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.
Maptive
Maptive is a cloud-based mapping software that transforms your Excel spreadsheets and location data into customizable, interactive Google Maps to help you visualize geographic trends and optimize business territories.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Global Mapper | Maptive |
|---|---|---|
| Website | bluemarblegeo.com | maptive.com |
| Pricing Model | One_time | Subscription |
| Starting Price | $99/month | $250/month |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 14 days free trial | ✓ 10 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 1993 | 2011 |
| Headquarters | Hallowell, USA | Portland, USA |
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.
Maptive
Maptive is a visual mapping platform that turns your raw location data into actionable insights. Instead of staring at complex spreadsheets, you can plot your customers, assets, or sales leads directly onto a high-performance Google Map. It allows you to identify geographic patterns, analyze market density, and share interactive maps with your team or the public in seconds.
You can use the software to build custom sales territories, find the most efficient routes for field teams, and perform advanced radius searches. It is designed for businesses of all sizes—from local service providers to global enterprises—who need to make faster, data-driven decisions based on where their business happens. You can get started with a 10-day free trial to explore the full suite of mapping tools.
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.
Maptive Features
- Global Geocoding. Upload your Excel or Google Sheets data and watch as it instantly transforms into precise locations on a global map.
- Territory Management. Define and manage custom sales territories using zip codes, counties, or hand-drawn shapes to balance your team's workload.
- Route Optimization. Plan the most efficient paths between multiple locations to save time on the road and reduce fuel costs.
- Heat Mapping. Visualize data density to identify your most profitable areas and discover untapped markets at a glance.
- Radius & Proximity Tools. Draw circles around specific points to analyze everything within a set distance and understand your local market reach.
- Demographic Data Overlay. Access built-in census data to see population, income, and age statistics directly on your custom maps.
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
Maptive Pricing
- 1 user included
- Up to 100,000 locations per map
- Territory creation tools
- Route optimization
- Demographic data overlays
- Export maps to image or PDF
- Everything in Pro, plus:
- 5 users included
- Collaborative map editing
- Centralized billing
- Advanced user permissions
- 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
Maptive
Pros
- Built on Google Maps for familiar and reliable navigation
- Extremely fast geocoding for large datasets
- Intuitive interface requires almost no technical training
- High-quality demographic data is built directly into the tool
Cons
- Higher starting price point than some basic competitors
- Mobile browser experience can be slower with massive datasets
- Limited advanced styling options for map markers