NextGIS Web vs MapStore
Executive summary
For teams that want an integrated Web GIS platform with built-in data storage, collaborative editing, version control, user management, and ready-to-use web maps, NextGIS Web is the more complete solution.
MapStore could be a choice when you need a customizable web GIS client to build user interfaces on top of existing OGC services and are prepared to assemble and maintain the backend stack yourself.
About the products
NextGIS Web is a full-featured Web GIS platform that combines geospatial data storage, user and permission management, web maps, APIs, and tight QGIS integration in a single system. It is designed to support collaborative workflows out of the box.
MapStore is an open-source web GIS client framework developed by GeoSolutions. It provides a configurable web interface for maps and geospatial data, tools for map composition and visualization, plugin-based architecture for UI customization, and integration with OGC services (WMS, WFS, etc.). MapStore does not include its own data storage or GIS backend and is typically used together with servers like GeoServer.
High-level comparison
| Aspect | NextGIS Web | MapStore |
| Primary role | Full Web GIS platform (backend + frontend) | Web GIS client / frontend framework |
| Data storage | Yes, built-in (vector & raster) | External only |
| End-user Web Maps | Yes | Yes (core functionality) |
| User & role management | Yes | Yes |
| Collaborative data editing | Yes, native | Depends on backend services |
| Vector feature version control | Yes, built-in | No |
| QGIS integration | Yes, native | via OGC protocols |
| Vector feature file attachments (photos, docs) | Yes | Using external URLs |
| Data styling | Full QGIS styles support | Based on backend renderer (WMS, TMS) and its own styling markup (WFS, GeoJSON) |
| Dashboards and storymaps | Limited | Yes |
| Field data collecting | Native apps | No |
| OGC protocols implementation | Yes, client and server | Yes, client |
| REST API | Yes, to manipulate data, services, users | Yes, to manipulate map viewer |
| Deployment | Self-hosted Cloud SaaS by developers Supported on-premise | Self-hosted |
Architecture and positioning
MapStore
MapStore is primarily a frontend framework for web GIS applications. It provides a rich browser-based interface and connects to external OGC services.
It requires a GIS backend (e.g., GeoServer) and a database (e.g. PostGIS). It is typically used when you need a customizable web GIS interface, but you already have a backend GIS infrastructure.
MapStore focuses on presentation and interaction, not data management.
NextGIS Web
NextGIS Web is designed as an integrated Web GIS environment. It includes:
- Centralized geospatial data storage
- Built-in user, group, and permission management
- Web Map configuration and publishing
- REST API covering all core functionality
- Versioned vector layers with edit history
- Native desktop integration with QGIS suitable for teams
As a result, NextGIS Web can be deployed as a complete system, without requiring additional components for common workflows.
At the same time, NextGIS Web also could serve as a GIS backend for custom GIS development.
Data storage and management
MapStore does not store data, it relies on external services. Data lifecycle handled outside MapStore. This provides flexibility but increases system complexity.
NextGIS Web includes internal vector and raster storage, allowing datasets to be uploaded, edited, versioned, and published directly within the platform. This simplifies administration and reduces the number of moving parts in typical deployments.
Editing and collaboration workflows
MapStore editing depends on backend capabilities (e.g., WFS-T via GeoServer). No built-in version control, no native edit history or conflict resolution. Requires custom implementation for collaborative workflows.
NextGIS Web provides native multi-user collaborative editing with:
- Concurrent edits from QGIS and web clients
- Actionable history for vector layers
- Conflict detection and resolution mechanisms
This makes it suitable for teams working on shared datasets.
QGIS integration
MapStore has Indirect QGIS integration, via OGC services. There is no native synchronization with QGIS projects and limited interaction beyond data consumption.
NextGIS Web offers native QGIS integration via NextGIS Connect, enabling:
- Direct access to server-side resources
- Editing versioned layers from QGIS
- Managing permissions and metadata
- Synchronizing projects seamlessly between desktop and server
This integration is designed for daily production workflows in QGIS-centric teams.
APIs and extensibility
MapStore has plugin-based frontend customization, extensible UI components. Suited for building custom interfaces.
NextGIS Web provides a complete REST API, meaning that anything available through the web interface can also be automated or integrated programmatically. This allows NextGIS Web to act as both a GIS backend and an application platform.
When to choose which
Choose MapStore if:
- You already have a GIS backend (e.g., GeoServer + PostGIS)
- You are building a custom GIS application
- UI flexibility is a primary requirement
Choose NextGIS Web if:
- You want an integrated Web GIS platform
- You work primarily with QGIS
- You need collaborative editing and actionable data history
- You want to minimize custom backend development
- You need a single system for data, services, users, maps, and APIs
Frequently asked questions
How do MapStore and NextGIS Web provide a web map viewer/editor?
NextGIS web has built-in mechanisms to publish rich web maps. MapStore’s primary function is to provide a map viewer for externally published datasets.
Can both solutions be deployed on-premise?
Yes. Both NextGIS Web and MapStore support on-premise deployment. NextGIS offers several on-premise editions ranging from a single-server setup to multi-server configurations for enterprise and government deployments.
Is NextGIS Web open source?
Yes. NextGIS Web is an open-source Web GIS framework.
Are NextGIS Web and MapStore both free?
Both are open source and free to use. NextGIS Web is open source with a self-hosted option, and also available as a cloud-hosted SaaS with both free and paid plans provided by those who developed the product.