Global Mapper vs Quick Terrain Modeler
Global Mapper
bluemarblegeo.comQuick Terrain Modeler
appliedimagery.comSide by side
| Figure | Global Mapper | Quick Terrain Modeler |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $49.92/mo | — |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 3 | 1 |
| Spec score · Point Cloud Software | 8.3 (#1) | 7.2 (#14) |
| Founded | 1993 | 2004 |
| Headquarters | Hallowell, Maine, United States | Chevy Chase, Maryland, United States |
| Intended users | The maker identifies GIS professionals, surveyors, engineers, government agencies, utilities, environmental consultants, and public safety organizations as users. | The maker says Quick Terrain Modeler serves DoD and civilian applications and has users across the military branches and intelligence community. |
| Offline use | Global Mapper supports offline workflows, with self-service offline and air-gapped access tokens available through Blue Marble Hub for subscriptions. | Quick Terrain Modeler functions without a network connection, though some integrations and data access features require one. |
| Platform | The current download page states compatibility with 64-bit Windows 11 and Windows Server 2019, 2022, and 2025. | Quick Terrain Modeler is a 64-bit Windows application and does not run directly on macOS; the maker says some users run it on Macs with Boot Camp and Windows. |
| Trial | The free trial request requires an email and does not require a credit card; the page does not state a trial duration. | A free trial license is available, and downloading it requires an organizational email address rather than a generic email address. |
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.
Quick Terrain Modeler
Quick Terrain Modeler is 64-bit Windows desktop software for exploiting 3D point clouds and terrain data from LiDAR and other sources. It displays point clouds and surface models in 3D scenes and can drape file-based or WMS imagery over them. Analysis tools cover 3D measurement, slope, flood, volumetric, communications, and helicopter landing zones. Classification and extraction can produce building footprints, roof vectors, centroids, DSMs, and DTMs. The software accepts LiDAR, radar, photogrammetry or imagery, and sonar, including multiple sensor types in one scene. Exports support GIS, imagery, CAD, PowerPoint, and Google Earth; WMS imagery and NGA GRID access are available for DoD users. It can operate without a network, although some integrations and data access need one. Node Lock, Portable, and Floating licenses serve different workstation and network arrangements. Pricing is on request, and a free trial requires an organizational email address.