Global Mapper vs RIEGL RiSCAN PRO

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.

RIEGL RiSCAN PRO is operating and processing software for terrestrial laser scanning projects on Windows 11. It supports data acquisition, visualization, and processing for RIEGL VZ-Line and VZ-i series scanners, with real-time field streaming and automated batch processing. Point-cloud tools cover automatic registration, multi-station adjustment, filtering, merging, colorization, meshing, and volume calculation, plus volume measurement. Data from multiple sensors, including external cameras, can be combined into colorized point clouds with added attributes. Projects can be exported in formats including .e57, .las, .laz, .obj, .stl, .dxf, .csv, .pts, and .ptx. A documented XML project structure supports transfer to third-party post-processing software. Plugins include RiPANO, LIS GeoTec, LIS TreeAnalyzer, and an AI anonymizer for faces and license plates. Listed applications include façade measurement, as-built surveying, forestry, topography, archaeology, and city modeling. Pricing is on request, and downloads are restricted to RIEGL customers.