Global Mapper’s Cutting-Edge Point Cloud Classification Tool Honored with 2024 lidar Leader Award

Blue Marble Geographics has been recognized by GeoWeek adn LIDAR Magazine for its innovative Custom Point Cloud Classification Training Tool, which has won the prestigious 2024 Outstanding Innovation in Lidar Award.

Revolutionizing Point Cloud Classification

This award highlights Blue Marble Geographics’ commitment to advancing technology in point cloud classification. The new functionality, introduced in Global Mapper Pro version 25 and enhanced in version 25.1,allows users to train algorithms for automatic classification of point clouds,a significant leap forward in the field.

“We are thrilled to receive this recognition for our team’s innovative efforts with Global Mapper,” said Patrick Cunningham, CEO of Blue Marble Geographics. “As pioneers in GIS tools focused on lidar processing, we continue to explore new possibilities in lidar and geospatial data. Our dedicated team of developers enables us to deliver remarkable features with each update.”

Addressing Industry Needs

The point cloud processing software market offers various classification options for identifying specific objects. While automatic methods for detecting ground, noise, and vegetation are prevalent, few affordable custom solutions exist. Typically, unique classifications require expensive custom software or extensive manual labor.

Global Mapper Pro’s Custom Point Cloud classification Training tool empowers users to train algorithms to automatically identify unique features within point clouds. This innovation significantly lowers the cost barrier, making lidar technology more accessible across various sectors.

Practical Applications Across Sectors

Municipalities can utilize this tool to identify and count road markings, differentiate between metal and wooden power poles, and measure specific electric infrastructure. When distinct objects are present in a point cloud, this tool can effectively locate them.

Advanced Segmentation Techniques

The Custom Classification feature employs segmentation-based analysis to evaluate point cloud characteristics, identifying commonalities among points that constitute an object. For instance, to segment road markings, users would search for points that share attributes like color and surface flatness. This method operates on the premise that each object in the point cloud has a unique signature defined by its attributes and structures, allowing for effective differentiation from neighboring points.

Version 25.1 has introduced subclassifications,enhancing the tool’s capabilities. These new classification types can be integrated into custom classifications, allowing for more precise identification of point features while maintaining the functionality of the parent class.

Explore the Future of Point Cloud Classification

Discover more about the Custom Point cloud Classification Training Tool in Global Mapper Pro and try it out by visiting bluemarblegeo.com/global-mapper-pro.