With versatility and vast customization capabilities, QGIS is usually my go-to option, the first program I will open to throw in some data. Most often it's also sufficient for analysis and development.
If you prefer stability and certainty, I understand. I've always been a fan of the ArcGIS suite and I've also successfully transitioned to ArcGIS Pro.
With modern libraries, such as Geopandas, rasterio, osmnx and PySal, almost any spatial problem can be addressed with a custom Python solution.
I've never had a project that at some point I didn't need Google Earth on the side. Many invaluable features such as historical imagery, pinpointing locations and quick map exports.
More than just a copilot, and with a premium subscription, Perplexity AI utilizes all popular LLM models and has elevated my work's efficiency in terms of code and topic research.
Suitable for Remote Sensing and image processing, especially for Copernicus data.
GeoStruct is specialized in infrastructure network planning and design software. Very well acquainted with the FTTx planning capabilities.
If needed, more traditional solutions from the engineer's toolkit can be employed as well (AutoCAD, Matlab, SPSS, Excel).
Where it all starts. If your project gets me to use my whiteboard as a brainstorming and design tool, we're off to a great start.
My vintage bankers' lamp provides necessary psychological boost, by making me look old-school cool.