Global Mapper

Global Mapper is a mapping utility that allows to edit, create and delete mapping information. This mapping tool allows many operations over different formats and layers of mapping information.

It can open almost any mapping file format for modifying or simply converting it. There are many mapping formats supported by this tool: elevation types, Raster types, Vector types, Arc, ASCII text files, BMP, Binary Terrain, Cartographic Data format, GPS files, Digital Map Data Format, AutoCAD, GIS files and many more. It exports Vector Data to any of the supported formats and even it can export directly to Web formats (Google maps, Virtual Earth, World wind, etc).

The program's projection window allows adding the projection, Datum, Zone, Planar units and Elevation units. It offers a 3D view for maps, so any map with surface elevation information can be shown as a 3D model for a better perspective and analysis. Its zooming control panel has some additional controls improving the usual "zoom in" and "zoom out" functions. Any current view can be saved and centered on a certain location. Panning can be done through simple "grab and drag" operations.

The program has a Coordinate Convertor tool, which allows conversion among different coordinate systems. Another tool included is the Digitizer tool that allows modifying the existing vector information as well as creating new sets of data. Also, you can connect a GPS to your computer or laptop and the program will gather information trough that device - for you to work with this information later. Or you can even go online moving trough any loaded layer, and the information gathered by your GPS will be pasted into the layer.

The program's Search engine is excellent in finding labels, addresses, names, attributes or other information available in a map layer. The GUI is quite friendly and easy to use. The installation process is simple, and the program doesn’t need additional libraries or programs to work. It does need a registration key after the expiration of its trial period though - moreover, the trial version has some features simply disabled. The program's documentation is stored online, but you can download it in case you want to consult it offline. Global Mapper runs on Windows 98/NT/2000/ME/XP (32-64 Bit) / Vista (32-64 Bit) platforms. It can also work on Macintosh or Linux platforms by means of emulators.