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

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GE SmallworldQGIS[+ Add Product](#)

Pricing

**GE Smallworld**
No pricing available

**QGIS**
No pricing available

**Pricing Insights**
from reviews

Time to Implement

**GE Smallworld**
Not enough reviews yet

**QGIS**
Not enough reviews yet

Return on Investment

**GE Smallworld**
Not enough reviews yet

**QGIS**
Not enough reviews yet

Perceived Cost

**GE Smallworld**
Not enough reviews yet

**QGIS**
$$$$$

Average Discount

**GE Smallworld**
Not enough reviews yet

**QGIS**
Not enough reviews yet

**Pros & Cons**
from reviews

**GE Smallworld**
Not enough data

**QGIS**
[
Customization Options (3)
](https://www.g2.com/products/qgis/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2241286&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Ease of Use (2)
](https://www.g2.com/products/qgis/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2241234&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Stability Issues (3)
](https://www.g2.com/products/qgis/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2163982&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Feature Limitations (2)
](https://www.g2.com/products/qgis/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2163895&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)

Integrations

**GE Smallworld**
Not enough data

**QGIS**
[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_269a752fb4baefda8b9e83f98c7646dc/autocad.png "Product Avatar Image")

AutoCAD

](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews)[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_251be2af3ae607c45c14e816eaa1cf41/postgresql.png "Product Avatar Image")

PostgreSQL

](https://www.g2.com/products/postgresql/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/qgis/integrations)

Screenshots

**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)

**QGIS**
 ![QGIS 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/28239/uploads_2Fa236414a-a6b3-4c3c-8bc8-17a5240d472a_2FQGIS_screenshot.png)

**Ratings**
from reviews

Meets Requirements

**GE Smallworld**

7.0

7.014

**QGIS**

8.6

8.6130

Ease of Use

**GE Smallworld**

5.4

5.414

**QGIS**

8.1

8.1130

Ease of Setup

**GE Smallworld**

5.7

5.75

**QGIS**

8.8

8.833

Ease of Admin

**GE Smallworld**

7.0

7.05

**QGIS**

8.5

8.518

Quality of Support

**GE Smallworld**

6.8

6.812

**QGIS**

7.5

7.5107

Has the product been a good partner in doing business?

**GE Smallworld**

6.3

6.35

**QGIS**

8.7

8.720

Product Direction (% positive)

**GE Smallworld**

5.0

5.014

**QGIS**

8.9

8.9124

**Features**
ratings from reviews

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

Not enough data

8.7

64

Data Management

Data Capture

Not enough data

9.1(won by default)

54

Data Storage

Not enough data

8.5(won by default)

52

Data Manipulation

Not enough data

8.8(won by default)

56

Data Visualization

Not enough data

8.8(won by default)

56

Data Capture and Transfer

Not enough data

Not enough data

Map Creation

Geocoding

Not enough data

8.7(won by default)

48

Buffer Zone Query

Not enough data

8.6(won by default)

48

Overlaying

Not enough data

9.1(won by default)

55

Publishing

Not enough data

8.4(won by default)

46

Analysis

Spatial Analysis

Not enough data

8.9(won by default)

55

Reporting 

Not enough data

8.5(won by default)

51

Real-Time Streaming 

Not enough data

7.8(won by default)

34

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

User Insights

Reviewers' Company Size

[![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%

[![QGIS](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_e3c229ccb96c84f6564f5681ddbe1a33/qgis.png "QGIS")](https://www.g2.com/products/qgis/reviews)

QGIS

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)

44.9%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)

27.9%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)

27.2%

Small-Business

(50 or fewer emp.)

12.5%

44.9%

Mid-Market

(51-1000 emp.)

25.0%

27.9%

Enterprise

(\> 1000 emp.)

62.5%

27.2%

Reviewers' Industry

[![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%

[![QGIS](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_e3c229ccb96c84f6564f5681ddbe1a33/qgis.png "QGIS")](https://www.g2.com/products/qgis/reviews)
QGIS

Civil Engineering

11.6%

Information Technology and Services

11.0%

Government Administration

9.6%

Research

9.6%

Environmental Services

8.2%

Other

50.0%

FAQs

## GE Smallworld vs QGIS FAQs

Generated using AI

Last updated: August 14, 2026

### What is the difference between QGIS vs GE Smallworld?

QGIS stands out for its higher user satisfaction and open-source flexibility, while GE Smallworld is favored for enterprise-grade network analysis and asset management.

| [QGIS](https://www.g2.com/products/qgis/reviews) | [GE Smallworld](https://www.g2.com/products/ge-smallworld/reviews) |
| --- | --- |
| 4.5/5 (154 reviews) | 3.8/5 (17 reviews) |
| Small-Business | Enterprise |
| 8.8 | 5.7 |
| 7.5 | 6.8 |
| Customization Options (3 all-time mentions) | Network analysis and asset management |

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

QGIS is considered the stronger value due to its open-source, free access and higher satisfaction with cost.

- **QGIS:** Reviewers consistently highlight QGIS as free and open-source, eliminating licensing costs and providing robust GIS capabilities without financial barriers.
- **GE Smallworld:** Reviewers note that GE Smallworld is expensive to support and maintain, with higher costs for licensing and dedicated administration.
- **Switching reasons:** Several reviewers mention switching to QGIS from paid alternatives to avoid high licensing fees and gain flexibility.

### What are the best alternatives to QGIS and GE Smallworld?

The top 3 alternatives to QGIS and GE Smallworld are Esri ArcGIS, AutoCAD, and Google Earth Pro.

| Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [QGIS](https://www.g2.com/products/qgis/reviews) | 4.5/5 (154 reviews) | Small-Business | Free and open-source | Customization Options (3 all-time mentions) |
| [GE Smallworld](https://www.g2.com/products/ge-smallworld/reviews) | 3.8/5 (17 reviews) | Enterprise | Expensive to support | Network analysis and asset management |
| [Esri ArcGIS](https://www.g2.com/products/esri-arcgis/reviews) | 4.5/5 (540 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | Comprehensive GIS capabilities |
| [AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews) | 4.4/5 (1940 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Industry-standard CAD tools |
| [Google Earth Pro](https://www.g2.com/products/google-earth-pro/reviews) | 4.6/5 (385 reviews) | Small-Business | — | High-quality satellite imagery |

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

Buyers should prioritize ease of setup, quality of support, customization options, integration capabilities, and network analysis features when comparing QGIS and GE Smallworld.

- **Ease of Setup:** QGIS scores 8.8, GE Smallworld 5.7.
- **Quality of Support:** QGIS scores 7.5, GE Smallworld 6.8.
- **Customization Options:** QGIS has 3 all-time mentions for customization; GE Smallworld is noted for customizable tools in recent reviews.
- **Integration Capabilities:** QGIS integrates with Python (12 all-time mentions) and PostgreSQL; GE Smallworld reviewers mention integration challenges.
- **Network Analysis:** GE Smallworld is specifically praised for network analysis and asset management in recent reviews.

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

QGIS's headline strength is its open-source flexibility and customization, while GE Smallworld excels in enterprise network analysis and asset management.

- **QGIS strengths:** Free access (2 all-time mentions), customization options (3 all-time mentions), user-friendly interface (2 all-time mentions), strong community support, and extensive plugin ecosystem.
- **QGIS trade-offs:** Stability issues (3 all-time mentions), learning curve (2 all-time mentions), performance slowdowns with large datasets, and less polished UI compared to paid alternatives.
- **GE Smallworld strengths:** Network analysis, asset management, stability and speed for large utility datasets, and strong versioning and topology features.
- **GE Smallworld trade-offs:** Expensive to support, steeper learning curve, integration challenges, and less intuitive user interface.

### Is QGIS or GE Smallworld better for small businesses?

QGIS is the better fit for small businesses, as reflected by its largest reviewer segment and positive sentiment from small-business users.

- **QGIS:** Largest segment is Small-Business; reviewers highlight its free access, ease of use, and suitability for organizations with limited budgets.
- **GE Smallworld:** Largest segment is Enterprise; reviewers note its complexity and higher cost, making it less accessible for small businesses.

### Which GIS platform has better integrations?

QGIS is favored for integrations, with reviewers citing more integration options and higher mention counts.

- **QGIS:** Integrates with Python (12 all-time mentions) and PostgreSQL; reviewers highlight easy integration with plugins and external tools.
- **GE Smallworld:** Reviewers mention integration challenges and difficulty establishing connections with other data sources.

### How do QGIS and GE Smallworld compare on customer support?

QGIS and GE Smallworld are near parity on Quality of Support, with QGIS at 7.5 and GE Smallworld at 6.8, a difference below the materiality threshold.

- **QGIS:** Reviewers describe strong community support, helpful forums, and extensive online resources, though some note slower response times for complex issues.
- **GE Smallworld:** Reviewers mention generally good support, but note higher support costs and the need for dedicated administration in enterprise environments.

### Which is easier to implement, QGIS or GE Smallworld?

QGIS is easier to implement, with a significantly higher Ease of Setup score (8.8 vs 5.7).

- **QGIS:** Reviewers consistently praise its straightforward installation, cross-platform compatibility, and minimal setup requirements.
- **GE Smallworld:** Reviewers report that setup can be complex, especially in server-based or enterprise environments, and often requires specialized expertise.

Alternatives

**GE Smallworld Alternatives**

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

[
Esri ArcGIS
](/products/esri-arcgis/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)

**QGIS Alternatives**

 ![AutoCAD](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1531166548/autocad.svg "AutoCAD")

[
AutoCAD
](/products/autocad/reviews)

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

[
Esri ArcGIS
](/products/esri-arcgis/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)

 ![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)

## GE Smallworld vs QGIS

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

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