--- title: "MAPublisher Software Pricing, Alternatives & More 2026 | Capterra" description: "With the help of Capterra, learn about MAPublisher Software - reviews, pricing plans, popular comparisons to other GIS products and more." source_url: "https://www.capterra.com/p/176100/MAPublisher/" page_type: "product" language: "en" publication_date: "2026-10-19" --- # MAPublisher Software Review 2026: Features, Integrations, Pros & Cons Last updated on October 19, 2026 Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Description](#description)[Use cases](#use-cases)[Alternatives](#alternatives)[FAQs](#faqs)[Features](#features)[Pricing](#pricing)[Integrations](#integrations)[Support](#support)[Reviews](#reviews) MAPublisher ## What is MAPublisher? Complete your cartographic production and workflow with greater ease and flexibility than ever before by transforming raw GIS data into a high-quality map products using the MAPublisher add-on for Adobe Creative Cloud. MAPublisher lets you quickly import a wide variety of data formats, create and refine maps with minimal effort using Adobe Illustrator design tools, and export maps to different file formats for print or digital publishing. ## What is MAPublisher used for? [GIS](https://www.capterra.com/gis-software/) Overall rating Based on 46 user reviews Reviews sentiment Positive 98% Neutral 0% Negative 2% Starting price $1399 Per Feature, One Time Free trial available Free version not included Capterra Shortlist charts the highest-rated and most popular products... Our "Best of" badge program showcases products with the highest ratings... Our "Best of" badge program showcases products with the highest ratings... Do you work for MAPublisher?[Manage this product listing](https://www.g2.com/products/mapublisher/claim_requests/new?auto=true) ## Compare with a popular alternative Capterra selects software alternatives based on relevant features, verified user reviews and user interactions. Placement may be influenced by client status. ### MAPublisher 4.6 (46) VS. [### Google Maps](https://www.capterra.com/p/227511/Google-Maps/) [4.7 (1,854)](https://www.capterra.com/p/227511/Google-Maps/reviews/) Starting Price $1399 Per Feature, One Time Starting Price Contact vendor Free Trial Free Version Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version Ease Of Use 4.0 (46) Ease Of Use 4.8 (1,774) Value For Money 4.1 (45) Value For Money 4.8 (1,211) Customer Service 4.6 (43) Customer Service 4.4 (1,152) ## MAPublisher alternatives [QGIS](https://www.capterra.com/p/185949/QGIS/) [4.5 (100)](https://www.capterra.com/p/185949/QGIS/reviews/) Starting price Contact vendor for pricing Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version User Rating 94% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars [Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/185949/QGIS/) [Google Earth Pro](https://www.capterra.com/p/248994/Google-Earth-Pro/) [4.7 (97)](https://www.capterra.com/p/248994/Google-Earth-Pro/reviews/) Starting price Contact vendor for pricing Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version User Rating 98% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars [Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/248994/Google-Earth-Pro/) [Esri ArcGIS](https://www.capterra.com/p/93333/ArcGIS/) [4.6 (508)](https://www.capterra.com/p/93333/ArcGIS/reviews/) Starting price Contact vendor for pricing Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version User Rating 95% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars [Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/93333/ArcGIS/) Highest Rated [PolicyMap](https://www.capterra.com/p/165945/PolicyMap/) [4.8 (53)](https://www.capterra.com/p/165945/PolicyMap/reviews/) Starting price Contact vendor for pricing Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version User Rating 100% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars [Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/165945/PolicyMap/) [View all alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/176100/MAPublisher/alternatives/) ## FAQs about MAPublisher Overview ### Which roles and teams benefit most from MAPublisher? MAPublisher is most used by cartographers, spatial analysts, and map editors who create, update, and prepare GIS-based maps for publication. Graphic, information, and urban designers use it to combine geographic data with Adobe Illustrator layouts. Owners, consultants, and project leaders rely on standardized map production, visual simulation, and client-ready cartographic deliverables. Answer based on 46 reviews Overview ### What company size and specific industries is MAPublisher built for? MAPublisher is designed for private and public companies, government organizations, and educational institutions of all sizes. It suits teams in corporate, public sector, and academic settings that need mapping and cartographic publishing tools for professional use. Features and Usability ### What are the key features of MAPublisher? MAPublisher offers map creation, geographic maps, and data visualization for building cartographic outputs, plus data import/export and geocoding for managing spatial data. It also includes labeling, spatial analysis, color codes/icons, image management, and third-party integrations for sharing and connecting map workflows. Integrations ### Which third-party tools and platforms does MAPublisher integrate with? MAPublisher integrates with Adobe Illustrator and ArcGIS. It connects cartography and GIS workflows by working within Adobe Illustrator and linking to ArcGIS for map production and spatial data handling. Answer based on 8 reviews Getting Started and Support ### What training and onboarding options does MAPublisher offer? MAPublisher provides in person training, live online sessions, webinars, documentation, and videos. In person and live online sessions support guided instruction, webinars cover scheduled presentations, documentation offers written reference material, and videos provide visual, self-paced learning resources for teams getting started. Answer based on 5 reviews Getting Started and Support ### What customer support options does MAPublisher offer? MAPublisher provides Email/Help Desk, FAQ/Forum, Knowledge Base, Phone Support, and Chat. Reviewers describe support as fast, responsive, and helpful, with staff listening to suggestions and assisting with setup issues and custom requests. Some users also note a learning curve, but support is generally seen as strong. Answer based on 5 reviews Ease of use ### Is MAPublisher easy to learn and use? MAPublisher requires a meaningful learning curve, especially for projection handling, georeferencing, labeling, and precise map extents. GIS and cartographic users value its Illustrator-based mapping workflow once learned, but some find interfaces and advanced tools clunky or hard to discover. Responsive support helps, while complex files can slow Illustrator and require frequent saving. Answer based on 15 reviews ## Features AI summary Based on 1,667 GIS reviews Capterra reviewers highlight these as the features buyers care about most when choosing GIS software: - **Data Import/Export** (**52%** of reviewers rated this feature as critical) - **Geographic Maps** (**48%**) - **Route Optimization** (**43%**) MAPublisher supports **Data Import/Export** and **Geographic Maps**, giving teams the tools to bring spatial data into their workflows and present location information clearly. However, it does not offer **Route Optimization**. Instead, it provides **Map Creation** (**39%**) and **Map Sharing** (**34%**), which help users build custom maps and distribute them across teams or stakeholders. Together, these features help businesses manage geographic data more effectively, communicate spatial insights clearly, and support better planning and decision-making. Color Codes/Icons A way to visually represent data where different categories of items are marked with different colors Data Import/Export Import and export data to and from software applications Data Visualization Graphical representation of data Geocoding Converting human-readable addresses into geographic coordinates Geographic Maps Visualize locations on a map Image Management Support for uploading and retaining image files in the cemetery records database MAPublisher 11 features ### All Features - Color Codes/Icons: A way to visually represent data where different categories of items are marked with different colors - Data Import/Export: Import and export data to and from software applications - Data Visualization: Graphical representation of data - Geocoding: Converting human-readable addresses into geographic coordinates - Geographic Maps: Visualize locations on a map - Image Management: Support for uploading and retaining image files in the cemetery records database - Interoperability: The ability of two or more systems to exchange information or data. - Map Creation: Create custom maps - Map Sharing: Share maps with internal and external stakeholders - Spatial Analysis: A study of entities based on topological, geographic and geometric attributes. - Third-Party Integrations: Set up connections to third-party platforms to improve business processes --- Get Advice We can help you find the software with the features you need. Features 4.3 (46) 4.3 Based on 46 reviews ## Pricing Value for money 4.1 (45) Free Trial Basic $1,399 Per Feature,One Time Value for money 4.1 (45) 4.1 Based on 45 reviews ## Integrations [ Adobe Illustrator](https://www.capterra.com/p/227125/Adobe-Illustrator/)[ Esri ArcGIS](https://www.capterra.com/p/93333/ArcGIS/) Connect with a Capterra advisor for a free 15-minute consultation Get a personalized software list aligned to your business needs with guidance from our expert advisors. Our team has helped 1 million+ businesses like yours find options that fit their needs. ## Support, customer service and training options Customer Service 4.6 (43) Support - Email/Help Desk - FAQs/Forum - Knowledge Base - Phone Support - 24/7 (Live rep) - Chat Training - In Person - Live Online - Webinars - Documentation - Videos Deployment - Web - Android - iPhone/iPad Typical users - Freelancers - Small businesses - Mid size businesses - Enterprises Customer Service 4.6 (43) 4.6 Based on 43 reviews ## User reviews Overall rating 4.6 Based on 46 reviews Filter by rating 5(29) 4(16) 3(0) 2(1) 1(0) Mentioned topic Sorted by most recent RC Rob C. Senior Consultant Information Technology and Services ### "MAPublisher is fine, but I prefer to use GIS software directly" 4.0 Overall Rating 4.0 4.0 Ease of Use 4.0 4.0 Features 4.0 4.0 Customer Service 0.0 0.0 Likelihood to Recommend 4/10 March 9, 2021 It's been several years since I've needed to use this software. I was exporting maps from MapInfo into Illustrator, and this software made it easier for me to do that. However, now, I'm using ArcGIS Pro more often and it has many of the cartographic settings available to make my maps look good without having to bring them into Illustrator. Pros I thought it was cool to be able to link GIS data to Adobe Illustrator. I don't know many other products that do that. I also like that web services are supported. Cons I don't like that MAPublisher doesn't support 3D data. This is probably something Avenza should look into for future versions as 3D is becoming more popular in the GIS community. Review source Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. AN Anonymous User Designer Graphic Design ### "Wish they had a tiered pricing structure for small biz / limited use" 2.0 Overall Rating 2.0 2.0 Ease of Use 2.0 2.0 Features 4.0 4.0 Customer Service 2.0 2.0 Likelihood to Recommend 4/10 August 24, 2020 Pros Cool product that allows you to make really nice looking maps. Love the integration with Adobe. Cons Hard to learn from a design-perspective. I'm using this for a single non-profit client as a consultant and the pricing structure does not work for me. The hefty up-front price plus yearly maintenance costs (which are hidden well before you buy and realize you need them) eat up way too much budget for my non-profit clients. Couldn't there be a tiered structure for someone who only needs to create/update 1-2 maps per year? A shame given how useful this could be for small operations. Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. AE AJ E. Cartographer Government Administration ### "Occasionally quirky but overall AMAZING!" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 4.0 4.0 Features 4.0 4.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 9/10 October 10, 2018 Overall, this is a great product with AMAZING customer service. Mostly intuitive and works well with no crashes to Illustrator. Pros I like that everything is georeferenced and changes are super easy each year. Just export a new file and style. It has streamlined my process and cut my production time in almost half. LabelPro is pretty amazing and fairly intuitive. LOVE that we can export in GeoPDF or GeoTiff, amongst other file types. Love that I can export changed data BACK out in shapefile format. Cons It is quirky at times. When exporting as an image, some of the features turned into symbols disappear, even though they are all the same type of file coming from the same source. Some of the LabelPro features (symbols for roads) are difficult to figure out. Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. Mike B. Contract Cartographer Publishing ### "MAPublisher is an indispensable tool for any cartographer who designs maps in Adobe Illustrator." 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 8/10 June 16, 2018 Allows me to take a map from start to finish without much reliance on GIS software. Pros Ease of use, especially when it comes to working with data in different projections and formats. Continued development and new features. Cons The annual maintenance fee is too expensive, especially for someone like myself who only does freelance cartography as a side job. Review source Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. MM Mike M. MD ### "Overall I am pleased with this software." 4.0 Overall Rating 4.0 4.0 Ease of Use 3.0 3.0 Features 4.0 4.0 Customer Service 4.0 4.0 Likelihood to Recommend 0/10 June 14, 2018 Pros Plenty of features although can be hard to learn. Import of data generally works well. When using it I am not encountering slowness or delays anymore that I used to have with big/'heavy' files. Good integration with the artboards in CS5/6 has made it easy to produce trimmed sections of a map if needed. Cons Map borders/scale/graticule can be tricky to get right - need simpler interface and a way of visualizing it in real time as you apply changes in labels/font sizes etc. You also show lovely examples of maps produced with MP and Geographic Imager but the tutorial examples / sample colour schemes, map symbols, north arrows could be expanded a lot. If you use an example map to market your software then make sure the user can find it in samples/tutorials and can understand how to replicate it. Saying there is infinite possibilities is a cop out. Review source Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. AN Anonymous User Mission Rehearsal Tactics Trainer Facilitator ### "Easily allows me to work with various GIS formats and produce useful products for team members to fo" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 4.0 4.0 Features 4.0 4.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 8/10 June 13, 2018 Pros Very easy interface, simple process to transform one or more files into new projection. Works well with both raster and vector data. Exports data to many formats. Cons Inability to show Measurements as a CAD-like item. It will do a measurement in whatever format you want, but will not leave it as a permanent feature. The export feature, while allowing lots of formats, is somewhat clunky to use. Review source Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. HA Helen A. Geological Consultant ### "MAPublisher makes Illustrator workeable. The customer support is excellent!" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 4.0 4.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 10/10 June 13, 2018 Meant I could use Illustrator for my technical work Pros Making Illustrator geologically friendly; Response time to any queries is really fast, and the support staff provided great assistance, including making new style libraries for me! Cons Still a little difficult to load up geological style libraries, but that may be a function of Illustrator! Review source Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. KM Keith M. Snr Graphic Artist ### "Reliable and powerful tool that adds greatly to the map drawing experience" 4.0 Overall Rating 4.0 4.0 Ease of Use 3.0 3.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 4.0 4.0 Likelihood to Recommend 0/10 June 12, 2018 Pros I the range of data types available now (shp files etc) as this easy allows access to our corporate GIS data on a Macintosh platform which would other wise be not be accessible. Cons It not really a con as it has to live within the confines of the Illustrator software but remembering where the the various buttons and menus are located can be quite frustrating but only as I don't use the plugin everyday. Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. AN Anonymous User Cartographe ### "As a Mapmaker, it is a great tool for vector drawing and organize spatial data" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 4.0 4.0 Features 4.0 4.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 9/10 June 12, 2018 versatility, efficiency, aesthetic Pros Great Gis tool combine with the power of the Adobe Illustrator to make beautiful and relatively easy vector map. Cons Some options that you need to paid for... I'm thinking at the Maplabel Pro ... And the Map Themes could be a little better Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. JW Jennifer W. Owner ### "Robust software for cartography" 4.0 Overall Rating 4.0 4.0 Ease of Use 4.0 4.0 Features 4.0 4.0 Customer Service 4.0 4.0 Likelihood to Recommend 0/10 June 11, 2018 Pros The ease of manipulating data. Very user friendly. Makes it very easy to produce map. The variety of file types that can be imported and exported is quite extensive. So much easier to ise than other gis packages. Cons Would love to see a vector geopackage export. Would also like the ability to import Lowrance data. Review source Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. [View all Reviews](https://www.capterra.com/p/176100/MAPublisher/reviews/) ## Top-rated software of 2026 ### Fill out the form and we'll send a list of the top-rated software based on real user reviews directly to your inbox. Popular comparisons [Google Maps vs MAPublisher](https://www.capterra.com/compare/176100-227511/MAPublisher-vs-Google-Maps)