Transforming GIS with Cloud-Based Flexibility and AI-Driven Insights
The geospatial industry is undergoing a transformation as GIS software integrates cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance data processing, visualization, and analysis. Blue Marble Geographics, a long-standing innovator in the GIS space, has taken significant strides in 2024, introducing two cutting-edge solutions that mark a new chapter in geospatial software:
- Geographic Calculator Cloud, the company’s first cloud-based GIS solution, bringing powerful geodetic and coordinate transformation tools to a web-based environment.
- Global Mapper Insight and Learning Engine, a new AI-powered deep learning tool designed to improve point cloud classification and object detection within the Global Mapper Pro suite.
These developments align with the growing need for scalable, cloud-integrated GIS software that enables professionals to access and analyze geospatial data efficiently, whether in the office or the field.
Geographic Calculator Cloud: Precision Without Boundaries
As industries become increasingly dependent on remote data processing, Blue Marble Geographics has taken a significant step into cloud computing with Geographic Calculator Cloud. This platform allows professionals to perform coordinate transformations, geodetic calculations, and vector file translations from anywhere, providing the flexibility needed in industries like surveying, mapping, and engineering.
The initial release includes key functionalities from the well-established Geographic Calculator desktop software, such as:
- Point-to-point calculations
- Spreadsheet transformations for bulk geospatial data processing
- Vector file translation jobs
By leveraging the GeoCalc coordinate system library, users gain access to a comprehensive database of geodetic parameters, ensuring precision in coordinate reference conversions. The cloud-based format also enables professionals to work seamlessly across different devices, improving workflow efficiency.
Looking ahead, future updates will expand Geographic Calculator Cloud’s capabilities to include a map file viewer and additional geodetic processing tools. Blue Marble Geographics envisions a full feature match with its desktop counterpart, bringing more powerful GIS functionality to users worldwide.
AI-Powered Object Detection: The Global Mapper Insight and Learning Engine
Alongside cloud expansion, Blue Marble Geographics is deepening its investment in AI-driven GIS tools. The Global Mapper Insight and Learning Engine, currently available as a beta feature in Global Mapper Pro, introduces deep learning-based object detection to support more efficient feature classification.
Key capabilities of the Global Mapper Insight and Learning Engine include:
- Automated feature identification in point clouds, enabling users to extract buildings, vehicles, and other objects with greater accuracy.
- Custom training models, allowing GIS professionals to refine object detection to match their specific datasets.
- Integration with Pixels to Points, which processes drone and UAV imagery to generate high-resolution 3D point clouds.
By fine-tuning built-in deep learning models, users can customize land classification workflows and expand detection capabilities beyond pre-set object categories. These tools are particularly valuable for industries leveraging LiDAR, UAVs, and high-resolution imagery, offering automation and precision that streamline complex GIS workflows.
In the near future, Blue Marble Geographics plans to expand object detection models to recognize a wider variety of features. As GIS professionals continue to work with increasingly large and complex datasets, these AI-driven tools will provide more scalable and intelligent data processing solutions.
A Legacy of User-Driven Innovation: The Story Behind Global Mapper
Blue Marble Geographics’ advancements in GIS software are built on a long history of innovation. The company’s flagship software, Global Mapper, has evolved significantly since its inception in 1997, when Mike Childs developed it—then known as dlgv32—as an intern at USGS.
In the early 2000s, Childs was given the opportunity to commercialize the software, transforming it from a government tool into a widely used professional GIS solution. Today, Global Mapper has become a comprehensive geospatial analysis platform used across government, engineering, environmental, and commercial industries.
One of the defining aspects of Global Mapper’s growth has been its user-driven development. From its earliest iterations, GIS professionals have directly influenced its features, requesting functionality that best meets their operational needs. This approach continues to shape Blue Marble Geographics’ product development, ensuring that each update addresses real-world geospatial challenges.
In 2024, the company’s commitment to innovation was recognized when Global Mapper Pro’s Custom Point Cloud Classification Training tool won the Outstanding Innovation in LiDAR Award from Geo Week and LiDAR Magazine. This distinction highlights the ongoing impact of AI-powered GIS tools in revolutionizing 3D data processing.
The Future of GIS Software: What’s Next in 2025?
As 2025 approaches, Blue Marble Geographics is focused on scaling AI integration and cloud computing across its geospatial software suite. The company’s long-term vision includes:
- More advanced deep learning models to improve object detection and classification.
- Enhanced cloud-based GIS tools that integrate Global Mapper capabilities for a more seamless, remote workflow.
- Expanded GIS training resources, including new online courses tailored to help users maximize the potential of AI-driven GIS software.
For those interested in exploring these advancements further, the GEOTalks User Conference on January 29, 2025, will offer expert insights and live demonstrations. One key session, “Geographic Calculator Cloud: A Versatile Resource for Geodetics Professionals,” led by Sam Knight, will provide a deeper look into the software’s capabilities and roadmap.
Empowering GIS Professionals with Next-Generation Tools
From AI-powered data processing to cloud-based flexibility, Blue Marble Geographics is helping GIS professionals adapt to an era of more intelligent, scalable, and efficient geospatial solutions. By combining deep learning automation with user-driven software evolution, the company continues to develop tools that enable faster, more precise geospatial analysis.
As GIS technology moves toward greater automation and cloud accessibility, Blue Marble Geographics remains committed to delivering software that enhances accuracy, efficiency, and usability across diverse geospatial applications
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Read more:
- Check Out These New Features in Global Mapper v25 from Blue Marble
- Global Mapper v26.1 Enhances AI-Based Tools and User Experience
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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