Geospatial data providers have become highly valuable in the industry, particularly among tech companies involved in GIS, mapping, and urban planning. The demand for geospatial data is visibly increasing, mostly due to the increasing number of location intelligence projects and the software being developed.
The Geographic Information System (GIS) software market is expected to grow by over 40 million US dollars within the next 10 years, starting from 2023. This growth is driven by the increasing number of applications, tools, and software developments, particularly in the last two years.
Businesses and various organizations have started to rely highly on geospatial data for enhanced decision-making, optimized operations, and a competitive edge. This is where the role of geospatial data providers comes into the picture. Besides understanding the best providers, let us start by understanding what exactly geospatial data providers do.
Geospatial data providers collect, process, and distribute geographical information from different sources (often from thousands of sources) like satellites, GPS devices, and on-the-ground verification. Then structure and segment the data and prepare it for distribution (in all formats and tools). These providers help in gaining points of interest (POIs) data, building footprints, mobility patterns, and spatial analytics.
Geospatial data can be challenging to source, which is why there aren't dozens of providers offering these datasets. Below is a complete list of the eight most reliable geospatial data providers currently on the market. This list includes information on the amount of data they provide, their compliance with GDPR and CCPA regulations, their specialties (highlights) and their G2 presence.
|
Provider |
Geospatial data (counts) |
Data coverage: |
Specialities |
G2 Badge |
GDPR & CCPA |
|
InfobelPRO |
164+ million |
Worldwide |
The largest POI database Up-to-date data |
|
Compliant |
|
SafeGraph |
52+ million |
Worldwide |
Automotive mapping |
|
Compliant |
|
Echo Analytics |
80+ million |
Worldwide |
User-friendly dashboards |
|
Compliant |
|
FourSquare |
100+ million |
Worldwide |
Foot traffic analytics |
|
Compliant |
|
Drako |
137+ million |
Worldwide |
One of the largest datasets |
|
Compliant |
|
Gap Maps |
not specified |
Worldwide |
User friendly platform |
|
information not provided |
|
Google Maps |
not specified |
Worldwide |
Rich user insights |
|
Compliant |
|
Esri |
not specified |
Worldwide |
Customizable and scalable data |
|
Compliant |
This section includes descriptions of each provider, highlighting key information and featuring images of their geospatial platforms or websites.
InfobelPRO is a global data provider which specializes in high-accuracy B2B and POI data. With over 30 years of experience, the company offers a comprehensive database comprising more than 360 million organizations and 164 million locations globally. Their data solutions comprise firmographic data, technographic data, and geospatial data which caters to different business needs like mapping, marketing, CRM enrichment, and risk analysis. InfobelPRO ensures compliance with GDPR and CCPA regulations and assures reliable and ethical data services.
SafeGraph helps in gaining detailed geospatial data which comprises precise polygonal boundaries of locations. With a database of more than 52 million locations globally, they also offer granular details advantageous for retail analytics, real estate, and much more. SafeGraph adheres to data privacy, offering compliance with both GDPR and CCPA regulations besides maintaining a presence on G2 as well.
Echo Analytics helps to gain a substantial database with over 80 million places globally. They substantiate user-friendly dashboards which enable clients to visualize and analyze geospatial data effectively. Their services are curated to support strategic planning and operational efficacy. Echo Analytics is compliant with GDPR and CCPA standards with optimal recognition on G2.
Foursquare is a location intelligence data provider specializing in geospatial data and analytics. With a database covering 100 million locations, the company offers precise location data, including foot traffic insights and consumer behaviour analytics. Foursquare's solutions support industries like retail, advertising, urban planning, and mobility, enabling businesses to optimize decision-making with real-world movement data. The company is GDPR and CCPA compliant, ensuring ethical and privacy-conscious data services.
Drako helps in gaining comprehensive geolocation data solutions while utilizing SDK-based data from over 330 million devices across 250 countries. They offer value-added services, transforming raw data into actionable insights for empowering data-driven decision-making. Drako is committed to data privacy adhering to GDPR and CCPA regulations, while maintaining a presence on G2.
Google (Google Maps) is a global provider of geospatial data and mapping solutions. Its extensive database includes millions of POIs, real-time traffic data, satellite imagery, and street-level views, making it a crucial tool for navigation, logistics, and business intelligence. Google Maps' APIs enable businesses to integrate mapping, geocoding, and place-based insights into their applications, supporting industries like transportation, real estate, and retail. The platform ensures GDPR and CCPA compliance, prioritizing data privacy and ethical geospatial data usage.
GapMaps helps gain detailed insights on foot traffic with around millions monthly active users globally. Their data helps fetch actionable insights on consumer travel patterns which empowers marketing and operational leaders to make informed choices. GapMaps complies with both GDPR and CCPA regulations with valid recognition on G2.
Esri is a renowned global leader in GIS technology which offers a comprehensive suite of tools for mapping and spatial analysis. Esri is in alignment with GDPR and CCPA compliance and has maintained a strong presence on G2. Its ArcGIS tools provide tools for data visualization, spatial analysis, and predictive modelling which enables organizations to gain valuable insights from location data. ESRI extends its solutions across various industries like the government, utilities, transportation, and retail for risk and asset management.
Choosing the right geospatial data provider is vital for businesses intending to integrate and use location-based insights effectively. The list of providers stated above offers diverse datasets and tools for supporting various applications from market analysis to operational optimization. It is equally important to ensure that the platforms comply with GDPR and CCPA regulations which demonstrate a commitment to maintaining high standards of data privacy and quality.