Easy Point Cloud Processing and Terrain Analysis with Global Mapper Pro v25 Sponsored by Blue Marble Geographic
Blue Marble Geographic’s flagship software, Global Mapper Pro, is an all-in-one GIS package for analyzing and processing vector, terrain, image, and point cloud data. A comprehensive and easy-to-use GIS application that provides an extensive collection of tools, Global Mapper Pro is suited for any GIS user, from novice to expert. The software provides the tools for complete workflows, such as handling point cloud data from collection and cleaning to 3D data generation and measurements. You can generate photogrammetric data in one workspace, classify the point cloud, create a digital elevation model, contour the data, and much more. Compatible with over 380 different file formats, Global Mapper can be seamlessly brought into your existing workflow. New updates to the software include the ability to calculate and model an optimal flattened site plan in the terrain, plot the least cost path across a landscape, and significantly improved processing speed in pixels to points tool. Creating an Optimal Flattened Site Plan Many construction plans begin with finding or building a relatively flat location to minimize the required earthworks for digging a foundation or setting a concrete pad. Modeling these sites ahead of time with Global Mapper’s expensive terrain analysis tools can help users save time, money, and effort by providing a way to begin planning without using limited resources on field visits and surveys. Of this toolset, Flattened Site Plan is a popular tool for preplanning the best
location, elevation, and required earthworks for the creation of a flat surface. Requiring a polygon to designate the area where the flattened site is to be constructed and a terrain layer to represent current ground conditions, Global Mapper can create a 3D model representing the best elevation for the pad that limits the amount of soil moved. A new option in the tool, Create an Optimal Flattened Site Plan, can take advantage of any flexibility in the exact placement and orientation of the flattened site. Global Mapper assesses the terrain in a specified location to find the optimal placement and orientation for the site that requires the least amount of earthwork. Once the optimal site has been calculated, the tool will provide measurements of the soil volume to be added or removed to create a level surface and a break-even elevation. The flattened site plan and other volume tools optimize the cut-and-fill values and even out the landscape into a flat surface using only the soil on site, minimizing soil or fill transportation costs. Modeling the position of a flattened site can provide the opportunity to optimize the use of existing soil, creating a site that doesn’t require additional fill or removal. Conducting A Least Cost Path Analysis Forging a new path through terrain often requires navigation around existing structures and difficult areas. New in Global Mapper version 25, the Least Cost Path tool provides a terrain analysis method for
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csengineermag.com
October 2023
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