Global Mapper
Global Mapper is a desktop GIS application for processing geospatial data, spatial analysis, geodetic workflows, and preparing maps for deployment.
What Global Mapper is
Global Mapper is a desktop GIS application for processing geospatial data, spatial analysis, geodetic workflows, and preparing maps for deployment. It supports over 300 vector, raster, elevation, and point cloud formats without add-ons or additional licenses. Plan features range from data viewing and conversion to terrain and vector analysis, scripting, cartographic production, lidar processing, and drone photogrammetry.
Lidar tools include feature classification, noise removal, point cloud thinning, vector feature extraction, and photogrammetric outputs. The GeoCalc engine provides more than 12,000 geodetic definitions and supports modernized NSRS and CSRS. AI-assisted feature extraction can identify roads, buildings, vegetation, power lines, and other features. Global Mapper exchanges data with ArcGIS formats, exports to Avenza Maps for offline field use, and supports workflows with MAPublisher and Adobe Illustrator. It supports offline workflows, including self-service offline and air-gapped access tokens for subscriptions through Blue Marble Hub. A free trial is available; a credit card is not required.
Good
- Supports over 300 geospatial data formats.
- Includes more than 12,000 geodetic definitions.
- AI-assisted extraction identifies several types of features.
- Supports offline workflows.
- Trial request does not require a credit card.
Watch out
- No free plan is listed.
Who it suits
Global Mapper suits GIS professionals, surveyors, engineers, government agencies, utilities, environmental consultants, and public safety organizations. Its plans include tools for users working with geodetic data, lidar, or imagery.
Verdict
Global Mapper covers varied geospatial formats, analysis, and deployment workflows, with more specialized capabilities included in higher plans. Its listed trial requires an email, and no trial duration is stated.
Plans and prices
From Global Mapper's own pricing page, checked 7 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Essentials | $599 a year | Data viewing and format conversion · Coordinate transformation and reprojection · Streamed online data sources · Starting at $599 /yr |
| Advanced | $1,199 a year | Everything in Essentials · Terrain and vector analysis · Scripting and workflow automation · Advanced geodetic analysis · Professional cartographic map production · Starting at $1,199 /yr |
| Professional | $2,199 a year | Everything in Advanced · Lidar and point cloud processing · Drone photogrammetry · Complex imagery and raster analysis · Automated breakline extraction · AI/ML image classification · Starting at $2,199 /yr |
The facts
Each one read from Global Mapper's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- AI tools
- AI-assisted feature extraction can identify roads, buildings, vegetation, power lines, and other features.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Data formats
- It supports over 300 file formats, including vector, raster, elevation, and point cloud data, without add-ons or additional licenses.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Geodetics
- The GeoCalc engine provides more than 12,000 geodetic definitions and supports modernized NSRS and CSRS.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The product supports data exchange with ArcGIS formats and can export to Avenza Maps for offline field use; MAPublisher provides a workflow with Adobe Illustrator.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The maker identifies GIS professionals, surveyors, engineers, government agencies, utilities, environmental consultants, and public safety organizations as users.checked 7 Oct 2026
- License options
- The license policy lists node-locked, floating, USB dongle, network, and enterprise license agreement options; Global Mapper perpetual licenses are available.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Lidar
- Its lidar and point cloud tools include feature classification, noise removal, point cloud thinning, vector feature extraction, and photogrammetric outputs.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Offline use
- Global Mapper supports offline workflows, with self-service offline and air-gapped access tokens available through Blue Marble Hub for subscriptions.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Global Mapper is a desktop GIS application for geospatial data processing, spatial analysis, geodetic workflows, and deployment-ready mapping.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Security
- The installation help page states that there are no known security vulnerabilities in the current version of Global Mapper.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- Technical support is included with Global Mapper purchase and covers the current software version; the policy lists security patches, bug fixes, feature enhancements, and standard support.checked 7 Oct 2026
The company
- Founded
- 1993checked 28 Sep 2026
- Headquarters
- Hallowell, Maine, United Stateschecked 28 Sep 2026
Where it runs
- Platform
- The current download page states compatibility with 64-bit Windows 11 and Windows Server 2019, 2022, and 2025.checked 7 Oct 2026
Money
- Trial
- The free trial request requires an email and does not require a credit card; the page does not state a trial duration.checked 7 Oct 2026
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