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# Esri ArcGIS vs Global Mapper Comparison - What are their main differences?

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Esri ArcGISGlobal Mapper[+ Add Product](#)

Reviews

**Esri ArcGIS** [

4.5/5(540)

](https://www.g2.com/products/esri-arcgis/reviews#reviews)

**Global Mapper** [

4.3/5(30)

](https://www.g2.com/products/global-mapper/reviews#reviews)

Pricing

**Esri ArcGIS**
Free Trial

**$$$** per year/per user · ArcGIS Online Subscription Plan Information

**Global Mapper**
Free Trial

**Starting at $700.00** With One-Time Purchase · Global Mapper

**Pricing Insights**
from reviews

Time to Implement

**Esri ArcGIS**
4 months

Based on 5 responses

**Global Mapper**
Not enough reviews yet

Return on Investment

**Esri ArcGIS**
14 months

Based on 6 responses

**Global Mapper**
Not enough reviews yet

Perceived Cost

**Esri ArcGIS**
$$$$$

**Global Mapper**
$$$$$

Average Discount

**Esri ArcGIS**
14%

**Global Mapper**
Not enough reviews yet

Pros & Cons

**Esri ArcGIS**
[
Ease of Use (3)
](https://www.g2.com/products/esri-arcgis/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1592894&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
3D Visualization (2)
](https://www.g2.com/products/esri-arcgis/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1592795&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Data Management (2)
](https://www.g2.com/products/esri-arcgis/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2248420&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
High Cost (2)
](https://www.g2.com/products/esri-arcgis/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1593071&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)

**Global Mapper**
Not enough data

Integrations

**Esri ArcGIS**
[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_3d9a09f76a7f8a459cd2e26434ddc0c3/fme-platform.png "Product Avatar Image")

FME Platform

](https://www.g2.com/products/fme-platform/reviews)[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_242ea9ef146ec0359ea99dbaedc5e26a/revit.png "Product Avatar Image")

Revit

](https://www.g2.com/products/revit/reviews)[
View all
](https://www.g2.com/products/esri-arcgis/integrations)

**Global Mapper**
Not enough data

Screenshots

**Esri ArcGIS**
 ![Esri ArcGIS screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/28238/uploads_2F69a55f9a-2dbc-416f-af96-72bbb975716b_2Fmain-planning-device.png)

**Global Mapper**
 ![Global Mapper screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/31771/Global_20Mapper_screenshot3.png)

Ratings

Meets Requirements

**Esri ArcGIS**

8.8

8.8447

**Global Mapper**

8.5

8.526

Ease of Use

**Esri ArcGIS**

7.3

7.3448

**Global Mapper**

7.8

7.825

Ease of Setup

**Esri ArcGIS**

7.4

7.4137

**Global Mapper**
Not enough data

Ease of Admin

**Esri ArcGIS**

7.6

7.6127

**Global Mapper**
Not enough data

Quality of Support

**Esri ArcGIS**

8.1

8.1414

**Global Mapper**

8.2

8.222

Has the product been a good partner in doing business?

**Esri ArcGIS**

8.3

8.3121

**Global Mapper**
Not enough data

Product Direction (% positive)

**Esri ArcGIS**

8.4

8.4431

**Global Mapper**

7.4

7.427

Features

GIS[Hide 40 FeaturesShow 40 Features](javascript:void(0);)

8.8

155

8.2

5

Data Management

Data Capture

9.0(won by 0.3)

125

8.7

5

Data Storage

8.7(won by 0.4)

132

8.3

5

Data Manipulation

9.0(won by 1.3)

133

 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors)

7.7

5

Data Visualization

9.1(won by 0.4)

139

8.7

5

Data Capture and Transfer

Not enough data

Not enough data

Map Creation

Overlaying

9.0(won by 1.0)

136

 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors)

8.0

5

Publishing

8.8(won by 1.1)

131

 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors)

7.7

5

Geocoding

8.7(won by default)

115

Not enough data

Buffer Zone Query

8.9(won by default)

122

Not enough data

Analysis

Spatial Analysis

9.2(won by 1.2)

131

 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors)

8.0

5

Reporting 

8.5(won by default)

112

Not enough data

Real-Time Streaming 

8.0(won by default)

74

Feature Not Available

Trend Analysis

Not enough data

Not enough data

Statistical Analysis

Not enough data

Not enough data

Additional Functionality

Monitoring

Not enough data

Not enough data

Reporting & Statistics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Color Codes/Icons

Not enough data

Not enough data

Map Creation

Not enough data

Not enough data

Geographic Maps

Not enough data

Not enough data

Location Tracking

Not enough data

Not enough data

AI Copilot

Not enough data

Not enough data

Internet Mapping

Not enough data

Not enough data

API

Not enough data

Not enough data

Map Sharing

Not enough data

Not enough data

Third-Party Integrations

Not enough data

Not enough data

Interoperability

Not enough data

Not enough data

Reporting/Analytics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Image Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Activity Dashboard

Not enough data

Not enough data

Geotargeting

Not enough data

Not enough data

Labeling

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Collection

Not enough data

Not enough data

Route Optimization

Not enough data

Not enough data

Geolocation

Not enough data

Not enough data

Generative AI

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Import/Export

Not enough data

Not enough data

Multi-Location

Not enough data

Not enough data

Census Data Integration

Not enough data

Not enough data

3D Imaging

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Mapping

Not enough data

Not enough data

Location Intelligence[Hide 50 FeaturesShow 50 Features](javascript:void(0);)

8.8

64

Not enough data

Cartography

Geographic Maps

9.1(won by default)

58

Not enough data

Vector Mapping 

9.3(won by default)

54

Not enough data

Data Visualization

9.0(won by default)

55

Not enough data

Overlaying

9.3(won by default)

56

Not enough data

Data Mapping

Not enough data

Not enough data

Analysis

Predictive Analytics

8.5(won by default)

49

Not enough data

Distance Analysis 

8.8(won by default)

53

Not enough data

Spatial Analysis

9.3(won by default)

54

Not enough data

Data Stream

8.8(won by default)

38

Not enough data

Demographic Data

Not enough data

Not enough data

Trend Analysis

Not enough data

Not enough data

Trade Area Analysis

Not enough data

Not enough data

Reporting

Data Transformation

8.4(won by default)

50

Not enough data

WYSIWYG Design

8.4(won by default)

35

Not enough data

API Integrations

8.3(won by default)

38

Not enough data

Third-Party Integrations

Not enough data

Not enough data

Additional Functionality

Customizable Reports

Not enough data

Not enough data

Geotargeting

Not enough data

Not enough data

Ad hoc Reporting

Not enough data

Not enough data

Search/Filter

Not enough data

Not enough data

Role-Based Permissions

Not enough data

Not enough data

Alerts/Notifications

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real-Time Analytics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Reporting & Statistics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Activity Tracking

Not enough data

Not enough data

Geocoding

Not enough data

Not enough data

Widgets

Not enough data

Not enough data

Communication Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Behavioral Analytics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Synchronization

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Import/Export

Not enough data

Not enough data

Multi-Location

Not enough data

Not enough data

Database Support

Not enough data

Not enough data

2D/3D Designing

Not enough data

Not enough data

Customer Segmentation

Not enough data

Not enough data

Geofencing

Not enough data

Not enough data

Collaboration Tools

Not enough data

Not enough data

Single Sign On

Not enough data

Not enough data

CAD Tools

Not enough data

Not enough data

Activity Dashboard

Not enough data

Not enough data

AI Copilot

Not enough data

Not enough data

Generative AI

Not enough data

Not enough data

Location Tracking

Not enough data

Not enough data

Reporting/Analytics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Mobile Access

Not enough data

Not enough data

Access Controls/Permissions

Not enough data

Not enough data

User Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real-Time Notifications

Not enough data

Not enough data

Heatmaps

Not enough data

Not enough data

Route Optimization

Not enough data

Not enough data

Show 1 feature category with incomplete data

Business Intelligence[Hide 85 FeaturesShow 85 Features](javascript:void(0);)

Not enough data

Not enough data

Reports

Reports Interface

Not enough data

Not enough data

Steps to Answer

Not enough data

Not enough data

Graphs and Charts

Not enough data

Not enough data

Score Cards

Not enough data

Not enough data

Dashboards

Not enough data

Not enough data

Customizable Reports

Not enough data

Not enough data

Marketing Reports

Not enough data

Not enough data

Sales Reports

Not enough data

Not enough data

Activity Dashboard

Not enough data

Not enough data

Interactive Reports

Not enough data

Not enough data

Customizable Reports

Not enough data

Not enough data

Customizable Reports

Not enough data

Not enough data

Activity Dashboard

Not enough data

Not enough data

Customizable Dashboard

Not enough data

Not enough data

Self Service 

Calculated Fields

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Column Filtering

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Discovery

Not enough data

Not enough data

Search

Not enough data

Not enough data

Collaboration / Workflow

Not enough data

Not enough data

Automodeling

Not enough data

Not enough data

Natural Language Search

Not enough data

Not enough data

Visual Discovery

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Blending

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Blending

Not enough data

Not enough data

Advanced Analytics

Predictive Analytics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Visualization

Not enough data

Not enough data

Big Data Services

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real-Time Analytics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Reporting/Analytics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real-Time Analytics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Reporting/Analytics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Visual Analytics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Building Reports

Data Transformation

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Modeling

Not enough data

Not enough data

WYSIWYG Report Design

Not enough data

Not enough data

Integration APIs

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real-Time Data

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real-Time Data

Not enough data

Not enough data

Third-Party Integrations

Not enough data

Not enough data

Third-Party Integrations

Not enough data

Not enough data

Platform

Mobile User Support

Not enough data

Not enough data

Customization 

Not enough data

Not enough data

User, Role, and Access Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Internationalization

Not enough data

Not enough data

Sandbox / Test Environments

Not enough data

Not enough data

Performance and Reliability

Not enough data

Not enough data

Breadth of Partner Applications

Not enough data

Not enough data

Mobile Access

Not enough data

Not enough data

Metadata Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Additional Functionality

Customizable Branding

Not enough data

Not enough data

Natural Language Processing

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Extraction

Not enough data

Not enough data

AI Copilot

Not enough data

Not enough data

Ad hoc Reporting

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real-Time Reporting

Not enough data

Not enough data

Publishing/Sharing

Not enough data

Not enough data

Collaboration Tools

Not enough data

Not enough data

Strategic Planning

Not enough data

Not enough data

Self Service Data Preparation

Not enough data

Not enough data

Trend Analysis

Not enough data

Not enough data

Text Analysis

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real-Time Monitoring

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Synchronization

Not enough data

Not enough data

Widgets

Not enough data

Not enough data

Benchmarking

Not enough data

Not enough data

Performance Metrics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Mapping

Not enough data

Not enough data

Generative AI

Not enough data

Not enough data

Trend/Problem Indicators

Not enough data

Not enough data

Customizable Templates

Not enough data

Not enough data

Access Controls/Permissions

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Import/Export

Not enough data

Not enough data

Profitability Analysis

Not enough data

Not enough data

OLAP

Not enough data

Not enough data

Alerts/Notifications

Not enough data

Not enough data

Search/Filter

Not enough data

Not enough data

Drag & Drop

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Connectors

Not enough data

Not enough data

Multiple Data Sources

Not enough data

Not enough data

Key Performance Indicators

Not enough data

Not enough data

Dashboard Creation

Not enough data

Not enough data

Role-Based Permissions

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Mining

Not enough data

Not enough data

Forecasting

Not enough data

Not enough data

Ad hoc Query

Not enough data

Not enough data

User Insights

Reviewers' Company Size

[![Esri ArcGIS](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1530900667/esri-arcgis.svg "Esri ArcGIS")](https://www.g2.com/products/esri-arcgis/reviews)

Esri ArcGIS

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)

30.6%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)

38.2%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)

31.2%

[![Global Mapper](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/b7c00ce1e2e82f6c952f9bc4f1127f65/global-mapper.svg "Global Mapper")](https://www.g2.com/products/global-mapper/reviews)

Global Mapper

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)

33.3%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)

40.0%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)

26.7%

Small-Business

(50 or fewer emp.)

30.6%

33.3%

Mid-Market

(51-1000 emp.)

38.2%

40.0%

Enterprise

(\> 1000 emp.)

31.2%

26.7%

Reviewers' Industry

[![Esri ArcGIS](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1530900667/esri-arcgis.svg "Esri ArcGIS")](https://www.g2.com/products/esri-arcgis/reviews)
Esri ArcGIS

Government Administration

15.3%

Environmental Services

9.5%

Higher Education

9.5%

Civil Engineering

9.3%

Utilities

6.2%

Other

50.1%

[![Global Mapper](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/b7c00ce1e2e82f6c952f9bc4f1127f65/global-mapper.svg "Global Mapper")](https://www.g2.com/products/global-mapper/reviews)
Global Mapper

Oil & Energy

26.7%

Civil Engineering

23.3%

Information Technology and Services

6.7%

Environmental Services

6.7%

Wireless

3.3%

Other

33.3%

FAQs

## Esri ArcGIS vs Global Mapper FAQs

Generated using AI

Last updated: August 14, 2026

### What is the difference between Esri ArcGIS vs Global Mapper?

Esri ArcGIS stands out for its higher G2 rating, broader review base, and advanced spatial analysis, while Global Mapper is noted for its user-friendly interface and strong data format support.

| [Esri ArcGIS](https://www.g2.com/products/esri-arcgis/reviews) | [Global Mapper](https://www.g2.com/products/global-mapper/reviews) |
| --- | --- |
| 4.5/5 (540 reviews) | 4.3/5 (30 reviews) |
| Mid-Market | Mid-Market |
| 7.4 | — |
| 8.1 | 8.2 |
| Powerful spatial analysis and comprehensive mapping tools | User-friendly interface and broad data format support |

### How do the pricing models of Esri ArcGIS and Global Mapper compare?

G2 reviewers rate Esri ArcGIS and Global Mapper similarly on value, with no clear winner on price satisfaction.

- **Esri ArcGIS:** In recent reviews, many cite high licensing costs and additional fees for extensions as a trade-off for its advanced capabilities.
- **Global Mapper:** Reviewers highlight its reasonable price and perpetual licensing as a strong value proposition.

### What are the best alternatives to Esri ArcGIS and Global Mapper?

The best alternatives to Esri ArcGIS and Global Mapper are Maptitude, Google Earth Pro, and MapInfo Pro.

| Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Esri ArcGIS](https://www.g2.com/products/esri-arcgis/reviews) | 4.5/5 (540 reviews) | Mid-Market | High licensing cost noted in recent reviews | Powerful spatial analysis and mapping tools |
| [Global Mapper](https://www.g2.com/products/global-mapper/reviews) | 4.3/5 (30 reviews) | Mid-Market | Reasonable price and perpetual license praised | User-friendly interface and data format support |
| [Maptitude](https://www.g2.com/products/maptitude/reviews) | 4.7/5 (150 reviews) | Small-Business | — | High ease of use and strong mapping capabilities |
| [Google Earth Pro](https://www.g2.com/products/google-earth-pro/reviews) | 4.6/5 (385 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Detailed visualization and accessibility |
| [MapInfo Pro](https://www.g2.com/products/mapinfo-pro/reviews) | 4.1/5 (120 reviews) | Enterprise | — | Enterprise-grade GIS features |

### Which GIS features should I prioritize when comparing Esri ArcGIS and Global Mapper?

Buyers comparing Esri ArcGIS and Global Mapper should prioritize spatial analysis, data format support, 3D visualization, integration capabilities, and ease of use.

- **Spatial Analysis:** Esri ArcGIS is frequently cited for powerful spatial analysis (all-time mention count: 2); Global Mapper is praised for terrain modeling and viewshed analysis in recent reviews.
- **Data Format Support:** Global Mapper is highlighted for handling a wide range of GIS data formats; Esri ArcGIS supports many formats but is less frequently cited for this strength.
- **3D Visualization:** Esri ArcGIS has 2 all-time mentions for 3D visualization; Global Mapper is noted for 3D and terrain visualization in recent reviews.
- **Integration Capabilities:** Esri ArcGIS integrates with tools like Revit (1 all-time mention); Global Mapper is praised for interoperability with CAD and Google Earth in recent reviews.
- **Ease of Use:** Global Mapper is described as user-friendly and intuitive in recent reviews; Esri ArcGIS has 3 all-time mentions for ease of use but is also noted for a learning curve.

### What are the pros and cons of Esri ArcGIS vs Global Mapper?

Esri ArcGIS is strongest in advanced spatial analysis and mapping, while Global Mapper excels in user-friendliness and data format versatility.

- **Esri ArcGIS strengths:** Powerful spatial analysis (2 all-time mentions), comprehensive mapping tools, 3D visualization (2 all-time mentions), extensive data integration, and a large user community.
- **Esri ArcGIS trade-offs:** High cost (2 all-time mentions), steep learning curve (2 all-time mentions), resource-intensive, and some integration issues (2 all-time mentions).
- **Global Mapper strengths:** User-friendly interface, broad data format support, strong for terrain and 3D visualization, and praised for value and perpetual licensing in recent reviews.
- **Global Mapper trade-offs:** Less advanced cartographic and print layout tools, interface described as dated in some reviews, and fewer advanced spatial analysis features compared to Esri ArcGIS.

### Is Esri ArcGIS or Global Mapper better for small businesses?

Maptitude is the top-rated GIS platform for small businesses, but between Esri ArcGIS and Global Mapper, both primarily serve the mid-market segment.

- **Esri ArcGIS:** Largest reviewer segment is Mid-Market; recent reviews note high cost as a barrier for small businesses.
- **Global Mapper:** Largest reviewer segment is Mid-Market; reviewers highlight its reasonable price and perpetual license as attractive for smaller organizations.

### Which GIS platform has better integrations?

Esri ArcGIS is favored for integrations, with reviewers citing its ability to connect with tools like Revit and other platforms.

- **Esri ArcGIS:** Integrates with Revit (1 all-time mention) and is noted for easy integration with other software in recent reviews.
- **Global Mapper:** Reviewers mention interoperability with CAD and Google Earth, but no all-time integration mention counts are supplied.

### How do Esri ArcGIS and Global Mapper compare on customer support?

Esri ArcGIS and Global Mapper are rated at parity on Quality of Support, with scores of 8.1 and 8.2 respectively.

- **Esri ArcGIS:** Reviewers consistently describe customer support as responsive and helpful, with several citing positive experiences and a large user community for troubleshooting.
- **Global Mapper:** Reviewers note good customer service, quick responses, and satisfaction with support interactions.

### Which is easier to implement, Esri ArcGIS or Global Mapper?

Esri ArcGIS and Global Mapper are rated at parity on Ease of Setup, with Esri ArcGIS scoring 7.4 and no score available for Global Mapper.

- **Esri ArcGIS:** Reviewers describe setup as straightforward but note that installation and updates can be cumbersome in enterprise environments.
- **Global Mapper:** Reviewers highlight its intuitive setup and ease of use, with several noting quick implementation for GIS tasks.

### Which product has better Spatial Analysis?

Esri ArcGIS is the leader for Spatial Analysis, with more frequent reviewer citations and advanced capabilities.

- **Esri ArcGIS:** Spatial analysis is a top-cited feature (2 all-time mentions), with reviewers praising its advanced geoprocessing tools and suitability for complex analysis.
- **Global Mapper:** Reviewers highlight terrain modeling, viewshed analysis, and 3D visualization as strengths, but note fewer advanced spatial analysis features compared to Esri ArcGIS.

Alternatives

**Esri ArcGIS Alternatives**

 ![Maptitude](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1530631589/maptitude.svg "Maptitude")

[
Maptitude
](/products/maptitude/reviews)

 ![MapInfo Pro](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_8c279bac466618e81ea062684c2ee69a/mapinfo-pro.jpg "MapInfo Pro")

[
MapInfo Pro
](/products/mapinfo-pro/reviews)

 ![CARTO](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/cee17717b1b316da8feb204c2a7a8845/carto.svg "CARTO")

[
CARTO
](/products/carto/reviews)

 ![Google Maps Platform](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_2cbe8c25d49763e01a3f3db6bf003e92/google-maps-platform.png "Google Maps Platform")

[
Google Maps Platform
](/products/google-maps-platform/reviews)

**Global Mapper Alternatives**

 ![Google Earth Pro](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_1b503776988799afd39b27ecbf029a24/google-earth-pro.png "Google Earth Pro")

[
Google Earth Pro
](/products/google-earth-pro/reviews)

 ![QGIS](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_e3c229ccb96c84f6564f5681ddbe1a33/qgis.png "QGIS")

[
QGIS
](/products/qgis/reviews)

 ![Surfer](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_91ab311f30fa76587408489170d4624c/surfer.png "Surfer")

[
Surfer
](/products/surfer/reviews)

 ![MapInfo Pro](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_8c279bac466618e81ea062684c2ee69a/mapinfo-pro.jpg "MapInfo Pro")

[
MapInfo Pro
](/products/mapinfo-pro/reviews)

## Esri ArcGIS vs Global Mapper

- Reviewers felt that Esri ArcGIS meets the needs of their business better than Global Mapper.
- When comparing quality of ongoing product support, reviewers felt that Global Mapper is the preferred option.
- For feature updates and roadmaps, our reviewers preferred the direction of Esri ArcGIS over Global Mapper.