Pros

I recently started using ArcGIS Online (AGOL), a platform that seems to be widely regarded as a solid choice for online mapping. So far, I’ve found its user interface stable and more intuitive than any other GIS product I’ve used before. Setting up maps is straightforward, with minimal need for complex configurations to achieve most tasks. It has the best administration panel I have come across.

For larger organizations that don’t want to rely heavily on a small group of technical specialists, AGOL could be an excellent option, offering a user-friendly and scalable solution.

Important Consideration

Data sovereignty is an important consideration when using any Software as a Service (SaaS) platform. AGOL allows you to choose the location of your data hosting, and for UK users, there is an option to purchase UK-specific hosted provision, a requirement for UK local authorities. BUT AGOL being Software as a Service is entirely online and out of the box will likely NOT connect to databases within your organisation a position which will be the same for all Digital Mapping Software as a Service providers you are likely to choose. And so although UK hosting will mean any information uploaded is GDPR UK compliant maintenance will require constant manual extraction transformation and upload using up valuable staff time to maintain static datasets.

To get the full value out of any software as a service provider I am a firm believer that you should be connecting your mapping software directly to the enterprise live databases.

One piece of software which solves this problem is Geoserver, software that acts as an open source server for sharing geospatial data. Designed for interoperability it publishes data from any major spatial data source using open standards.

At my workplace, we’ve successfully integrated GeoServer with our planning application systems and enterprise database platforms (Oracle, SQL Server, and PostgreSQL). This setup enables us to display live maps dynamically using AGOL without the requirement for expensive data transfer staff resource from a number of our key systems. (Planning / Engineering and Surveyors). This has future proofed our systems, prevented vendor lock in, while maintaining the highest standards of data governance and security.

Downside – Lack of Pricing Transparency
The only real downside which is specific to ArcGIS Online is a somewhat opaque pricing model. It’s a mix of user types and usage-based token allocations, which can be quite confusing when starting out. This may require some trial and error or additional guidance to fully understand.