ALIGN vs Global Mapper
ALIGN
aligngeo.com
Global Mapper
bluemarblegeo.comSide by side
| Figure | ALIGN | Global Mapper |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | €39/mo | $49.92/mo |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 4 | 3 |
| Spec score · GIS Software | 8.1 (#16) | 8.3 (#9) |
| Data formats | The Map Builder supports vector and raster data, WMS, WFS, GeoParquet, and other geospatial formats. | It supports over 300 file formats, including vector, raster, elevation, and point cloud data, without add-ons or additional licenses. |
| Integrations | ALIGN documents a Supabase connection for managed PostgreSQL with PostGIS; its docs also list Mapillary, Google Street View, Mapbox, MapTiler, and GitHub 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. |
| Intended users | ALIGN describes its documentation as built for GIS-savvy people who are not developers, with no code required. | The maker identifies GIS professionals, surveyors, engineers, government agencies, utilities, environmental consultants, and public safety organizations as users. |
| Purpose | ALIGN is a cloud GIS platform for storing geospatial data, building maps and GIS applications, and publishing them. | Global Mapper is a desktop GIS application for geospatial data processing, spatial analysis, geodetic workflows, and deployment-ready mapping. |
| Security | The maker states that traffic is encrypted via TLS, credentials are encrypted at rest with a key ALIGN does not hold, and uptime is monitored 24/7. | The installation help page states that there are no known security vulnerabilities in the current version of Global Mapper. |
| Support | The pricing comparison includes community support and a feedback board on Free, Pro, and Team plans. | 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. |
Plans
ALIGN
- Pro€39 a month
- Team€79 a month
- EnterprisePriced on request
- FreePrice not published
Global Mapper
- Essentials$599 a year
- Advanced$1,199 a year
- Professional$2,199 a year
In their own words
Global Mapper
Global Mapper is a desktop GIS application for geospatial data processing, spatial analysis, geodetic workflows, and preparing maps for deployment. It supports more than 300 vector, raster, elevation, and point cloud formats without add-ons or additional licenses. The Essentials plan covers data viewing and conversion, coordinate transformation and reprojection, and streamed online data sources. Advanced adds terrain and vector analysis, scripting, geodetic analysis, and cartographic production. Professional adds lidar and point cloud processing, drone photogrammetry, complex imagery and raster analysis, automated breakline extraction, and AI/ML image classification. Lidar tools include feature classification, noise removal, point cloud thinning, and vector feature extraction. GeoCalc provides more than 12,000 geodetic definitions and supports modernized NSRS and CSRS. AI-assisted extraction can identify roads, buildings, vegetation, power lines, and other features. It exchanges data with ArcGIS formats, exports to Avenza Maps for offline field use, and supports a workflow with MAPublisher and Adobe Illustrator. Plans start at $599/user/yr; a 14-day trial is listed.