EVS-Islands

Drag, Drop and Load Nisos Pelagos LIIM in 5-Seconds

To continue my discussion of yesterday concerning my choice to use Global Mapper as my digitizing platform. $299 is what Global Mapper costs today. That allows you to download and activate your software. The key you get needs to be saved as you will use it again when you purchase the updated packages. I have gone through 3 updates. Some users are still using early versions of the software. It depends on what features you require. The major updates happen typically on an annual basis.

My first purchase was GM v6.00. It cost me $199. I had purchased Manifold mapping software for $199, previously. The learning curve for Manifold was too steep for me. I am not bad-mouthing Manifold. It just didn't work for me. The same goes for Quantum GIS and Open Jump. Tried them, but they didn't do what I wanted to do. I even had an educator's copy of ARC GIS, but, again, the learning curve was too steep for me. Again, I'm not anti any of these mapping packages, just they didn't work for me.

The first time I used Global Mapper v6.0, I was sold on it. I had been viewing Landsat ETM+ mosaics in MrSID format using my browser and Lizard Tech software. I knew that I wanted to use Landsat ETM+ images to make maps with but I work with an extremely limited budget. I came across Global Mapper, downloaded their demo version, opened it and from the file menu I selected a 250MB Landsat ETM+ image of the African Sahara. Within 5-seconds it was loaded. I zoomed in until I viewed distinct features at a scale of 1:62,500. I was able to move about the image effortlessly. I noticed the "pencil" on the menu bar and selected it. Within a few seconds I was digitizing a feature. All of this withou reading any instructions! Needless to say, I was hooked.

That was 3-years ago and I continue using Global Mapper with no regrets. I am able to easily construct my maps using only this software. If I have a question or a problem, I merely email Mike. Global Mapper has unparelled customer support. Mike is an email away. He responds promptly to your questions and recommendations. If he is able to easily add a feature or tool, he does it and makes the updated copy available for all users FREE.

The $199 + $99 + $99 is the best mapping investment I have ever made. If you want to make maps like I do using Landsat ETM+ or DigitalGlobe he-res imagery, Global Mapper is your ticket.

Enjoy!

Labels: Global Mapper

Posted by Mr Minton on Tuesday, January 08, 2008 at 1/08/2008 06:14:00 AM | Permalink