17 best ArcGIS CityEngine alternatives in 2026

Free & open-source alternatives

Google Earth

earth.google.com

Explore the world in 3D with satellite imagery

Free3D & Twins4

Details Visit

CesiumJS

cesium.com

Open-source 3D globe and 3D Tiles rendering in the browser

Open sourceLibraries4

Details Visit

BlenderGIS

github.com

Import GIS data, terrain and basemaps into Blender

Open source3D & Twins2

Details Visit

Global Human Settlement Layer

human-settlement.emergency.copernicus.eu

Global built-up area, population and settlement data

FreeOpen Data2

Details Visit

All alternatives

Tool	Pricing	Commercial use	Export images	Platforms
ArcGIS CityEngineProcedural 3D city modelling	Paid	Check terms	Check terms	Windows, Linux, macOS
Google Maps PlatformGoogle's maps, places, routes and 3D tiles APIs	Paid	Paid plan	Not allowed	Web, JavaScript, iOS, Android, API	Compare
Google EarthExplore the world in 3D with satellite imagery	Free	Not allowed	With conditions	Web, iOS, Android, Windows, macOS	Compare
CesiumJSOpen-source 3D globe and 3D Tiles rendering in the browser	Open source	Allowed	Allowed	JavaScript	Compare
GiraffeBrowser-based site planning and feasibility for development	Paid	Check terms	Check terms	Web	Compare
Autodesk FormaEarly-stage planning and design with environmental analysis	Paid	Check terms	Check terms	Web	Compare
Agisoft MetashapeDesktop photogrammetry for 3D models and orthomosaics	Paid	Check terms	Check terms	Windows, macOS, Linux	Compare
NearmapFrequent high-resolution aerial imagery of cities	Enterprise	Check terms	Check terms	Web, API	Compare
Cesium ionTile, host and stream 3D geospatial content	Freemium	Check terms	Check terms	Web, API	Compare
ArcGIS Urban3D planning and zoning tool from Esri	Paid	Check terms	Check terms	Web	Compare
Bentley iTwinInfrastructure digital twin platform	Enterprise	Check terms	Check terms	Web, API	Compare
BlenderGISImport GIS data, terrain and basemaps into Blender	Open source	Check terms	Check terms	Plugin, Windows, macOS, Linux	Compare
Autodesk InfraWorksConceptual design for infrastructure in real-world context	Paid	Check terms	Check terms	Windows	Compare
OSM Buildings3D buildings from OpenStreetMap on a web map	Freemium	Check terms	Check terms	Web, JavaScript	Compare
CityLabMapBrowser tools for analysis maps, buffers, Voronoi and location graphics	Freemium	With conditions	With conditions	Web	Compare
Remix by ViaTransit and street planning platform	Enterprise	Check terms	Check terms	Web	Compare
Global Human Settlement LayerGlobal built-up area, population and settlement data	Free	Check terms	Check terms	Data download	Compare
ConveyalAccessibility analysis for transit and land use scenarios	Enterprise	Check terms	Check terms	Web	Compare