Which Mapping and GIS (MGIS) Platform is right for you?

 Choosing MGIS hardware today goes far beyond just accuracy performance, form factor, and price. The right system becomes a force multiplier for your business. It can streamline field workflows, enhance decision-making, and position your organization for long-term growth. 

But, on the flip side, the wrong system can quickly drain resources and waste valuable time.... which in turn wastes money. After enabling thousands of MGIS Customers across the Southwest, we’ve learned that success hinges on three critical factors: a Sensor-to-system Integration, Is it built to last?, and Understanding the Total Cost (not just the sticker price).

In this guide, we’ll break down each consideration so you can make your next platform decision with confidence. And if you need a partner along the way, AllTerra is ready to help navigate you to the right platform that fits your business.  Contact us any time.

Consideration 1: Sensor-to-system Integration

When choosing your next MGIS Field Platform, it isn’t just about what it can do on its own — it’s about how well it fits into your existing GIS ecosystem. Integration is what enables your data to move effortlessly between field teams, back-office systems, and decision-makers. Without it, even the most advanced platform can become an isolated tool that slows progress.

The Data Silo

Your GIS doesn’t exist in a vacuum. To truly deliver value, it must connect seamlessly with every part of your technological ecosystem. From field data collection to enterprise reporting, real-time data integration can unlock AI-driven insights, improve decision-making, and move faster with confidence.

Hint: Most Pictures are linked to the product datasheet.

Just click the picture to learn more. 

Field Data Collection

Field Software

When choosing your next field data collection platform, software is often an underestimated piece of the equation. While new GNSS receivers typically get the spotlight for their sub-meter or centimeter accuracy—and come with the highest price tag…the truth is that level of precision is only as useful as the software capturing it. Data collection software plays an equally critical role. It ensures that positional accuracy is properly recorded, attributes are reliably captured, workflows are efficient, and data integrates cleanly back into your GIS or enterprise systems. In short, precision hardware is only half the equation…the other half is having the right software to make that accuracy matter.

Field Hardware

This is the component of the GIS platform that often draws the most attention when it comes to field operations—and rightfully so. Without reliable hardware, your spatial data wouldn’t have the accuracy or context needed to support effective mapping, which is the foundation of any GIS workflow.

When evaluating GIS mapping hardware, the number of available features can feel overwhelming. To help guide your decision, here are a few top factors worth prioritizing:

• GNSS Accuracy Performance
  Consider real-time accuracy, convergence time, and performance in multipath environments. These directly impact the precision of your field data.
• Integration with Field Software
  Look for hardware that integrates seamlessly with your field software—without compromising on metadata or workflow efficiency.
• Available Technical Support
  Support is often overlooked, but it's crucial. While some systems may carry a lower upfront cost, having access to in-house technical support—like the kind offered through AllTerra—can significantly reduce downtime in the field. That means fewer delays, less frustration, and ultimately, cost savings. 

Municipal Success

When one major Texas municipality trusted us with supplying them with a full Field to Office solution with robust integration capabilities, it reduced data processing time by 60% and eliminated duplicate entry errors entirely. The results saved staff hours every week and improved service delivery across departments.

Red Flag

Be cautious of platforms that rely on proprietary data formats or require expensive custom integrations to connect with your existing systems. These hidden limitations can create costly headaches down the road.

Consideration 2: Is it Built to Last?

Purchasing field equipment may seem like a frustrating way to spend money, but you must look at it as an investment in your organization’s future. As your projects grow in complexity and scope, your technology needs to keep pace without forcing you into costly upgrades or re-platforming. Scalability ensures your equipment remains an asset (rather than an obstacle), no matter how fast you expand, or the project requirements change.

The Best Platforms Scale with You
Adaptable gear lets you save on smaller, low-margin projects without sacrificing performance on larger, high-accuracy jobs. As your team grows or your needs evolve, scalable solutions keep pace—no costly disruptions or replacements. Overlooking this can lead to premature system overhauls, a mistake many teams make.

Physical and Technological

•  Physical: Rugged. Reliable. Consistent.
  • When choosing GNSS receivers and data collectors, ask yourself: can they handle real-world conditions? From drops on concrete to days in the mud, true field-tested gear is designed to take a beating and keep working. A strong warranty, especially one that covers accidental damage, is a clear sign the manufacturer stands behind their hardware. If the equipment wasn’t tough enough, they’d never take that risk.
    
    
• Technological: Cutting edge. Best in class. Creating the Future.
  • When you hear "not built to last," words like cheap or unreliable probably come to mind—but what about outdated? Some devices on the market today haven’t seen a meaningful update in over five years. Even worse, some “new” products are just recycled technology from other brands.
  • You want gear that’s built on cutting-edge innovation—technology that’s not only forward-thinking but also proven and consistent. And yes, that often comes with a higher price tag. But when it comes to GNSS receivers, correction sources are the real game-changer.
  • Consider the companies investing in their own satellite infrastructure and global base stations. We're talking 1 cm accuracy from space with under 2-minute convergence times. That level of precision and speed in the field can save you an hour per day—and easily pay for itself tenfold over time.
  • Imagine maintaining the precision you paid for—even beneath dense canopy. Companies prioritizing Multipath Mitigation and tackling Ionospheric anomalies are building GNSS systems built to last. Meanwhile, others may focus on flashy hardware features that only a small fraction of the industry will ever truly benefit from.
    
    

Real-World Scaling Example

It began with just three users and a simple goal: map smarter. One ambitious engineering firm chose the right tools from day one—built to scale, built for the future. In just three years, they grew to 25 users performing advanced spatial analysis. By year five, their platform seamlessly supported over 100 enterprise-wide, all without re-platforming or downtime. When you start with the right foundation, growth becomes effortless.

Consideration 3: Understanding the Total Cost

It’s easy to focus only on the upfront price when evaluating MGIS Hardware and Software. But the true cost of ownership extends far beyond the initial quote. Opting for lower-grade equipment may seem cost-effective at first, but it often leads to greater expenses over time. Reduced performance, limited capabilities, and reliability concerns can slow down operations, increase downtime, and require additional labor. The time lost managing these inefficiencies adds up quickly turning initial savings into hidden costs that ultimately hinder productivity and project success. Investing in high-quality solutions ensures you're saving both time and money in the long run.

When it comes to GNSS equipment, most people focus on the hardware—but the correction source you use is just as important, if not more. It’s the key to achieving the accuracy your work demands, and yet, it’s often overlooked during the buying process.

Many manufacturers promote lower prices, but what they don’t tell you is that those prices don’t include a correction source. To reach the accuracy they advertise, you’ll often need to purchase a separate RTK network subscription, something that can quickly add to your costs.

At AllTerra, we recommend RTK services for Trimble equipment as well—but here’s the difference: Trimble doesn’t limit you to just one method. While other systems rely solely on internet-based RTK (making them ineffective in remote areas), Trimble GNSS receivers can switch seamlessly to Trimble RTX, a satellite-based correction service that works anywhere in the world. The accuracy is remarkably close to RTK, and the flexibility is unmatched.

Not all correction sources are created equal—Trimble RTX is in a league of its own, delivering performance that’s lightyears ahead of typical correction services.

If you're investing in GNSS, make sure you're not just buying hardware—you're choosing a solution built for accuracy, reliability, and global performance.

Beyond the Sticker Price...

When investing in GNSS equipment, the upfront cost of the hardware is just one piece of the puzzle. There are several additional expenses that can impact your total cost of ownership:

• Software Subscriptions: Many GNSS systems require compatible field software for data collection, mapping, and integration. These are often subscription-based and may vary depending on features or user count.
• Correction Services: High-accuracy positioning often depends on paid correction services (e.g., RTK networks, SBAS, or satellite-delivered subscriptions like Trimble CenterPoint RTX).
• Accessories & Mounting Gear: Poles, brackets, external batteries, and tablet mounts are essential for field deployment and may not be included with the base unit.
• Data Plans: If the system relies on real-time data via cellular or internet connections, expect recurring costs for SIM cards or mobile data plans.
• Training & Support: To get the most out of your investment, you may need onboarding, configuration help, or ongoing technical support which may require a service agreement or billable hours.
• Maintenance & Firmware Updates: While some updates are free, others especially those tied to enhanced functionality, may require paid licenses or annual fees.
• Integration & Compatibility Costs: If you’re connecting the GNSS device to existing GIS platforms or enterprise systems, additional middleware, licenses, or IT resources may be needed.

The Bottom Line:

The right platform for your work and business creates measurable value over time. When chosen carefully, your system can pay for itself many times over. Productivity improvements help staff focus on higher-impact work, while fewer errors and faster decision-making keep projects moving. A modern, well-integrated platform also gives you a competitive edge in winning contracts and creates space for innovation that drives growth.

Evaluating MGIS Platforms: Get the AllTerra Advantage

When you focus on the three critical considerations above, you set your team up for long-term success. The right platform becomes both a tool and a strategic advantage that drives productivity, innovation, and growth.

At AllTerra, we bring expertise you can trust. Our team has experience across all major MGIS solutions and offers unbiased recommendations to help you make the best choice for your unique needs. From integration planning to implementation, training, and ongoing support, we’re here to be your long-term partner at every stage.

Ready to find the GIS platform that will power your vision? Schedule a platform consultation.