GeoServer
Fastest to get started
Why teams pick it
Launch quickly with streamlined setup and onboarding.
Open-source alternatives to ArcGIS Online
Compare community-driven replacements for ArcGIS Online in gis & mapping platforms workflows. We curate active, self-hostable options with transparent licensing so you can evaluate the right fit quickly.
ArcGIS Online
ArcGIS Online is a cloud-based Geographic Information System (GIS) platform that allows users to create, analyze, and share interactive maps and spatial data. It provides access to a rich library of basemaps and spatial datasets, and tools for performing spatial analysis (like buffering, geocoding, routing). Users can upload their own data, style it, and build web maps and applications that can be shared within an organization or publicly. As part of Esri's ArcGIS ecosystem, ArcGIS Online integrates with desktop GIS tools and supports collaboration, making geospatial analysis and map publishing accessible via the web without managing server infrastructure.Read more
Key stats
- 3Alternatives
- 3Active development
Recent commits in the last 6 months
Counts reflect projects currently indexed as alternatives to ArcGIS Online.
Start with these picks
These projects match the most common migration paths for teams replacing ArcGIS Online.
MapServer
AI-powered workflows
Why teams pick it
Automate scheduling with AI-driven assistants.
All open-source alternatives
GeoServer
Serve, share, and edit geospatial data via OGC standards
Active developmentFast to deployIntegration-friendlyJava
Why teams choose it
- Full OGC compliance: WFS, WMS, WCS, CSW, and WPS
- Supports a wide range of data sources and formats
- Extensible plugin architecture for custom processing
Watch for
Requires a Java runtime, adding operational overhead
Migration highlight
National cadastral data publishing
Expose land parcel vectors via WFS for public and internal use
MapServer
Powerful CGI engine for creating web‑based GIS maps and services
Active developmentIntegration-friendlyAI-powered workflowsC
Why teams choose it
- Configurable CGI program for on‑the‑fly map rendering
- Full OGC service support (WMS, WFS, WCS, SOS)
- Broad data format compatibility via GDAL/OGR
Watch for
Requires CGI/web server setup and configuration
Migration highlight
Publish satellite imagery via WMS
Provides a standards‑compliant map service accessible by GIS clients and web applications.
QGIS
Professional GIS platform for powerful spatial analysis and cartography
Active developmentFast to deployIntegration-friendlyC++
Why teams choose it
- Unified support for raster, vector, mesh, and point‑cloud formats
- 500+ color ramps and advanced symbology for high‑quality 2D/3D maps
- 200+ native processing algorithms plus 1000+ via GDAL, SAGA, GRASS
Watch for
Steeper learning curve for advanced analysis workflows
Migration highlight
Environmental impact assessment
Combine satellite raster, vector habitats, and temporal data to model and visualize ecosystem changes
Choosing a gis & mapping platforms alternative
Teams replacing ArcGIS Online in gis & mapping platforms workflows typically weigh self-hosting needs, integration coverage, and licensing obligations.
- 3 options are actively maintained with recent commits.
Tip: shortlist one hosted and one self-hosted option so stakeholders can compare trade-offs before migrating away from ArcGIS Online.