Global Mapper Course

Lesson 1 • Overview of GIS and Global Mapper

Establishes what GIS is and where Global Mapper fits amongst geospatial tools. Grounds all subsequent software work in conceptual understanding.

Lesson 2 • Installing and Configuring the Software

Covers system requirements, installation steps, and initial configuration. Ensures every student has a functional, properly licensed environment.

Lesson 3 • Opening and Viewing Data Files

Demonstrates how to open raster, vector, and elevation files in the workspace. Connects interface knowledge to real data interaction.

Lesson 4 • Coordinate Systems and Projections Basics

Explains geographic vs. projected coordinate systems and how Global Mapper handles them. Prepares students for accurate spatial referencing in later chapters.

Lesson 1 • Managing Attributes and Metadata

Explains how to add, edit, and calculate attribute fields. Connects attribute management to downstream analysis and labelling tasks.

Lesson 2 • Selecting and Querying Features

Teaches spatial and attribute-based selection methods. Enables targeted data retrieval essential for editing and analysis workflows.

Lesson 3 • Loading and Inspecting Vector Layers

Covers importing shapefiles, KML, GeoJSON, and other vector formats. Students learn to verify geometry and attribute integrity on load.

Lesson 4 • Editing Vector Geometry

Introduces tools for creating, moving, reshaping, and deleting features. Builds precision editing habits needed for data quality work.

Lesson 1 • Understanding Supported Data Formats

Surveys the full range of vector, raster, and elevation formats Global Mapper reads and writes. Builds awareness needed for interoperability planning.

Lesson 2 • Automating Batch Conversions

Introduces the batch conversion tool for processing multiple files simultaneously. Saves time on large-scale data preparation tasks.

Lesson 3 • Coordinate System Transformation on Export

Explains reprojection settings during export to match target coordinate systems. Prevents misalignment when sharing data with other platforms.

Lesson 4 • Importing External Data Sources

Covers WMS, WFS, online tile services, and database connections as live data sources. Extends the workspace beyond local files.

Lesson 1 • Adjusting Raster Display Settings

Explains contrast, brightness, transparency, and band combination controls. Improves visual interpretation of imagery for analysis and presentation.

Lesson 2 • Raster Analysis Functions

Introduces raster maths, band calculations, and classification tools. Connects raster processing to quantitative spatial analysis outcomes.

Lesson 3 • Importing Raster Imagery

Covers loading GeoTIFF, JPEG2000, ECW, and other raster formats. Students verify spatial reference and resolution on import.

Lesson 4 • Georeferencing Raster Images

Teaches control-point placement and transformation methods to spatially align imagery. Directly enables accurate overlay with other datasets.

Lesson 1 • Loading and Inspecting Elevation Data

Covers importing DEM, LiDAR, and gridded elevation formats. Students verify vertical datum and resolution before analysis.

Lesson 2 • Viewshed and Line-of-Sight Analysis

Explains observer-point setup and viewshed computation parameters. Supports infrastructure planning and visibility assessment tasks.

Lesson 3 • Contour Generation and Editing

Teaches automated contour creation and manual refinement techniques. Produces publication-quality contour lines for topographic maps.

Lesson 4 • Generating Terrain Derivatives

Produces slope, aspect, hillshade, and curvature layers from elevation data. These derivatives underpin landform interpretation and site suitability work.

Lesson 1 • Spatial Statistics and Measurements

Introduces area, perimeter, length, and centroid calculations across feature sets. Provides quantitative outputs needed for reporting and decision-making.

Lesson 2 • Combining Analysis Results

Demonstrates merging geoprocessing outputs into composite suitability or risk layers. Prepares students for multi-criteria spatial decision workflows.

Lesson 3 • Watershed and Drainage Analysis

Uses DEM-derived flow direction and accumulation to delineate watersheds. Connects terrain analysis skills to hydrological applications.

Lesson 4 • Buffer and Proximity Analysis

Covers fixed and variable buffer creation around points, lines, and polygons. Establishes distance-based spatial reasoning for site and corridor analysis.

Lesson 1 • Annotation and Labelling on Maps

Teaches manual annotation, callout boxes, and automated label placement in the layout. Improves map readability and feature identification.

Lesson 2 • Adding Map Elements

Covers inserting north arrows, scale bars, legends, and title blocks. These elements communicate spatial context and map purpose to readers.

Lesson 3 • Map Layout Workspace Overview

Introduces the layout canvas, page setup, and element placement tools. Establishes the production environment for all cartographic output tasks.

Lesson 4 • Map Series and Atlas Production

Demonstrates creating multi-page map series driven by index features. Enables efficient production of atlas-style deliverables for large areas.

Lesson 1 • Scripting Geoprocessing Operations

Demonstrates scripting buffer, overlay, and terrain analysis commands. Enables end-to-end analysis pipelines without manual intervention.

Lesson 2 • Automating Data Loading and Export

Covers script commands for loading files, setting projections, and exporting outputs. Replaces manual steps with repeatable, error-free routines.

Lesson 3 • Scheduling and Integrating Scripts

Explains running scripts via command line and scheduling with OS task tools. Connects Global Mapper automation to broader enterprise workflows.

Lesson 4 • Introduction to Global Mapper Scripting

Explains the scripting language syntax, command structure, and execution environment. Provides the foundation for all automation work in this chapter.