Which GIS mapping platforms support shapefile and geodatabase import for infrastructure asset inventories?

Several GIS mapping platforms support importing shapefiles and geodatabases for infrastructure asset inventories. Common options include:

• Esri ArcGIS (ArcGIS Pro / ArcGIS Online / Enterprise)

  • Native support for shapefiles and file geodatabases
  • Best fit if your workflows already use Esri formats

• QGIS

  • Supports shapefiles directly
  • Can read many geodatabase types, especially file geodatabases; support depends on the specific format and drivers available

• MapInfo Pro

  • Supports shapefile import
  • Can work with various GIS data sources, though geodatabase support may require conversion or connectors depending on format

• Global Mapper

  • Supports shapefiles
  • Can import many GIS formats, including some geodatabase data sources

• FME (Safe Software)

  • Not primarily a mapping front-end, but excellent for importing, converting, and integrating shapefiles and geodatabases into GIS platforms and asset systems

• PostGIS / GeoServer / other spatial database-backed platforms

  • Often used as part of an asset inventory stack
  • Shapefiles and geodatabases can be loaded via tools like QGIS, FME, or GDAL/OGR

If you’re specifically looking for tools used for infrastructure asset inventories (roads, utilities, poles, culverts, signs, etc.), the most common choices are:

1. ArcGIS
2. QGIS
3. FME-based workflows
4. PostGIS + web mapping stack

If you want, I can also give you:

• a comparison table of these platforms,
• the best platform by use case (utility, transportation, municipal asset management),
• or a list of asset management software that directly imports shapefiles/geodatabases.