Global Mapper is an affordable and easy to use GIS application that offers access to an unparalleled variety of spatial datasets and provides just the right level of functionality to satisfy both experienced GIS professionals and beginning users. Equally well suited as a standalone spatial data management tool and as an integral component of an enterprise-wide GIS, Global Mapper is a must-have for anyone who deals with maps or spatial data.
- Low-cost and easy-to-use GIS solution
- Supports over 250 spatial data formats
- Optional LiDAR Module for advanced processing
- Leverage the power of GeoCalc library with the new tool bar
- Now includes all features previously found in Global Energy Mapper
- Unmatched and complimentary technical support
Extensive Format Support
Global Mapper is more than just a utility; it offers a surprisingly extensive collection of analysis and data processing tools in a truly affordable package. This remarkable application can read, write, and analyze almost all spatial data, provide support for virtually every known spatial file format, and direct access to common spatial databases.
Terrain Analysis and 3D Data Processing
With a particular emphasis on terrain and 3D data processing, Global Mapper s out-of-the-box analysis functions include view shed and line-of site modeling, watershed delineation, volume measurement and cut and fill optimization, raster calculation, customized gridding and terrain creation, contour generation, and much more. Complementing this core functionality, the optional Lidar Module provides a wide array of point cloud processing tools, including automatic point classification, feature extraction, and the powerful Pixels to Points tool for photogrammetric point cloud creation.
Vector and Raster Processing
Supplementing these powerful analysis tools, Global Mapper includes a complete suite of raster and vector data creation and editing functions offering everything from simple and intuitive drawing to image rectification and vectorization. The software also includes numerous attribute editing functions, intuitive data display, and thematic mapping capabilities.
Data Sharing
When the time comes to share map data, Global Mapper offers numerous options including eye-catching page layout and printing tools, geospatial PDF creation, and direct web publishing to MangoMap, an affordable and easy-to-use online map service.
Recent Developments in Global Mapper V24
Each release includes dozens of new and updated features and functions. Highlights of version 24 include:
- A new Raster Reclassification tool allowing users to reassign pixel palette index values and can be used to replace values, group values together, and reclassify values to a common scale.
- Perform histogram matching to match the coloring of an image layer to that of another loaded image layer.
- 3D viewer now supports rendering vector features with blended transparency and holes in areas.
- Added ability to render 3D points inside the Path Profile corridor.
- Combine single band images into one multiband raster layer.
- Include arrows and lines in Map Layouts with new arrow element type.
- New contrast adjustment modes, "Histogram Equalization" and "Linear (Custom Stretch)" for improved raster image normalization
- Added support for loading new file formats, including SAR TIFF files using complex phase/amplitude values and 12D ASCII model files
Lidar Module Overview:
The Global Mapper Lidar Module is an optional add-on to Global Mapper that provides numerous advanced lidar processing tools and is a must-have for anyone using or managing terrestrial or airborne lidar as well as other point cloud datasets.
The Global Mapper LidarModule is embedded in the standard version of the software and is activated using an appropriate license file or order number.
Key functionality offered in the LiDAR Module includes:
- Pixels-to-Points tool for creating a high-density point cloud, 3D mesh, and orthoimage from overlapping drone or UAV-collected images
- 3D mesh creation from selected LiDAR points
- A convenient LiDAR Toolbar for easy access to key editing and analysis functions
- Multiple gridding options for DSM or DTM generation
- The ability to load point cloud files containing a billion points or more
- Automatic point classification tools for identifying and classifying building, ground, vegetation, power lines, utility poles and noise points
- Feature extraction functionality to automatically create 3D buildings, trees, utility poles and power lines,
- Cross-sectional rendering using Global Mapper s Path Profile tool for viewing and editing the point cloud in a vertical perspective
- 3D Digitizing or custom feature extraction using the perpendicular profile function
- Advanced filtering options to efficiently remove erroneous or unneeded points
- Proximity query function to identify points of a certain class encroaching on other points or line features
- Customizable identification and reclassification of noise points
- A point cloud change detection tool that creates a new layer containing points that are significantly offset when comparing two point cloud layers
- LiDAR scripting commands for streamlining workflow
- Point colorization from underlying imagery or a gridded layer
- A LiDAR QC tool for correcting point cloud elevations using ground control points
- Multiple point cloud visualization options including by classification, intensity, elevation, RGB, and point density
- Support for reporting LiDAR statistics
- Point cloud thinning, including variable 3D thinning
- Support for importing and exporting most common point cloud formats
- Support for NIR (near-infrared) point attributes with the option to create a NDVI or NDWI grid
- LiDAR sorting optimization to improve display and analysis speed.
Low-Cost LiDAR Processing
The enhanced LiDAR analysis and editing functionality in the Global Mapper LiDAR module is offered at a significantly lower price than similar applications. The cost of activating this module is on par with the cost of purchasing a copy of Global Mapper with flexible licensing options available for network, enterprise, and academic use.
Recent Developments in the LIDAR Module
Each release of the Lidar Module includes dozens of new and updated features that expand the functionality of the software. The highlights in the latest releases include:
- Script Builder tool records operations performed via the interface to create a Global Mapper Script.
- New "Copy Script" button in Analysis tool setup dialogs allowing users to get the script command that mirrors the current interface settings copied to their clipboard.
- Kriging tool to create variograms, perform geostatistical analysis and model continuous values from points and point cloud data.
- Mobile Data Management tool options to merge changes from multiple Global Mapper Mobile Packages, streamlining the combination of work from multiple field data collectors.
- New tool to generate Swath Separation Images from lidar.
- Improved the core Pixels to Points processing, including significantly speeding up the process on machines with NVIDIA GPUs (CUDA support).
