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# QGIS vs Surfer Comparison - What are their main differences?

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Reviews

**QGIS** [

4.5/5(154)

](https://www.g2.com/products/qgis/reviews#reviews)

**Surfer** [

4.6/5(126)

](https://www.g2.com/products/surfer/reviews#reviews)

Pricing

**QGIS**
No pricing available

**Surfer**
Free Trial

**$599.00** 1 License Per Year · Surfer® single -user subscription

**Pricing Insights**
from reviews

Time to Implement

**QGIS**
Not enough reviews yet

**Surfer**
6 months

Based on 5 responses

Return on Investment

**QGIS**
Not enough reviews yet

**Surfer**
10 months

Based on 5 responses

Perceived Cost

**QGIS**
$$$$$

**Surfer**
$$$$$

Average Discount

**QGIS**
Not enough reviews yet

**Surfer**
Not enough reviews yet

Pros & Cons

**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)

**Surfer**
Not enough data

Integrations

**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)

**Surfer**
Not enough data

Screenshots

**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)

**Surfer**
 ![Surfer 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/43183/expirable-direct-uploads_2F21a54e46-f8bd-496a-a56d-a7e938d0f392_2FSurfer_contourmap-oceansalinity.png)

Ratings

Meets Requirements

**QGIS**

8.6

8.6130

**Surfer**

8.6

8.6102

Ease of Use

**QGIS**

8.1

8.1130

**Surfer**

8.7

8.7106

Ease of Setup

**QGIS**

8.8

8.833

**Surfer**

9.1

9.148

Ease of Admin

**QGIS**

8.5

8.518

**Surfer**

8.9

8.947

Quality of Support

**QGIS**

7.5

7.5107

**Surfer**

9.2

9.290

Has the product been a good partner in doing business?

**QGIS**

8.7

8.720

**Surfer**

9.3

9.345

Product Direction (% positive)

**QGIS**

8.9

8.9124

**Surfer**

8.4

8.4107

Features

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

8.7

64

7.9

8

Data Management

Data Capture

9.1(won by 1.3)

54

 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors)

7.8

6

Data Storage

8.5(won by 1.6)

52

 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors)

6.9

6

Data Manipulation

8.8(won by 2.1)

56

 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors)

6.7

6

Data Visualization

8.8

56

9.0(won by 0.2)

7

Data Capture and Transfer

Not enough data

Not enough data

Map Creation

Geocoding

8.7(won by 0.9)

48

 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors)

7.8

6

Buffer Zone Query

8.6(won by 0.9)

48

 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors)

7.7

5

Overlaying

9.1(won by 1.2)

55

 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors)

7.9

7

Publishing

8.4

46

8.6(won by 0.2)

7

Analysis

Spatial Analysis

8.9(won by 0.4)

55

8.5

8

Reporting 

8.5(won by default)

51

Feature Not Available

Real-Time Streaming 

7.8(won by default)

34

Feature Not Available

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

Show 5 feature categories with incomplete data

Mining[Hide 41 FeaturesShow 41 Features](javascript:void(0);)

Not enough data

Not enough data

Additional Functionality

For Open Pit/Cut or Underground Mines

Not enough data

Not enough data

Document Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Cross Section Creation

Not enough data

Not enough data

Gantt/Timeline View

Not enough data

Not enough data

Functions/Calculations

Not enough data

Not enough data

Symbol Library

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Storage Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Customizable Reports

Not enough data

Not enough data

Scheduling

Not enough data

Not enough data

Project Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Third-Party Integrations

Not enough data

Not enough data

Monitoring

Not enough data

Not enough data

Workflow Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Generative AI

Not enough data

Not enough data

CAD Tools

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real-Time Data

Not enough data

Not enough data

Fuel Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Cost Tracking

Not enough data

Not enough data

AI Copilot

Not enough data

Not enough data

Mobile Access

Not enough data

Not enough data

Activity Dashboard

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Import/Export

Not enough data

Not enough data

Role-Based Permissions

Not enough data

Not enough data

GPS

Not enough data

Not enough data

Geographic Maps

Not enough data

Not enough data

Schedule Optimization

Not enough data

Not enough data

Maintenance Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Estimating

Not enough data

Not enough data

Compliance Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Repair Tracking

Not enough data

Not enough data

Inspection Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Risk Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Equipment Tracking

Not enough data

Not enough data

Offline Access

Not enough data

Not enough data

Safety Incident Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Staff Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Template Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

3D Imaging

Not enough data

Not enough data

Production Scheduling

Not enough data

Not enough data

Electronic Plans

Not enough data

Not enough data

Reporting & Statistics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Oil and Gas[Hide 43 FeaturesShow 43 Features](javascript:void(0);)

Not enough data

Not enough data

Additional Functionality

Compliance Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Inventory Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Logistics Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Resource Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Role-Based Permissions

Not enough data

Not enough data

Forecasting

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Visualization

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real-Time Monitoring

Not enough data

Not enough data

Mobile Alerts

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Synchronization

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Import/Export

Not enough data

Not enough data

Audit Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Workflow Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Invoice Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Maintenance Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Activity Tracking

Not enough data

Not enough data

Customizable Fields

Not enough data

Not enough data

Scheduling

Not enough data

Not enough data

Multi-Location

Not enough data

Not enough data

Forms Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Inspection Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

API

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Analysis Tools

Not enough data

Not enough data

Offline Access

Not enough data

Not enough data

Reporting & Statistics

Not enough data

Not enough data

AI Copilot

Not enough data

Not enough data

Job Costing

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real-Time Updates

Not enough data

Not enough data

Generative AI

Not enough data

Not enough data

Third-Party Integrations

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real-Time Data

Not enough data

Not enough data

Field Mapping

Not enough data

Not enough data

Production Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Accounting

Not enough data

Not enough data

Work Order Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Equipment Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Project Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Customizable Reports

Not enough data

Not enough data

Document Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Job Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Asset Tracking

Not enough data

Not enough data

Mobile Access

Not enough data

Not enough data

For Oil & Gas

Not enough data

Not enough data

Geology and Seismic[Hide 4 FeaturesShow 4 Features](javascript:void(0);)

Not enough data

Not enough data

Agentic AI - Geology and Seismic

Multi-step Planning

Not enough data

Not enough data

Cross-system Integration

Not enough data

Not enough data

Adaptive Learning

Not enough data

Not enough data

Decision Making

Not enough data

Not enough data

Oil and Gas Engineering[Hide 5 FeaturesShow 5 Features](javascript:void(0);)

Not enough data

Not enough data

Agentic AI - Oil and Gas Engineering

Autonomous Task Execution

Not enough data

Not enough data

Multi-step Planning

Not enough data

Not enough data

Cross-system Integration

Not enough data

Not enough data

Adaptive Learning

Not enough data

Not enough data

Decision Making

Not enough data

Not enough data

Oil and Gas Simulation and Modeling[Hide 2 FeaturesShow 2 Features](javascript:void(0);)

Not enough data

Not enough data

Agentic AI - Oil and Gas Simulation and Modeling

Adaptive Learning

Not enough data

Not enough data

Decision Making

Not enough data

Not enough data

User Insights

Reviewers' Company Size

[![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%

[![Surfer](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_91ab311f30fa76587408489170d4624c/surfer.png "Surfer")](https://www.g2.com/products/surfer/reviews)

Surfer

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)

53.2%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)

25.8%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)

21.0%

Small-Business

(50 or fewer emp.)

44.9%

53.2%

Mid-Market

(51-1000 emp.)

27.9%

25.8%

Enterprise

(\> 1000 emp.)

27.2%

21.0%

Reviewers' Industry

[![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%

[![Surfer](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_91ab311f30fa76587408489170d4624c/surfer.png "Surfer")](https://www.g2.com/products/surfer/reviews)
Surfer

Environmental Services

29.0%

Oil & Energy

15.3%

Research

12.9%

Mining & Metals

11.3%

Civil Engineering

9.7%

Other

21.8%

FAQs

## QGIS vs Surfer FAQs

Generated using AI

Last updated: August 14, 2026

### What is the difference between QGIS vs Surfer?

Surfer is rated higher for support and ease of setup, while QGIS is favored for its open-source flexibility and customization options.

| [QGIS](https://www.g2.com/products/qgis/reviews) | [Surfer](https://www.g2.com/products/surfer/reviews) |
| --- | --- |
| 4.5/5 (154 reviews) | 4.6/5 (126 reviews) |
| Small-Business | Enterprise |
| 8.8 | 9.1 |
| 7.5 | 9.2 |
| Open-source flexibility and plugin customization | Powerful and easy-to-use contouring, gridding, and surface mapping |

### How do the pricing models of QGIS and Surfer compare?

QGIS is considered the stronger value due to its free, open-source model, while Surfer is praised for its capabilities relative to its price.

- **QGIS:** In recent reviews, many highlight that QGIS is free and open-source, offering robust GIS features without licensing costs.
- **Surfer:** Reviewers describe Surfer as a great product for the price, with strong mapping and analysis capabilities for its cost.
- **Switching Reason:** Several reviewers mention switching to QGIS to avoid expensive licensing fees associated with proprietary GIS software.

### What are the best alternatives to QGIS and Surfer?

The best alternatives to QGIS and Surfer 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 | Open-source flexibility and plugin customization |
| [Surfer](https://www.g2.com/products/surfer/reviews) | 4.6/5 (126 reviews) | Enterprise | Praised for value relative to capabilities | Powerful and easy-to-use contouring, gridding, and surface mapping |
| [Esri ArcGIS](https://www.g2.com/products/esri-arcgis/reviews) | 4.5/5 (540 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | Comprehensive GIS platform with advanced spatial analysis |
| [AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews) | 4.4/5 (1,940 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Industry-standard for CAD and mapping integration |
| [Google Earth Pro](https://www.g2.com/products/google-earth-pro/reviews) | 4.6/5 (385 reviews) | Small-Business | — | High-quality satellite imagery and easy-to-use mapping tools |

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

Buyers should prioritize spatial analysis, ease of setup, quality of support, customization options, and integration capabilities when comparing QGIS and Surfer.

- **Spatial Analysis:** QGIS is cited for powerful spatial analysis tools (1 all-time mention); Surfer is praised for advanced contouring and 3D mapping in recent reviews.
- **Ease of Setup:** QGIS scores 8.8; Surfer scores 9.1.
- **Quality of Support:** QGIS scores 7.5; Surfer scores 9.2.
- **Customization Options:** QGIS has 3 all-time mentions for customization; Surfer is noted for flexible mapping methods in recent reviews.
- **Integration Capabilities:** QGIS integrates with Python (12 all-time mentions) and PostgreSQL; Surfer reviewers mention integration with VBA and Matlab.

### What are the pros and cons of QGIS vs Surfer?

QGIS's headline strength is its open-source flexibility and plugin ecosystem, while Surfer's is its powerful and user-friendly contouring and 3D mapping capabilities.

- **QGIS strengths:** Free access (2 all-time mentions), open-source customization (3 all-time mentions), strong plugin ecosystem, cross-platform compatibility, and robust spatial analysis tools.
- **QGIS trade-offs:** Stability issues (3 all-time mentions), learning curve (2 all-time mentions), slower performance with large datasets, and less polished UI compared to paid alternatives.
- **Surfer strengths:** Powerful contouring and gridding, easy-to-use interface, praised for 3D mapping and visualization, and high-quality support (9.2 score).
- **Surfer trade-offs:** Reviewers note a desire for more direct ESRI integration and occasional learning curve for advanced customizations.

### Is QGIS or Surfer better for small businesses?

QGIS is better suited for small businesses, as reflected by its largest reviewer segment and strong value sentiment.

- **QGIS:** Largest segment is Small-Business; reviewers consistently highlight its free, open-source model and cost-effectiveness for small teams.
- **Surfer:** Largest segment is Enterprise; reviewers from larger organizations praise its advanced mapping features but do not emphasize small-business fit.

### Which GIS platform has better integrations?

QGIS is favored for integrations, with more reviewer-cited integration options and higher mention counts.

- **QGIS:** Integrates with Python (12 all-time mentions) and PostgreSQL; reviewers highlight plugin extensibility and scripting capabilities.
- **Surfer:** Integrates with VBA and Matlab, mentioned in recent reviews for scripting and automation.

### How do QGIS and Surfer compare on customer support?

Surfer has a materially higher Quality of Support score than QGIS, with a 1.7-point advantage.

- **QGIS:** Reviewers note community-driven support, helpful forums, and extensive documentation, but mention slower response times for complex issues.
- **Surfer:** Reviewers consistently praise Surfer's responsive and professional support team, with several citing rapid and effective assistance.

### Which is easier to implement, QGIS or Surfer?

Surfer is easier to implement, with a higher Ease of Setup score than QGIS by 0.3 points.

- **QGIS:** Reviewers describe setup as straightforward but note that advanced plugin configuration and large dataset handling can require additional effort.
- **Surfer:** Reviewers highlight intuitive installation, quick onboarding, and minimal training required for basic mapping tasks.

### Which product has better Spatial Analysis?

Surfer is rated higher for Spatial Analysis, with reviewers consistently praising its contouring and 3D mapping capabilities.

- **QGIS:** Spatial analysis tools are frequently cited as a strength (1 all-time mention); reviewers note robust geoprocessing and plugin-based analysis.
- **Surfer:** Reviewers highlight advanced spatial analysis, contouring, and 3D visualization as core strengths, with a higher Meets Requirements score (8.6) and strong satisfaction in recent reviews.

Alternatives

**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 Pro](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/d58a6d97495b7a506d6d8307a19bc6d5/arcgis-pro.svg "ArcGIS Pro")

[
ArcGIS Pro
](/products/arcgis-pro/reviews)

**Surfer Alternatives**

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

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

 ![GEOVIA Surpac](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_4c5297c6ba5e34de0a4732d584ad6258/geovia-surpac.png "GEOVIA Surpac")

[
GEOVIA Surpac
](/products/geovia-surpac/reviews)

 ![Petrel E&P Software Platform](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_eb44e7f38828e8cd816292354dc45ada/schlumberger-petrel-e-p-software-platform.png "Petrel E&P Software Platform")

[
Petrel E&P Software Platform
](/products/schlumberger-petrel-e-p-software-platform/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)

## QGIS vs Surfer

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

- QGIS and Surfer both meet the requirements of our reviewers at a comparable rate.
- When comparing quality of ongoing product support, reviewers felt that Surfer is the preferred option.
- For feature updates and roadmaps, our reviewers preferred the direction of QGIS over Surfer.