Mapbender
MIT-licensed WebGIS from WhereGroup in Bonn, a browser-based map application builder run from a single installation
Quick Overview
| Company | WhereGroup GmbH |
|---|---|
| Category | GIS Software |
| Headquarters | Bonn, Germany |
| Founded | 2007 |
| EU Presence | Yes - Germany (EU) |
| Data Location | Your own server |
| Open Source | MIT |
| GDPR Compliant | Yes |
| Self-Hosting | Yes - server software you install |
| Main Features | Layer tree, WMS/WMTS and WFS integration, drawing and measuring, data capture, search, routing, atlas and large-format printing, role and rights management, LDAP, QGIS2Mapbender plugin |
| Pricing | Free software (MIT); commercial support and maintenance from WhereGroup on request |
| Best For | Municipalities and utilities that want to publish geoportals without per-user licences |
| Replaces | ArcGIS Web AppBuilder, ArcGIS Experience Builder, ArcGIS Enterprise portals |
Detailed Review
Mapbender approaches web mapping the way a content management system approaches websites. An administrator registers map services, assembles an application from configurable elements in the browser, and assigns users and groups. One installation can host any number of such applications.
The project is an OSGeo-certified open-source project, and its maintainer WhereGroup GmbH is a Bonn software house whose own site describes it as formed in 2007 from three earlier companies.
Administration in the browser
Design, function set and rights are all adjusted through a graphical administration interface. Applications can be copied, exported and imported, and each one gets its own mix of functions, from layer trees to print templates.
A QGIS plugin, QGIS2Mapbender, lets GIS staff push their desktop work into this setup.
Standards and data handling
Mapbender uses standards-compliant services (WMS, WMTS) and integrates WFS, and it can capture and edit feature data. Uploads of GeoJSON, KML, GML and GPX are listed, and vector tiles appear on the function list.
Authentication can connect to LDAP, and two-factor authentication by e-mail is listed among the features.
No licence meter
The MIT licence means no per-seat fees and no vendor gate on the source code, which is on GitHub. Money goes to WhereGroup only if you buy support, maintenance or custom development.
Limitations to Consider
Mapbender is server and browser software, so it does not replace desktop analysis or editing; pair it with QGIS. The feature table separates standard, planned and individually developed functions, so some wishes need paid development. There is no vendor-published price list for support.
Who Should Use Mapbender
Local government, utilities and agencies that publish many map applications to citizens or colleagues and want to avoid per-user licensing.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- MIT licence with source on GitHub
- One installation serves unlimited applications
- Rights management with LDAP connection
- Atlas and large-format printing built in
- Backed by a German company with commercial support
Cons
- Web only, no desktop GIS
- Some functions are planned or custom work
- Support pricing not published
- Needs a server and someone to administer it
Alternatives to Mapbender
Other European gis software worth comparing before you decide:
GeoSolutions
Italy · Support and web mapping software around GeoServer and MapStore
disy Cadenza
Germany · Reporting, analytics and map views for public-sector data
QGIS
Switzerland · Open-source desktop GIS run by a Swiss association
MapTiler
Switzerland · Swiss map hosting, tiles and SDKs, with an on-prem option
See all European gis software or compare them directly against ArcGIS Web AppBuilder on our alternatives page.
Frequently Asked Questions
It covers publishing and administering web map applications. It does not provide Esri's hosted content or analysis tools, so it fits organisations with their own data and services.
The project states that Mapbender is licensed under the MIT licence, with the source on GitHub.
WhereGroup GmbH in Bonn, which also runs the project site and offers maintenance and custom development.