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Maps · head to head

GRASS GIS vs HERE Technologies

GRASS GIS logo

GRASS GIS

Maps

Long-running open source geospatial analysis engine for raster, vector and terrain processing

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
HERE Technologies logo

HERE Technologies

Maps

Location data and technology company that provides mapping and location services to businesses globally

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: GRASS GIS the location and mapset data model requires importing data into a structured database with a fixed coordinate system before analysis, which is a real barrier for anyone used to opening files directly.; HERE Technologies pricing is complex and unpredictable, with additional fees for common functionalities creating surprise costs at scale
  • They diverge on capability: GRASS GIS covers Raster analysis, HERE Technologies covers Core Functionality.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which GRASS GIS and HERE Technologies actually diverge.

Attributes where GRASS GIS and HERE Technologies differ
AttributeGRASS GISHERE Technologies
Pricing modelOpen source, no licence feeUnknown
PlatformsLinux, Windows, macOSWeb, iOS, Android, Cross-platform
FoundedUnknown1985

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Maps).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in GRASS GIS

  • Raster analysis
  • Hydrological modelling
  • Terrain analysis
  • Vector topology
  • Temporal framework
  • Image processing
  • Python API
  • QGIS integration

Only in HERE Technologies

  • Core Functionality
  • User Interface

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

GRASS GIS

  • A hydrologist delineating watersheds and modelling flow accumulation over a large digital elevation modelnot HERE Technologies
  • A research group building a reproducible time series analysis of satellite imagery that must be rerunnable years laternot HERE Technologies
  • An environmental agency running viewshed and solar radiation analysis for planning assessments without buying commercial GIS seatsnot HERE Technologies
  • A QGIS user who needs a specific processing algorithm that only exists in the GRASS toolboxnot HERE Technologies

HERE Technologies

  • Map data for automated and assisted drivingnot GRASS GIS
  • Connected driving, including hazard alerts and road surface analysisnot GRASS GIS
  • Supply chain planning and logistics digital twinsnot GRASS GIS
  • Geocoding, search and map rendering through hosted location servicesnot GRASS GIS
  • Fleet tour planning and routing across 200 countriesnot GRASS GIS

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

GRASS GIS

  • The location and mapset data model requires importing data into a structured database with a fixed coordinate system before analysis, which is a real barrier for anyone used to opening files directly.
  • The native graphical interface is dated and inconsistent compared with QGIS or ArcGIS, so most users end up running GRASS through QGIS and never learn the tool they are actually depending on.
  • There is no vendor, so contractual support, service levels and liability do not exist by default and must be arranged with an independent consultancy that may not cover your jurisdiction.
  • Cartographic output and map layout are weak relative to the analysis capability, meaning a second tool is always needed to produce a publishable map.
  • Module naming and argument conventions are idiosyncratic and long-standing, so scripts are durable but the learning curve is steep and transferable skills from other GIS packages help less than expected.

HERE Technologies

  • Pricing is complex and unpredictable, with additional fees for common functionalities creating surprise costs at scale
  • Lack of transparency in cost projections makes budgeting and forecasting difficult
  • Requires separate API keys and subscriptions for different feature categories, complicating integration
  • Customer support quality and responsiveness is inconsistent compared to competitors like Google Maps

Pricing, plan by plan

GRASS GIS

Free
  • GRASS GISFree
    • GNU GPL licence
    • All modules included
    • No user or seat limits

HERE Technologies

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the HERE Technologies review.

Which should you pick?

Choose GRASS GIS if

  • You need raster analysis.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, Windows, macOS.
  • You also want hydrological modelling.
GRASS GIS review

Choose HERE Technologies if

  • You need core functionality.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android, Cross-platform.
  • You also want user interface.
HERE Technologies review

Questions people ask

Is GRASS GIS or HERE Technologies better?
Neither clearly leads. GRASS GIS starts at Free and HERE Technologies at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, GRASS GIS or HERE Technologies?
GRASS GIS starts at Free and HERE Technologies at Free.
Does GRASS GIS or HERE Technologies run on more platforms?
GRASS GIS runs on Linux, Windows, macOS. HERE Technologies runs on Web, iOS, Android, Cross-platform.
Can I use GRASS GIS for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is GRASS GIS best used for?
GRASS GIS is most often used for a hydrologist delineating watersheds and modelling flow accumulation over a large digital elevation model, a research group building a reproducible time series analysis of satellite imagery that must be rerunnable years later, an environmental agency running viewshed and solar radiation analysis for planning assessments without buying commercial gis seats, a qgis user who needs a specific processing algorithm that only exists in the grass toolbox. Of those, a hydrologist delineating watersheds and modelling flow accumulation over a large digital elevation model and a research group building a reproducible time series analysis of satellite imagery that must be rerunnable years later are not what HERE Technologies is typically brought in for.
What can GRASS GIS do that HERE Technologies cannot?
GRASS GIS covers Raster analysis, Hydrological modelling, Terrain analysis, Vector topology. HERE Technologies covers Core Functionality, User Interface.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

GRASS GIS: Who maintains GRASS GIS?

An international volunteer and academic developer community under the Open Source Geospatial Foundation. It originated at the US Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratory in 1982.

HERE Technologies: What does HERE Technologies provide?

HERE Technologies provides a comprehensive location platform including digital maps, routing and navigation APIs, geocoding, search, traffic, positioning, and telematics services for automotive, logistics, and enterprise applications.

Source
GRASS GIS: Can I buy commercial support?

Not from a vendor. Independent consultancies in the OSGeo ecosystem offer paid support and development, and availability varies by region.

HERE Technologies: Does HERE offer a free tier?

Yes. HERE provides a free tier with 30,000 map requests per month, 5,000 routing transactions, and 30,000 geocoding transactions. Usage beyond these limits is charged on a pay-as-you-go basis.

Source
GRASS GIS: Do I need to use its interface?

No. Most people run GRASS algorithms through the QGIS processing toolbox or from Python.

HERE Technologies: What SDKs and APIs does HERE offer?

HERE provides REST APIs for maps, routing, geocoding, and search, plus SDKs for Android, iOS, Flutter, and JavaScript. The HERE SDK enables turn-by-turn navigation and location services for mobile and web applications.

Source
GRASS GIS: Is it suitable for production use?

Yes for analysis pipelines, and it is used by agencies and research institutions. Plan for community support rather than a service level agreement.

HERE Technologies: Is HERE's pricing transparent?

No. HERE uses a complex transaction-based pricing model with separate costs for different API categories. The pricing structure lacks transparency, making it difficult for customers to forecast costs at scale.

Source
HERE Technologies: How has HERE's pricing changed?

HERE moved to a simplified transaction-based pricing model with free monthly allowances for common APIs. Users pay per transaction beyond the free tier, though the structure has been criticized for complexity and lack of cost transparency.

Source
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