 2 minute clips focused on individual subjects instead of only 30 to 40 minute videos where you have to keep waiting for your exact question to come up. The longer videos can still stay for reference but adding quick topic based clips would make it much faster to look things up. Even a timestamped breakdown in each video description would help people get to the information they need without wasting time.

“flexible mapping at unbeatable cost”

Pros

Being able to build the exact maps I want without feeling boxed in has been a huge plus. A lot of GIS programs lean so heavily on AI that they end up fighting your instructions but this one actually does what you tell it to do. On top of that I still get direct access to the data I need, along with a solid set of built in tools. It's refreshing to use a program that includes the features I actually want and skips the ones I don't. The price is also incredibly hard to beat. The tutorials are very helpful and customer support has been excellent as well. I still have plenty to relearn but I already feel confident that I'll be able to market my company as offering GIS capabilities again very soon.

Cons

Honestly, nothing stands out as a negative. The only challenge has been my own learning curve since it's been about 15 years since I last used GIS regularly.

“useful features that fit our purposes”

Pros

It has the features we actually need and skips the extra stuff we don't use.

Cons

If you're coming from other GIS tools, the interface and workflow can a bit too complex at first.