ArcGIS vs Quick Terrain Modeler Comparison
Compare ArcGIS vs Quick Terrain Modeler features, pricing, and more.
Last updated: November 2026
ArcGIS
7.2/10
Esri's GIS platform for mapping, spatial analysis and field data collection, used by utilities, governments and infrastructure owners to manage networks and assets.
Quick Terrain Modeler
5.7/10
Quick Terrain Modeler is Windows desktop software from Applied Imagery for viewing, analyzing and exploiting LiDAR and other 3D point cloud and terrain data.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | | |
|---|---|---|
| Scores | ||
| Overall Rating | 7.2/10 | 5.7/10 |
| Integration | 8/10 | 5/10 |
| Security | 7/10 | 5/10 |
| Support | 7/10 | 6/10 |
| Cost | 3/10 | 5/10 |
| Analytics | 9/10 | 7/10 |
| Ease of Use | 5/10 | 6/10 |
| Customization | 8/10 | 5/10 |
| Scalability | 9/10 | 6/10 |
| Pricing | ||
| Free plan | No | No |
| Cheapest paid plan | Contact for pricing | Contact for pricing |
| Estimated cost for 10 users | Contact for pricing | Contact for pricing |
| Features | ||
| GIS and Mapping | ||
| Asset Registry | Not listed | |
| Inspection Checklists | Not listed | |
| LiDAR Processing | Not listed | |
| Offline Field App | Not listed | |
| Work Orders | Not listed | |
Which One Should You Choose?
Why choose ArcGIS
- Higher Integration score (8/10 vs 5/10)
- Higher Customization score (8/10 vs 5/10)
Why choose Quick Terrain Modeler
- Higher Cost score (5/10 vs 3/10)
- Higher Ease of Use score (6/10 vs 5/10)
Pros & Cons
ArcGIS
Pros
- One platform covers desktop, cloud, self-hosted and mobile GIS, so office and field teams work from the same data.
- Field Maps works fully offline for maps, forms, tasks and utility network tracing.
- Integrates with Cityworks, Salesforce, Power Automate and offers APIs for custom systems.
- G2 reviewers praise how it handles layers and datasets and how easy cloud access makes remote work.
Cons
- No public pricing, and reviewers cite subscription and credit costs as the main complaint.
- Credits are consumed by premium services, which can limit heavy use.
- ArcGIS Online lacks some geoprocessing tools found in ArcGIS Pro and Desktop.
- Reviewers report a steep learning curve without training.
Quick Terrain Modeler
Pros
- Handles large point clouds quickly for loading, rendering and analysis, according to the vendor
- Takes data from many sensors, including LiDAR, photogrammetry, radar, sonar and full motion video, in one scene
- Has a long history with defense and intelligence users, including NGA maintenance contracts
- Still being developed, with version 8.4.4 released in May 2026
- Free trial lets buyers test it before asking for a quote
Cons
- No public pricing; every purchase goes through a quote
- Runs only on Windows desktops
- Very few independent user reviews on the major review sites
- Not built for asset management, maintenance or field workflows
Not sold on either?
Air Inspection Automation (AiA)Our product
Plans DJI drone inspection missions for power line towers from LiDAR scans: it finds the towers, places photo stops, checks clearance, and splits the route into battery flights.
Made by the team behind b stack radar. Shown here because it fits this topic. It is not part of our rankings. How we rank tools
Frequently Asked Questions
ArcGIS scores higher on our Industrial & Infrastructure Software criteria: 7.2/10 against 5.7/10 for Quick Terrain Modeler. The largest gap is in Customization: 8/10 for ArcGIS and 5/10 for Quick Terrain Modeler.
No, neither ArcGIS nor Quick Terrain Modeler lists a free plan.
