Global Mapper vs Google Earth Engine
Global Mapper
bluemarblegeo.com
Google Earth Engine
earthengine.google.comSide by side
| Figure | Global Mapper | Google Earth Engine |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $49.92/mo | $0.40/mo |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| API | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 3 | 7 |
| Spec score · GIS Software | 8.3 (#9) | 8.3 (#10) |
| Spec score · Geo Tools | 8.1 (#4) | 8.1 (#5) |
| Intended users | The maker identifies GIS professionals, surveyors, engineers, government agencies, utilities, environmental consultants, and public safety organizations as users. | The maker describes use by scientists, researchers, developers, nonprofits, businesses, and government users for work including remote sensing, climate analysis, natural resource management, and sustainability. |
| 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. | Technical support is available through Google Cloud Care, and support packages can include 24/7 coverage, phone support, and a technical support manager. |
Plans
Global Mapper
- Essentials$599 a year
- Advanced$1,199 a year
- Professional$2,199 a year
Google Earth Engine
- StorageFree
- Compute (Online and Batch)$0.40 a month
- Enterprise Basic$500 a month
- Individual & SMB Basic$500 a month
- Enterprise Professional$2,000 a month
- Enterprise PremiumPriced on request
- Individual & SMB LimitedPriced on request
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.
Google Earth Engine
Google Earth Engine combines satellite imagery and geospatial datasets for large-scale analysis of changes, trends, and surface differences. Its public archive holds more than eighty petabytes of geospatial data and over thirty years of historical imagery, with additions made daily. The web-based Code Editor includes JavaScript editing, map visualization, interactive queries, geometry drawing, task management, API reference, and Git-based script management. Python and JavaScript APIs also support local client-library use. Earth Engine integrates with Google Cloud and can load BigQuery tables, run BigQuery queries, and export results there; the maker also describes interoperability with tools including TensorFlow, PyTorch, Spark, and Pandas. Shareable Apps let stakeholders explore analyses through interactive interfaces. Uses include remote sensing, climate analysis, natural resource management, and sustainability. Eligible groups may qualify for restricted noncommercial use at no cost; commercial and government operational customers are charged. Individual & SMB Basic and Enterprise Basic cost $500 per month; Enterprise Professional costs $2000 per month. Usage-based storage and compute charges are also listed.