Why I quit Esri (and how you can too)

Рет қаралды 7,985

Күн бұрын

📰 Get the best tech news and support this channel - subscribe to TLDR ➡️ tldr.tech/signup?M... ⬅️
🎓 Top GIS courses on Coursera! ➡️ imp.i384100.net/NkVA6V ⬅️
📖 My Spatial SQL book is out now! ➡️ spatial-sql.com/ ⬅️
One of the top questions I get on this channel is why I don't talk about Esri - and this video has that answer, and how you can transition to modern GIS and geospatial technologies using the same path.
0:00 French kitchens and modern GIS
2:40 The new world phase
4:40 The re-wiring phase
6:45 The modern GIS phase
Thanks for watching! You can support this channel in a few different ways:
🎓 Learn more and earn certificates in GIS, spatial data science, and data science (affiliate links):
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialization from UC Davis: imp.i384100.net/n1Kyxo
Spatial Data Science and Applications from Yonsei University: imp.i384100.net/9W6E6W
Python for Everybody from University of Michigan: imp.i384100.net/BX3P31
Remote Sensing Image Acquisition, Analysis and Applications: imp.i384100.net/Xxe4Ay
📰 I run a weekly newsletter on modern GIS on Substack! Check it out and subscribe here: mattforrest.substack.com/
🖥️ Start your 7-day Setapp trial here to access 240+ Mac apps using one subscript setapp.sjv.io/c/3493413/34332...
Check out some other posts and resources here:
Learn Spatial SQL: forrest.nyc/learn-spatial-sql/
40+ Resources for Spatial SQL: forrest.nyc/40-spatial-sql-re...
75+ Geospatial Python and Spatial Data Science Resources and Guides: forrest.nyc/75-geospatial-pyt...
#gis #arcgis #qgis
➕ Follow me on LinkedIn: / mbforr
🎙️Check out the Modern GIS episode on the MapScaping Podcast: mapscaping.com/podcast/what-i...
🌐 My personal website: forrest.nyc
🚀 My top links and resources: forrest.nyc/links-and-guides-...

Пікірлер: 58

@sohannag612 Ай бұрын

Hi Matt, it's a some time that I have commented in your videos. The thing that caught my eye is that quitting ESRI all together. Well, I will share my opinion with you. In my master's of Geology we were taught the Remote Sensing and GIS course primarily in QGIS, in the very beginning, but the modular form of the QGIS is something students aren't quite getting into so they shifted towards ArcGIS. The pros as using ArcGIS is it is very Microsft 365 like. You have structured UI which you can easily understand and I guess it's easy to use. But that makes you so wired that you forget sometimes that how the things actually working, which you easily learn in the QGIS. In my thesis, I have used Planet's data to process, extensively used ArcGIS, and I came to understand that if you're missing the basics of how the things actually work you are doomed especially in the research field. You have to have your fair share of experiences in modular tools like QGIS, or going purely programming to do what you intend to do. I do understand the motion of using ArcGIS. Yes, they are the Adobe of the Geospatial world with all the bells and whistles and it's pretty, but if you really want to learn and have a deeper understanding of the things, then one should go for Open Source. So, as of now, though getting certifications from ArcGIS I believe is a way to convey your understanding about various geospatial skills, but I believe that your true understanding will rely on how much depth you hold through the Open Source. I guess I have conveyed my opinion correctly.

@MattForrest Ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing and that's a great point. I think that there is still a need to leverage these tools and yes they make it very easy to do so but as you said I think it extrapolates the fundamental understanding of what's actually happening into a user interface and with that you definitely lose some knowledge in the process.

@bc4198 Ай бұрын

Very easy? 😆 I wouldn't say that about Desktop / Pro 😳

@Samuftie Ай бұрын

The biggest point is that ESRI has an integration between ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online AGOL. You pay money for the Feature services and the ability to publish maps online. With QGIS, you must set up the infrastructure yourself with cloud (PostGIS, networking, etc.), which is cumbersome; also, creating your own HTML map. You do save money. Unless you are spending for ESRI Enterprise or AGOL, I don't think it is worth it.

@MattForrest Ай бұрын

Check out Felt for online publishing!

@josephclark6478 Ай бұрын

I think this is fine if you are a freelancer, own your won business or just want to expand your GIS knowledge. I think ESRI works a little more seamlessly in the corporate sector when you have to roll out "homogenous" solutions across a team in multiple locations. Bare in mind that the corporation itself covers all the costs. But I love getting out of the ESRI ecosystem. Great video.

@MattForrest Ай бұрын

Depending on where your job is, that certainly might be the case. I think that it is quite prevalent in the public sector for the most part, but more and more private businesses are transitioning to a variety of tools within the space.

@toddbarr2735 Ай бұрын

Hi, I work at a fortune 500 company and we're all FOSS4G up and down

@MattForrest Ай бұрын

@@toddbarr2735 I am seeing this more and more!!

@mariahdez1942 Ай бұрын

Great video, thanks. It's great to know another options in GIS. In latinamerica it's not easy that small countries has enough resources for pay ESRI License.

@MattForrest Ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@Georgy_47 Ай бұрын

14 years of qgis and arc .... qgis is the workhorse and arc is for pretty maps ... arc without q is not feasible. qgis has it twerks but once u over come them it's a beast but everything is manual where esri make it too easy for you. always learn new way to do one thing until u find the most efficient way to i hand data between multiple entities qgis with google drive and user profiles and geopackges and styles saved in them saved my life many times i can hop form one project to another and each one has it owns plugins and tools once i'm done i make pretty maps in arc 😂

@MattForrest Ай бұрын

Wow that’s interesting I haven’t heard of anyone using that sort of dual desktop tool set up!

@tahayagoub8787 Ай бұрын

I use to use open source for my graduate thieses which it takes me to spend alot of time for the works that takes few minutes with esri software

@MattForrest Ай бұрын

Definitely depends on the specific need!

@samadnasar2700 Ай бұрын

if the sole purpose of using GIS software, is the creation of custom maps for presentation and explaination in video, which one will be more suitable (more easier and rich in feature for represention with some animation of map), ArcGIS or QGIS?

@patrickmckinney5974 Ай бұрын

I remember trying to use QGIS in 2008. Gave up, but when I came back around 2019 it was much easier to use. Also, some of us work with large institutions (state government) that do not allow open source. So we won't be quitting Esri anytime soon.

@MattForrest Ай бұрын

Yeah very true if your organization is tied to Esri. And I was in the same boat back in the day with Q but it’s gotten to be such a great all around tool.

@felipelimeira8361 Ай бұрын

My question is, could using only paid software be limiting your career? I stopped using it myself because I didn't have the money to buy a license. I know that there are many vacancies that require knowledge, but I don't like putting my money into just one software.

@MattForrest Ай бұрын

Check on my video on GIS salaries that might shed some light on the topic for you.

@denyskovshun9960 Ай бұрын

Haven't encountered Esri in the last 5 years except in the government and non-profit sector.🤔

@MattForrest Ай бұрын

That usually seems to be the same for me as well.

@sergisolersanchis6880 Ай бұрын

I would say that most of electricity network and water management private companies (profit companies) manage their utility networks catalog and some processes based on Esri solutions

@file83 Ай бұрын

An exception might be that you noticed the John Hopkins COVID Dashboard, though. I’m curious why JH didn’t go with an open source stack instead of ArcGIS?

@denyskovshun9960 Ай бұрын

@@sergisolersanchis6880 I will assume this is historically different from region to region, We have Esri solutions in Energy and Agriculture competing with Autodesc and home solutions. But I do know that Esri sponsors non profit organizations and are used in the military and government on a more stable basis.

@umepojke6579 Ай бұрын

Hi Matt, can you make a video on how to use Docker, gdals, and SQL? I've been trying to figure it out from your book but I think you may have hopped over some explanations.

@MattForrest Ай бұрын

It’s on my list!

@Azi0 Ай бұрын

Hey Matt, interesting case. Your title struck a cord and made me wonder how other software stack up. I'm a bit of lay-person here regarding the exact intricacies of working with GIS software, but what other paid software would you suggest that isn't open source? Or would you say there is no comparison on that field?

@MattForrest Ай бұрын

There are a few specific to GIS desktop tools but full suite enterprise I think Hexagon comes closest. As for other focus areas stay tuned working on a report talking about that.

@Azi0 Ай бұрын

@@MattForrest Thanks! I appreciate the response and any other information you could provide on that. I'll have a look into Hexagon and their GIS software!

@explorethebeautyofnature3530 Ай бұрын

Most roles I have come across require proficiency in ESRI tools. I believe it is helpful to learn both proprietary and open-source tools

@MattForrest Ай бұрын

You're totally correct, that tends to be the case, but it also depends on the organization that you're focusing on.

@explorethebeautyofnature3530 Ай бұрын

@@MattForrest I agree with you

@nipunkalraa Ай бұрын

🙌

@MattForrest Ай бұрын

Thank you!

@marcgalle3529 Ай бұрын

Great stuff a billion $ company and ESRI fall short on far too many things

@MattForrest Ай бұрын

Thanks!

@Misack8 Ай бұрын

Not even once

@nomadhomad3685 Ай бұрын

I’m just gana grab some🍿 , brb

@MattForrest Ай бұрын

🤣🤣🤣

@bc4198 Ай бұрын

Wild guess - it's overcomplicated, outdated, overpriced, and predatory?

@MattForrest Ай бұрын

🤨

@aromaticsnail Ай бұрын

The right tool for the right job! A GIS expert shouldn't be dogmatic or tribal. Open-source isn't free. I've seen many managers going open-source (e.g QGIS) because it's free (to download and install) and ignore all other costs. On the other hand, maybe your project's GIS needs don't require a wall garden license costing thousands of dollars from Esri or others that market themselves as anti-Esri but just want to be Esri 2.0.

@MattForrest Ай бұрын

Good points!

@kavyajeetbora2585 Ай бұрын

Is ESRI's future doomed according to you ?

@MattForrest Ай бұрын

I don't think they will be doomed. Many legacy software organizations and companies stick around for a long time, no matter what. Just look at Oracle. However, different tools and processes be that software or open source will change the dynamic of the industry no doubt.

@fernandinand Ай бұрын

The question is...to be or not to be...lazy! 😅

@MattForrest Ай бұрын

🤣🤣🤣

@anix7n Ай бұрын

I just hate Esri!

@gadingabi602 Ай бұрын

why?

@Belihoney Ай бұрын

Yeah why?

@bc4198 Ай бұрын

Costs a ton, constant fussing about licensing, happily empties your pockets while providing little more than more ways to get trapped with vendor lock-in. Unfortunately.

@gadingabi602 Ай бұрын

@@bc4198 instead of hating, you can simply choose another option

@MattForrest Ай бұрын

🤷‍♂️