I’ve been saying for a while now that I think it’s only a matter of time before Esri makes the big move to deprecate ArcGIS Desktop in favor of ArcGIS Pro. I was about to say that Pro will give way to a browser-based solution when I realized that Pro will be the GIS browser with data and map producers on a subscription model with Esri fully hosting the functions and data. I can see Jack up there opening with*“Imagine doing GIS where file-types and conversions are a thing of the past. Shapefiles? Gone!” My guess is, this happens within five years.
But what about our favorite open-source underdog QGIS? Will QGIS always keep to the Desktop model when it seems the industry is creeping away from it?
I personally love QGIS for primarily one reason: Every time ArcGIS pops up:
QGIS almost always has my back. (I suspect, however, Mr. Dangermond will also be announcing, “Imagine never having to see *this* box again!” I can envision the crowd erupting in a standing ovation and granting him the title “Jack the Benevolent”).
It appears to me that today the number of QGIS users continues to grow, but for how long? The problem I see for QGIS is when more GIS solutions are moving to web-based solutions and sexier UIs, QGIS will continue to focus on desktop toolbars and will soon look as dated as ArcView 3. In fact with ribbon interfaces already becoming passe, it’s already starting to. By the way, I’m certain that ArcGIS Desktop (Map/Cat) itself will not change it’s UI to make sure it continues to looks like it’s collecting dust; another subtle push to move everyone over.
Even more, Esri is trying to streamline UX for non-GISers. This will be their bread and butter. They are developing apps and map templates that can be thrown together, still look good, and easily connect to the user’s data. How will QGIS compete? There’s a difference between “We’re free” and “We’re valuable”.
As I write, I think I’m finally nailing down where I think QGIS needs to focus. QGIS, I love you. You have a robust developer community who have developed amazing tools. But first, I think you need to a break from developing function and bring in full-time graphic designers to help start developing form. QGIS 3 needs to lead with that, maybe even at the immediate expense of function as ArcGIS Pro did.
And second, start breaking down QGIS functions and developers into industry pools. For example, on the website have “QGIS for Utilities” with a list of plugins where utility industry users can find resources and solutions for their specific needs. I see Boundless is doing this in a very blanket “Blah blah blah, call us” way. Offer specific tools and documentation. Bonus points for hosting industry-specific bloggers who can write up example workflows (think recipes) for these tools.
I am not an insider to the QGIS community, so please forgive and feel free to correct any ignorant misrepresentation I may have made regarding the QGIS project.
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But what about our favorite open-source underdog QGIS? Will QGIS always keep to the Desktop model when it seems the industry is creeping away from it?
I personally love QGIS for primarily one reason: Every time ArcGIS pops up:
It appears to me that today the number of QGIS users continues to grow, but for how long? The problem I see for QGIS is when more GIS solutions are moving to web-based solutions and sexier UIs, QGIS will continue to focus on desktop toolbars and will soon look as dated as ArcView 3. In fact with ribbon interfaces already becoming passe, it’s already starting to. By the way, I’m certain that ArcGIS Desktop (Map/Cat) itself will not change it’s UI to make sure it continues to looks like it’s collecting dust; another subtle push to move everyone over.
Even more, Esri is trying to streamline UX for non-GISers. This will be their bread and butter. They are developing apps and map templates that can be thrown together, still look good, and easily connect to the user’s data. How will QGIS compete? There’s a difference between “We’re free” and “We’re valuable”.
As I write, I think I’m finally nailing down where I think QGIS needs to focus. QGIS, I love you. You have a robust developer community who have developed amazing tools. But first, I think you need to a break from developing function and bring in full-time graphic designers to help start developing form. QGIS 3 needs to lead with that, maybe even at the immediate expense of function as ArcGIS Pro did.
And second, start breaking down QGIS functions and developers into industry pools. For example, on the website have “QGIS for Utilities” with a list of plugins where utility industry users can find resources and solutions for their specific needs. I see Boundless is doing this in a very blanket “Blah blah blah, call us” way. Offer specific tools and documentation. Bonus points for hosting industry-specific bloggers who can write up example workflows (think recipes) for these tools.
I am not an insider to the QGIS community, so please forgive and feel free to correct any ignorant misrepresentation I may have made regarding the QGIS project.
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