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.
UrbanFootprint
UrbanFootprint is a comprehensive location intelligence platform that provides high-resolution data and analysis tools to help you make smarter decisions about infrastructure, energy, and community resilience.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Global Mapper | UrbanFootprint |
|---|---|---|
| Website | bluemarblegeo.com | urbanfootprint.com |
| Pricing Model | One_time | Custom |
| Starting Price | $99/month | Custom Pricing |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 14 days free trial | ✘ No 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 | 2014 |
| Headquarters | Hallowell, USA | Berkeley, 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.
UrbanFootprint
UrbanFootprint is a location intelligence platform designed to help you navigate complex decisions regarding infrastructure, climate risk, and community resource allocation. By combining thousands of pre-loaded datasets with advanced spatial analytics, the platform allows you to visualize and model the impact of various scenarios on specific populations and geographies. You can quickly identify where to deploy EV charging stations, assess flood risks for utility assets, or determine the best locations for new housing developments based on transit accessibility.
The software serves professionals in the energy, government, and real estate sectors who need to move beyond static maps to dynamic, data-driven insights. You can streamline your site selection process and environmental impact assessments by accessing a unified data environment that eliminates the need for manual data gathering. Whether you are planning a city-wide resilience strategy or optimizing a private investment portfolio, the platform provides the granular detail required to mitigate risk and maximize social and economic returns.
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.
UrbanFootprint Features
- Base Canvas Data. Access a pre-loaded library of thousands of datasets covering land use, demographics, and environmental hazards across the entire United States.
- Scenario Modeling. Create and compare multiple development or infrastructure scenarios to see how different choices impact transit, energy, and water usage.
- Climate Risk Analysis. Evaluate your assets against specific climate threats like flooding, fire, and extreme heat to build more resilient long-term strategies.
- Social Equity Mapping. Identify vulnerable populations and ensure your resource distribution or infrastructure projects meet critical social equity and accessibility goals.
- Site Selection Tools. Filter locations based on custom criteria like proximity to transit, population density, and utility capacity to find the perfect project site.
- Custom Data Upload. Integrate your own proprietary business data with the platform's extensive library to gain a unique competitive advantage in your analysis.
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
UrbanFootprint Pricing
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
UrbanFootprint
Pros
- Massive library of pre-cleaned, ready-to-use spatial data
- Significantly reduces time spent on manual data collection
- Intuitive interface compared to traditional desktop GIS software
- Excellent visualization tools for presenting to non-technical stakeholders
Cons
- Pricing is not transparent for small independent consultants
- Focus is primarily limited to United States geographies
- Learning curve for users unfamiliar with spatial data concepts