Global Mapper vs Leica Cyclone 3DR
Global Mapper
bluemarblegeo.comLeica Cyclone 3DR
cyclone3dr.leica-geosystems.comSide by side
| Figure | Global Mapper | Leica Cyclone 3DR |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $49.92/mo | — |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 3 | 0 |
| Spec score · Point Cloud Software | 8.3 (#1) | 7.5 (#9) |
| 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. | Leica describes Cyclone 3DR as working with Cyclone FIELD 360, Cyclone REGISTER 360 PLUS, Hexagon GeoCloud and Leica CloudWorx. |
| Platform | The current download page states compatibility with 64-bit Windows 11 and Windows Server 2019, 2022, and 2025. | A Leica release note specifies Microsoft Windows 64-bit as the operating system for Cyclone 3DR. |
| Purpose | Global Mapper is a desktop GIS application for geospatial data processing, spatial analysis, geodetic workflows, and deployment-ready mapping. | Cyclone 3DR transforms point cloud data into 3D models, deliverables and reports using automation and AI classification tools. |
Plans
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.
Leica Cyclone 3DR
Leica Cyclone 3DR is Windows desktop software for converting point cloud data into 3D models and deliverables. Its workflows cover inspection, modelling and meshing, with tools for cleaning data and automating processing through AI classification and scripting. Users can build 2D and 3D models, meshes and textures, inspect reality-capture data and generate reports. Scan2Verify creates prefilled QA/QC reports from scan data. PRO Edition packages add specialised tools for AEC, Survey and Plant industries.
The software works with Cyclone FIELD 360, Cyclone REGISTER 360 PLUS, Hexagon GeoCloud and downstream products such as CloudWorx. Listed formats include LGS/LGSx, E57, LAS/LAZ, IFC, RVT, FBX, DWG and DXF, though some depend on the license. The 2024.0 release notes specify 64-bit Windows 10 (Build 1809) or Windows 11. Leica recommends at least 16 GB RAM for regular desktop workflows, and 32 GB plus a supported NVIDIA GPU for auto-classification. A companion Free Viewer supports viewing and basic inspection tasks without using a full Cyclone 3DR license.