Global Mapper Pro version 25.1 from Blue Marble Geographics introduces innovative tools and enhanced capabilities.
Among the latest updates to the Pixels to Points feature, the software now automatically detects and positions Ground Control Points (GCPs) within images. Additionally,enhancements have been made to the acclaimed Custom Classification Training tool,allowing users to create subclassifications for point clouds. This adds depth to point cloud visualization while maintaining efficiency and processing speed.
A complete overview of the new features, enhancements, and bug fixes can be found in the v25.1 Knowledge Base.
enhancements to Pixels to Points
Automated Placement of Ground Control points
The management of Ground Control Points (GCPs) within the pixels to Points (P2P) tool has been upgraded with a dedicated dialog that facilitates automatic searching for ground targets. gcps, which are optional GNSS-located features, enhance positional accuracy in photogrammetric processing. Each GCP is associated with a specific x/y/z location that typically requires manual linking to an image pixel, a process that can be cumbersome. The new GCP Manager simplifies this by identifying and placing markers on easily recognizable targets in the corresponding images.
Setting up the GCP Manager is user-kind. If the feature used to mark the GCP has a distinctive shape, utilize the Define Target in Image button to create a bounding box around it. Global Mapper employs shape detection techniques to find similar features in other images. For less distinctive GCPs, such as the edge of a painted line, manual placement remains an option. After evaluation, Global Mapper will color-code the images based on its confidence in the point identification. For detailed guidance, refer to the Knowledge Base.
Save templates for Pixels to Points Wizard
In addition to general improvements in quality and processing speed, P2P v25.1 introduces the capability to save Wizard settings as templates for future use.The Pixels to Points Input Wizard is designed to enhance usability for both seasoned users and newcomers by streamlining the selection of settings. Simply import your images and select your desired output, including options for fast assessments of quality. Global Mapper will automatically adjust the Pixels to Points settings to align with your input, offering an optional follow-up to refine the settings if needed.
With the new version, these P2P Wizard settings can be saved as reusable templates. Once created, these templates will appear in the Project Type drop-down menu, marked with a “(Custom)” suffix.
Terrain Painting in the Path Profile Window
The Terrain Painting tool, widely used for editing elevation values in grid layers, has been enhanced in v25.1 with a new function integrated into the Path Profile tool. This tool is frequently utilized for modeling future construction, correcting data imperfections, and filling gaps. While the functionalities remain unchanged, the Path Profile tool now allows users to measure and visualize terrain alterations from an additional, perpendicular viewpoint.
Changes are applied to the layer similarly to the standard Terrain Paint tool, even in areas not visible in the Path Profile window. Users can monitor the cursor’s movement in the 2D workspace as it follows the position in the Profile window. For more information on the Terrain Painting tool, check out this blog: How to utilize the new Terrain Painting tool in Global Mapper Pro.
Subclassifications in Point clouds
the introduction of subclassifications in Global Mapper Pro v25.1 allows users to further refine point cloud classifications.These subclassifications are visually distinct in color and classification label while retaining the functionality of the parent class.
As an example, the automatic ground classification tools categorize all points that constitute the ground, including roads and sidewalks. By creating a custom subclassification labeled “roads,” users can add further context to the “ground” point features without removing them from the existing class. This enables the creation of a bare earth digital terrain model that includes only “ground” points, without needing to specify that road classifications should be included. Tools measuring Height Above Ground will automatically incorporate road points in the ground measurement. Subclassifications represent another advancement in the award-winning Custom Classification training tool,empowering users to maximize their point cloud data.
Comparative Analysis of Point Clouds and Gridded Elevation Layers
The compare Point Clouds tool has been enhanced to allow comparisons not only between point clouds but also between point clouds and one or more loaded gridded terrain layers. gridded data is one of the most prevalent types of elevation data available online, particularly for past datasets. While point cloud data is increasingly accessible, it hasn’t always been available for every research area. The ability to compare point clouds with gridded elevation layers broadens Global Mapper’s change detection capabilities.Additionally,gridded layers can still be compared with each other using the Compare Terrain tool.
To explore the exciting new features in Global Mapper standard and Pro v25.1, download a free 14-day trial today.
