How do you transition from ESRI to other GIS platforms or software?

1 Assess your needs and goals

Before you decide to switch to a different GIS platform or software, you should assess your needs and goals. What are the main reasons for your transition? What are the benefits and drawbacks of your current ESRI tools? What are the features and capabilities of the alternative GIS platforms or software that interest you? How do they fit your project objectives, budget, workflow, and preferences? By answering these questions, you can narrow down your options and identify your priorities.

2 Compare and contrast different GIS platforms or software

Once you have a clear idea of what you are looking for, you can compare and contrast different GIS platforms or software. You can use various sources of information, such as online reviews, blogs, forums, tutorials, webinars, podcasts, and case studies, to learn about the pros and cons of each option. You can also try out some free or open-source GIS platforms or software, such as QGIS, GRASS, R, Python, or Google Earth Engine, to get a hands-on experience and see how they work. You can also look for online courses, books, or workshops that teach you how to use them.

3 Transfer your data and skills

Another important step in transitioning from ESRI to other GIS platforms or software is transferring your data and skills. You should check the compatibility and interoperability of your data formats, projections, and metadata with the new GIS platform or software. You might need to convert, reproject, or export your data using tools such as GDAL, OGR, or FME. You should also review your existing skills and knowledge of GIS concepts, methods, and techniques, and see how they apply to the new GIS platform or software. You might need to learn new syntax, commands, functions, or libraries, depending on the programming language or environment you are using.

4 Seek support and feedback

Transitioning from ESRI to other GIS platforms or software can be challenging, especially if you encounter technical issues, bugs, or errors. You should seek support and feedback from various sources, such as online communities, forums, groups, or networks of GIS users and experts. You can ask questions, share tips, exchange ideas, or request help from others who have gone through a similar transition or have experience with the new GIS platform or software. You can also join webinars, events, or meetups that focus on the new GIS platform or software and learn from the best practices and examples of others.

5 Experiment and explore

Finally, transitioning from ESRI to other GIS platforms or software can be rewarding, especially if you experiment and explore the new possibilities and opportunities that they offer. You can try out different functions, tools, plugins, extensions, or modules that enhance your GIS capabilities and performance. You can also explore different applications, domains, or sectors that use the new GIS platform or software and see how they solve real-world problems or create value. You can also challenge yourself with new projects, tasks, or goals that test your skills and knowledge of the new GIS platform or software.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?