Global Mapper
6.8#1 in point cloud softwareFrom $49.92 a monthAndroidiOSWindows
VisitGlobal Mapper vs Point Cloud Library
Point Cloud Library
6.3#4 in point cloud softwareFree planFree planAndroidLinuxmacOSWindows
VisitWhat both publish
| Fact | Global Mapper | Point Cloud Library |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | PCL natively supports OpenNI 3D interfaces for acquiring and processing data from devices such as PrimeSensor cameras, Microsoft Kinect, and Asus XTionPro. |
| Purpose | Global Mapper is a desktop GIS application for geospatial data processing, spatial analysis, geodetic workflows, and deployment-ready mapping. | PCL is a standalone, large scale, open project for 2D/3D image and point cloud processing. |
| Security | The installation help page states that there are no known security vulnerabilities in the current version of Global Mapper. | The repository README warns that a copy of the old website was hacked and may still host malicious code. |
| 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. | The project directs general usage questions to Stack Overflow and its Discord server for community chat. |
Global Mapper plans
- Essentials$599 a year
- Advanced$1,199 a year
- Professional$2,199 a year
Point Cloud Library plans
- Point Cloud LibraryFree
Pick Global Mapper if…
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.
Pick Point Cloud Library if…
PCL suits developers and researchers working with 2D or 3D image and point-cloud processing. Its modular libraries and separate compilation may also help deployments with computing or storage constraints.