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# Esri ArcGIS vs GE Smallworld Comparison - What are their main differences?

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Esri ArcGISGE Smallworld[+ Add Product](#)

Reviews

**Esri ArcGIS** [

4.5/5(540)

](https://www.g2.com/products/esri-arcgis/reviews#reviews)

**GE Smallworld** [

3.8/5(17)

](https://www.g2.com/products/ge-smallworld/reviews#reviews)

Pricing

**Esri ArcGIS**
Free Trial

**$$$** per year/per user · ArcGIS Online Subscription Plan Information

**GE Smallworld**
No pricing available

**Pricing Insights**
from reviews

Time to Implement

**Esri ArcGIS**
4 months

Based on 5 responses

**GE Smallworld**
Not enough reviews yet

Return on Investment

**Esri ArcGIS**
14 months

Based on 6 responses

**GE Smallworld**
Not enough reviews yet

Perceived Cost

**Esri ArcGIS**
$$$$$

**GE Smallworld**
Not enough reviews yet

Average Discount

**Esri ArcGIS**
14%

**GE Smallworld**
Not enough reviews yet

Pros & Cons

**Esri ArcGIS**
[
Ease of Use (3)
](https://www.g2.com/products/esri-arcgis/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1592894&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
3D Visualization (2)
](https://www.g2.com/products/esri-arcgis/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1592795&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Data Management (2)
](https://www.g2.com/products/esri-arcgis/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2248420&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
High Cost (2)
](https://www.g2.com/products/esri-arcgis/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1593071&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)

**GE Smallworld**
Not enough data

Integrations

**Esri ArcGIS**
[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_3d9a09f76a7f8a459cd2e26434ddc0c3/fme-platform.png "Product Avatar Image")

FME Platform

](https://www.g2.com/products/fme-platform/reviews)[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_242ea9ef146ec0359ea99dbaedc5e26a/revit.png "Product Avatar Image")

Revit

](https://www.g2.com/products/revit/reviews)[
View all
](https://www.g2.com/products/esri-arcgis/integrations)

**GE Smallworld**
Not enough data

Screenshots

**Esri ArcGIS**
 ![Esri ArcGIS screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/29961/ArcGIS_screenshot3.jpg)

**GE Smallworld**
 ![GE Smallworld screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/28251/uploads_2Ff20f1d0a-887d-4a4b-9b4e-c9b511f3f3f3_2FGE_Smallworld_screenshot2.jpg)

Ratings

Meets Requirements

**Esri ArcGIS**

8.8

8.8447

**GE Smallworld**

7.0

7.014

Ease of Use

**Esri ArcGIS**

7.3

7.3448

**GE Smallworld**

5.4

5.414

Ease of Setup

**Esri ArcGIS**

7.4

7.4137

**GE Smallworld**

5.7

5.75

Ease of Admin

**Esri ArcGIS**

7.6

7.6127

**GE Smallworld**

7.0

7.05

Quality of Support

**Esri ArcGIS**

8.1

8.1414

**GE Smallworld**

6.8

6.812

Has the product been a good partner in doing business?

**Esri ArcGIS**

8.3

8.3121

**GE Smallworld**

6.3

6.35

Product Direction (% positive)

**Esri ArcGIS**

8.4

8.4431

**GE Smallworld**

5.0

5.014

Features

GIS[Hide 40 FeaturesShow 40 Features](javascript:void(0);)

8.8

155

Not enough data

Data Management

Data Capture

9.0(won by default)

125

Not enough data

Data Storage

8.7(won by default)

132

Not enough data

Data Manipulation

9.0(won by default)

133

Not enough data

Data Visualization

9.1(won by default)

139

Not enough data

Data Capture and Transfer

Not enough data

Not enough data

Map Creation

Geocoding

8.7(won by default)

115

Not enough data

Buffer Zone Query

8.9(won by default)

122

Not enough data

Overlaying

9.0(won by default)

136

Not enough data

Publishing

8.8(won by default)

131

Not enough data

Analysis

Spatial Analysis

9.2(won by default)

131

Not enough data

Reporting 

8.5(won by default)

112

Not enough data

Real-Time Streaming 

8.0(won by default)

74

Not enough data

Trend Analysis

Not enough data

Not enough data

Statistical Analysis

Not enough data

Not enough data

Additional Functionality

Monitoring

Not enough data

Not enough data

Reporting & Statistics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Color Codes/Icons

Not enough data

Not enough data

Map Creation

Not enough data

Not enough data

Geographic Maps

Not enough data

Not enough data

Location Tracking

Not enough data

Not enough data

AI Copilot

Not enough data

Not enough data

Internet Mapping

Not enough data

Not enough data

API

Not enough data

Not enough data

Map Sharing

Not enough data

Not enough data

Third-Party Integrations

Not enough data

Not enough data

Interoperability

Not enough data

Not enough data

Reporting/Analytics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Image Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Activity Dashboard

Not enough data

Not enough data

Geotargeting

Not enough data

Not enough data

Labeling

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Collection

Not enough data

Not enough data

Route Optimization

Not enough data

Not enough data

Geolocation

Not enough data

Not enough data

Generative AI

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Import/Export

Not enough data

Not enough data

Multi-Location

Not enough data

Not enough data

Census Data Integration

Not enough data

Not enough data

3D Imaging

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Mapping

Not enough data

Not enough data

Location Intelligence[Hide 50 FeaturesShow 50 Features](javascript:void(0);)

8.8

64

Not enough data

Cartography

Geographic Maps

9.1(won by default)

58

Not enough data

Vector Mapping 

9.3(won by default)

54

Not enough data

Data Visualization

9.0(won by default)

55

Not enough data

Overlaying

9.3(won by default)

56

Not enough data

Data Mapping

Not enough data

Not enough data

Analysis

Predictive Analytics

8.5(won by default)

49

Not enough data

Distance Analysis 

8.8(won by default)

53

Not enough data

Spatial Analysis

9.3(won by default)

54

Not enough data

Data Stream

8.8(won by default)

38

Not enough data

Demographic Data

Not enough data

Not enough data

Trend Analysis

Not enough data

Not enough data

Trade Area Analysis

Not enough data

Not enough data

Reporting

Data Transformation

8.4(won by default)

50

Not enough data

WYSIWYG Design

8.4(won by default)

35

Not enough data

API Integrations

8.3(won by default)

38

Not enough data

Third-Party Integrations

Not enough data

Not enough data

Additional Functionality

Customizable Reports

Not enough data

Not enough data

Geotargeting

Not enough data

Not enough data

Ad hoc Reporting

Not enough data

Not enough data

Search/Filter

Not enough data

Not enough data

Role-Based Permissions

Not enough data

Not enough data

Alerts/Notifications

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real-Time Analytics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Reporting & Statistics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Activity Tracking

Not enough data

Not enough data

Geocoding

Not enough data

Not enough data

Widgets

Not enough data

Not enough data

Communication Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Behavioral Analytics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Synchronization

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Import/Export

Not enough data

Not enough data

Multi-Location

Not enough data

Not enough data

Database Support

Not enough data

Not enough data

2D/3D Designing

Not enough data

Not enough data

Customer Segmentation

Not enough data

Not enough data

Geofencing

Not enough data

Not enough data

Collaboration Tools

Not enough data

Not enough data

Single Sign On

Not enough data

Not enough data

CAD Tools

Not enough data

Not enough data

Activity Dashboard

Not enough data

Not enough data

AI Copilot

Not enough data

Not enough data

Generative AI

Not enough data

Not enough data

Location Tracking

Not enough data

Not enough data

Reporting/Analytics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Mobile Access

Not enough data

Not enough data

Access Controls/Permissions

Not enough data

Not enough data

User Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real-Time Notifications

Not enough data

Not enough data

Heatmaps

Not enough data

Not enough data

Route Optimization

Not enough data

Not enough data

Show 1 feature category with incomplete data

Business Intelligence[Hide 85 FeaturesShow 85 Features](javascript:void(0);)

Not enough data

Not enough data

Reports

Reports Interface

Not enough data

Not enough data

Steps to Answer

Not enough data

Not enough data

Graphs and Charts

Not enough data

Not enough data

Score Cards

Not enough data

Not enough data

Dashboards

Not enough data

Not enough data

Customizable Reports

Not enough data

Not enough data

Marketing Reports

Not enough data

Not enough data

Sales Reports

Not enough data

Not enough data

Activity Dashboard

Not enough data

Not enough data

Interactive Reports

Not enough data

Not enough data

Customizable Reports

Not enough data

Not enough data

Customizable Reports

Not enough data

Not enough data

Activity Dashboard

Not enough data

Not enough data

Customizable Dashboard

Not enough data

Not enough data

Self Service 

Calculated Fields

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Column Filtering

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Discovery

Not enough data

Not enough data

Search

Not enough data

Not enough data

Collaboration / Workflow

Not enough data

Not enough data

Automodeling

Not enough data

Not enough data

Natural Language Search

Not enough data

Not enough data

Visual Discovery

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Blending

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Blending

Not enough data

Not enough data

Advanced Analytics

Predictive Analytics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Visualization

Not enough data

Not enough data

Big Data Services

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real-Time Analytics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Reporting/Analytics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real-Time Analytics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Reporting/Analytics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Visual Analytics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Building Reports

Data Transformation

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Modeling

Not enough data

Not enough data

WYSIWYG Report Design

Not enough data

Not enough data

Integration APIs

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real-Time Data

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real-Time Data

Not enough data

Not enough data

Third-Party Integrations

Not enough data

Not enough data

Third-Party Integrations

Not enough data

Not enough data

Platform

Mobile User Support

Not enough data

Not enough data

Customization 

Not enough data

Not enough data

User, Role, and Access Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Internationalization

Not enough data

Not enough data

Sandbox / Test Environments

Not enough data

Not enough data

Performance and Reliability

Not enough data

Not enough data

Breadth of Partner Applications

Not enough data

Not enough data

Mobile Access

Not enough data

Not enough data

Metadata Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Additional Functionality

Customizable Branding

Not enough data

Not enough data

Natural Language Processing

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Extraction

Not enough data

Not enough data

AI Copilot

Not enough data

Not enough data

Ad hoc Reporting

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real-Time Reporting

Not enough data

Not enough data

Publishing/Sharing

Not enough data

Not enough data

Collaboration Tools

Not enough data

Not enough data

Strategic Planning

Not enough data

Not enough data

Self Service Data Preparation

Not enough data

Not enough data

Trend Analysis

Not enough data

Not enough data

Text Analysis

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real-Time Monitoring

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Synchronization

Not enough data

Not enough data

Widgets

Not enough data

Not enough data

Benchmarking

Not enough data

Not enough data

Performance Metrics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Mapping

Not enough data

Not enough data

Generative AI

Not enough data

Not enough data

Trend/Problem Indicators

Not enough data

Not enough data

Customizable Templates

Not enough data

Not enough data

Access Controls/Permissions

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Import/Export

Not enough data

Not enough data

Profitability Analysis

Not enough data

Not enough data

OLAP

Not enough data

Not enough data

Alerts/Notifications

Not enough data

Not enough data

Search/Filter

Not enough data

Not enough data

Drag & Drop

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Connectors

Not enough data

Not enough data

Multiple Data Sources

Not enough data

Not enough data

Key Performance Indicators

Not enough data

Not enough data

Dashboard Creation

Not enough data

Not enough data

Role-Based Permissions

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Mining

Not enough data

Not enough data

Forecasting

Not enough data

Not enough data

Ad hoc Query

Not enough data

Not enough data

User Insights

Reviewers' Company Size

[![Esri ArcGIS](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1530900667/esri-arcgis.svg "Esri ArcGIS")](https://www.g2.com/products/esri-arcgis/reviews)

Esri ArcGIS

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)

30.6%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)

38.2%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)

31.2%

[![GE Smallworld](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_52e708f9bc3007798f2148fed478fa97/ge-smallworld.png "GE Smallworld")](https://www.g2.com/products/ge-smallworld/reviews)

GE Smallworld

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)

12.5%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)

25.0%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)

62.5%

Small-Business

(50 or fewer emp.)

30.6%

12.5%

Mid-Market

(51-1000 emp.)

38.2%

25.0%

Enterprise

(\> 1000 emp.)

31.2%

62.5%

Reviewers' Industry

[![Esri ArcGIS](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1530900667/esri-arcgis.svg "Esri ArcGIS")](https://www.g2.com/products/esri-arcgis/reviews)
Esri ArcGIS

Government Administration

15.3%

Environmental Services

9.5%

Higher Education

9.5%

Civil Engineering

9.3%

Utilities

6.2%

Other

50.1%

[![GE Smallworld](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_52e708f9bc3007798f2148fed478fa97/ge-smallworld.png "GE Smallworld")](https://www.g2.com/products/ge-smallworld/reviews)
GE Smallworld

Utilities

37.5%

Information Technology and Services

18.8%

Telecommunications

12.5%

Computer Software

12.5%

Education Management

6.3%

Other

12.5%

FAQs

## Esri ArcGIS vs GE Smallworld FAQs

Generated using AI

Last updated: August 14, 2026

### What is the difference between Esri ArcGIS vs GE Smallworld?

Esri ArcGIS stands out for its higher reviewer satisfaction, broader adoption, and ease of use compared to GE Smallworld.

| [Esri ArcGIS](https://www.g2.com/products/esri-arcgis/reviews) | [GE Smallworld](https://www.g2.com/products/ge-smallworld/reviews) |
| --- | --- |
| 4.5/5 (540 reviews) | 3.8/5 (17 reviews) |
| Mid-Market | Enterprise |
| 7.4 | 5.7 |
| 8.1 | 6.8 |
| Ease of Use (3 all-time mentions) | Network Analysis |

### How do the pricing models of Esri ArcGIS and GE Smallworld compare?

Esri ArcGIS is rated higher for value satisfaction than GE Smallworld, with reviewers more satisfied with what they pay.

- **Esri ArcGIS:** In recent reviews, many cite high licensing costs and expensive extensions as a trade-off, but also note the extensive functionality justifies the investment for organizations reliant on geospatial data.
- **GE Smallworld:** Reviewers describe GE Smallworld as expensive to support, with some noting the need for dedicated database administrators and higher internal support costs.

### What are the best alternatives to Esri ArcGIS and GE Smallworld?

The best alternatives to Esri ArcGIS and GE Smallworld are Maptitude, MapInfo Pro, and QGIS.

| Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Esri ArcGIS](https://www.g2.com/products/esri-arcgis/reviews) | 4.5/5 (540 reviews) | Mid-Market | High licensing cost, but extensive functionality | Ease of Use (3 all-time mentions) |
| [GE Smallworld](https://www.g2.com/products/ge-smallworld/reviews) | 3.8/5 (17 reviews) | Enterprise | Expensive to support, requires dedicated DBA | Network Analysis |
| [Maptitude](https://www.g2.com/products/maptitude/reviews) | 4.7/5 (150 reviews) | Small-Business | — | — |
| [MapInfo Pro](https://www.g2.com/products/mapinfo-pro/reviews) | 4.1/5 (120 reviews) | Enterprise | — | — |
| [QGIS](https://www.g2.com/products/qgis/reviews) | 4.5/5 (154 reviews) | Small-Business | — | — |

### Which GIS features should I prioritize when comparing Esri ArcGIS and GE Smallworld?

Buyers should prioritize spatial analysis, ease of use, integration capabilities, data visualization, and network analysis when comparing Esri ArcGIS and GE Smallworld.

- **Spatial Analysis:** Esri ArcGIS is cited for powerful spatial analysis tools, with 2 all-time mentions for 3D visualization and multiple recent reviews highlighting advanced geospatial analysis; GE Smallworld is noted for network analysis capabilities.
- **Ease of Use:** Esri ArcGIS has 3 all-time mentions for ease of use and a 7.3 Ease of Use score; GE Smallworld scores 5.4.
- **Integration Capabilities:** Esri ArcGIS is mentioned for easy integration (1 all-time mention) and integration with Revit; GE Smallworld reviewers note challenges with integration and proprietary database limitations.
- **Data Visualization:** Esri ArcGIS has 2 all-time mentions for data visualization and 2 for 3D visualization; GE Smallworld reviewers cite limited mapping capabilities.
- **Network Analysis:** GE Smallworld is frequently cited for network analysis and conflict management; Esri ArcGIS is also used for network analysis but with less emphasis in recent reviews.

### What are the pros and cons of Esri ArcGIS vs GE Smallworld?

Esri ArcGIS is strongest in ease of use and advanced spatial analysis, while GE Smallworld excels in network analysis and asset management for utilities.

- **Esri ArcGIS strengths:** Ease of use (3 all-time mentions), powerful spatial and 3D analysis, comprehensive data visualization, strong industry adoption, and extensive integration capabilities.
- **Esri ArcGIS trade-offs:** High licensing cost (2 all-time mentions), steep learning curve (2 all-time mentions), resource-intensive requirements, and some integration issues (2 all-time mentions).
- **GE Smallworld strengths:** Network analysis and conflict management, asset management for utilities, stability and speed for large datasets, and object-oriented versioning.
- **GE Smallworld trade-offs:** Expensive to support, proprietary database limits integration, harder to learn, less intuitive interface, and limited mapping and spatial query capabilities.

### Is Esri ArcGIS or GE Smallworld better for small businesses?

Esri ArcGIS is a better fit for small businesses, as reflected by its adoption in the mid-market segment and reviewer sentiment.

- **Esri ArcGIS:** Largest segment is Mid-Market, with reviewers noting ease of use, extensive documentation, and a large user community that supports learning and troubleshooting.
- **GE Smallworld:** Largest segment is Enterprise, with reviewers highlighting complexity, higher support costs, and a steeper learning curve, making it less suitable for small businesses.

### Which GIS platform has better integrations?

Esri ArcGIS is favored for integrations, with reviewers citing more integration capabilities and specific third-party tool support.

- **Esri ArcGIS:** Reviewers mention integration with Revit and highlight easy integration in recent reviews.
- **GE Smallworld:** Reviewers note challenges with integration due to its proprietary database and mention integration limitations in recent feedback.

### How do Esri ArcGIS and GE Smallworld compare on customer support?

Esri ArcGIS outperforms GE Smallworld on Quality of Support by a material margin, with scores of 8.1 versus 6.8.

- **Esri ArcGIS:** Reviewers consistently praise customer support, citing responsive assistance, extensive documentation, and a large user community.
- **GE Smallworld:** Reviewers describe support as generally good but note higher support costs and occasional challenges with complex issues.

### Which is easier to implement, Esri ArcGIS or GE Smallworld?

Esri ArcGIS is easier to implement than GE Smallworld, with a 1.7-point higher Ease of Setup score (7.4 vs 5.7).

- **Esri ArcGIS:** Reviewers describe setup as straightforward, with many citing easy cloud setup, helpful documentation, and a supportive user community.
- **GE Smallworld:** Reviewers note that setup can be tricky, especially in server environments, and mention the need for dedicated database administrators and more complex configuration.

### Which product has better Spatial Analysis?

Esri ArcGIS is the stronger product for Spatial Analysis, with more advanced tools and higher reviewer satisfaction.

- **Esri ArcGIS:** Multiple recent reviews highlight powerful spatial analysis, advanced geoprocessing tools, and a 7.3 Ease of Use score; spatial analysis is a frequently cited strength.
- **GE Smallworld:** Reviewers mention network analysis as a key feature, but note limitations in mapping capabilities and spatial queries.

Alternatives

**Esri ArcGIS Alternatives**

 ![Maptitude](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1530631589/maptitude.svg "Maptitude")

[
Maptitude
](/products/maptitude/reviews)

 ![MapInfo Pro](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_8c279bac466618e81ea062684c2ee69a/mapinfo-pro.jpg "MapInfo Pro")

[
MapInfo Pro
](/products/mapinfo-pro/reviews)

 ![CARTO](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/cee17717b1b316da8feb204c2a7a8845/carto.svg "CARTO")

[
CARTO
](/products/carto/reviews)

 ![Google Maps Platform](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_2cbe8c25d49763e01a3f3db6bf003e92/google-maps-platform.png "Google Maps Platform")

[
Google Maps Platform
](/products/google-maps-platform/reviews)

**GE Smallworld Alternatives**

 ![QGIS](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_e3c229ccb96c84f6564f5681ddbe1a33/qgis.png "QGIS")

[
QGIS
](/products/qgis/reviews)

 ![ArcGIS Online](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_07a308622193f886da508e9dd849b6dc/arcgis-online.png "ArcGIS Online")

[
ArcGIS Online
](/products/arcgis-online/reviews)

 ![Google Earth Pro](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_1b503776988799afd39b27ecbf029a24/google-earth-pro.png "Google Earth Pro")

[
Google Earth Pro
](/products/google-earth-pro/reviews)

 ![MapInfo Pro](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_8c279bac466618e81ea062684c2ee69a/mapinfo-pro.jpg "MapInfo Pro")

[
MapInfo Pro
](/products/mapinfo-pro/reviews)

## Esri ArcGIS vs GE Smallworld

When assessing the two solutions, reviewers found Esri ArcGIS easier to use, set up, and administer. Reviewers also preferred doing business with Esri ArcGIS overall.

- Reviewers felt that Esri ArcGIS meets the needs of their business better than GE Smallworld.
- When comparing quality of ongoing product support, reviewers felt that Esri ArcGIS is the preferred option.
- For feature updates and roadmaps, our reviewers preferred the direction of Esri ArcGIS over GE Smallworld.