Global Mapper vs TerrSet
Global Mapper
bluemarblegeo.comTerrSet
clarku.eduSide by side
| Figure | Global Mapper | TerrSet |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $49.92/mo | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 3 | 1 |
| Spec score · GIS Software | 8.3 (#9) | 7.4 (#35) |
| Founded | 1993 | 1987 |
| Headquarters | Hallowell, Maine, United States | 921 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01610, United States |
| 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. | TerrSet is fully COM compliant, and the IDRISI API documentation describes access to system functionality from other programming environments. |
| Intended users | The maker identifies GIS professionals, surveyors, engineers, government agencies, utilities, environmental consultants, and public safety organizations as users. | The download page describes liberaGIS as serving researchers, educators, and professionals working on spatial challenges such as land-use planning and environmental monitoring. |
| Purpose | Global Mapper is a desktop GIS application for geospatial data processing, spatial analysis, geodetic workflows, and deployment-ready mapping. | TerrSet is an integrated geospatial software system for monitoring and modeling the earth system for sustainable development. |
| 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. | The Support Center offers FAQs and documentation, user discussions, and technical support ticket submission for routine inquiries. |
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.