Global Mapper
Global Mapper is an all-in-one GIS software providing a comprehensive suite of spatial data processing tools, advanced terrain analysis, and 3D visualization capabilities for both novice and experienced professionals.
Datawrapper
Datawrapper is an intuitive data visualization tool that helps you create professional charts, maps, and tables for digital stories and reports without requiring any coding or design skills.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Global Mapper | Datawrapper |
|---|---|---|
| Website | bluemarblegeo.com | datawrapper.de |
| Pricing Model | One_time | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $99/month | Free |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 14 days free trial | ✘ No free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✓ Has free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 1993 | 2012 |
| Headquarters | Hallowell, USA | Berlin, Germany |
Overview
Global Mapper
Global Mapper is a versatile Geographic Information System (GIS) tool that gives you the power to handle almost any spatial data challenge. Whether you are calculating cut-and-fill volumes, generating contours from terrain data, or performing complex LiDAR processing, you can manage your entire workflow within a single interface. It removes the need for multiple niche tools by supporting over 300 different spatial data formats right out of the box.
You can easily transition from 2D map viewing to immersive 3D fly-throughs to better understand your landscape. The software is designed for professionals in surveying, engineering, and environmental management who need technical precision without a steep learning curve. It provides a cost-effective alternative to expensive enterprise GIS suites while maintaining high-level analytical capabilities for your daily mapping projects.
Datawrapper
Datawrapper helps you transform raw data into polished, interactive visualizations in minutes. You can upload your data from Excel, Google Sheets, or CSV files and choose from a wide variety of chart types, including bars, lines, and scatter plots. The tool handles the design heavy lifting for you, ensuring every graphic is mobile-responsive and follows high-quality data visualization principles automatically.
You can also build detailed choropleth, symbol, and locator maps to give your data geographical context. Whether you are a journalist, researcher, or business analyst, you can embed your finished charts directly into your website or export them as high-resolution images and PDFs. The platform scales with your needs, offering a powerful free tier for individuals and robust white-label options for large newsrooms and organizations.
Overview
Global Mapper Features
- Extensive Format Support Access and combine data from over 300 different file formats including SHP, DXF, KML, and various LiDAR types.
- Terrain Analysis Generate contours, perform watershed mapping, and calculate line-of-sight or viewshed analysis to understand your physical landscape.
- LiDAR Processing Classify point clouds automatically and create high-resolution digital terrain models from your raw drone or aerial scans.
- 3D Visualization View your data in a dedicated 3D window to create realistic fly-through videos and evaluate elevation changes.
- Image Rectification Turn any paper map or unreferenced image into a geographically accurate layer by assigning real-world coordinates.
- Volume Calculation Measure terrain volume changes and calculate stockpiles accurately using simple polygon tools on your elevation layers.
Datawrapper Features
- Interactive Charts. Create 20 different chart types that allow your readers to hover over data points for deeper insights and details.
- Responsive Maps. Build beautiful locator, symbol, and choropleth maps that automatically adjust their layout to fit any screen size perfectly.
- Live Data Links. Connect your charts to external CSVs or Google Sheets to ensure your visualizations update automatically whenever your data changes.
- Colorblind Check. Use built-in vision simulators to ensure your charts are accessible and readable for people with various types of colorblindness.
- PNG and PDF Export. Download your visualizations as high-resolution images or vector PDFs for use in print reports and slide presentations.
- Team Collaboration. Organize your work into shared folders where you and your colleagues can edit and manage visualizations together.
Pricing Comparison
Global Mapper Pricing
- Support for 300+ formats
- Advanced 2D/3D viewing
- Terrain analysis tools
- Digitizer & feature editing
- Scripting and automation
- Online data access
- Everything in Standard, plus:
- LiDAR classification tools
- Pixels-to-Points photogrammetry
- Automatic feature extraction
- Terrain painting tools
- Advanced point cloud filtering
Datawrapper Pricing
- Unlimited charts, maps, and tables
- Unlimited visualization views
- Export as PNG
- Live-updating charts
- Slack & Microsoft Teams integration
- Everything in Free, plus:
- Remove Datawrapper branding
- Export as PDF and SVG
- Shared team folders
- Custom design themes
- Priority email support
Pros & Cons
Global Mapper
Pros
- Unmatched variety of supported spatial data formats
- Fast processing speeds for large elevation datasets
- Lower price point than major enterprise competitors
- Intuitive interface that is easy to learn
- Excellent 3D rendering and visualization capabilities
Cons
- Interface can feel dated compared to modern apps
- Advanced LiDAR features require a Pro upgrade
- Limited advanced cartographic styling for final maps
Datawrapper
Pros
- Extremely fast learning curve for beginners
- Excellent mobile responsiveness for all charts
- High-quality default design and typography
- Generous free plan with unlimited views
Cons
- Significant price jump for branding removal
- Limited customization for advanced layout tweaks
- No offline version available for use