Geodetics and Coordinate Management in Global Mapper

This self-guided, introductory course provides a foundational overview of the geodetic capabilities introduced through the integration of the GeoCalc engine within Global Mapper. Participants will begin by exploring the value of this update, which brings an expansive coordinate reference system database and new datum transformation methods into Global Mapper. From there, the course moves directly into the practical mechanics of using the software, demonstrating how to browse the new geodetic library and select a coordinate reference system for the workspace environment and data exports.

Understanding how Global Mapper handles the relationship between different geodetic datums is essential for meeting positional precision and accuracy requirements. You will learn about the software’s intelligent auto-pick datum transformation logic and how to manually override these selections when necessary to meet specific project criteria. The curriculum then introduces time-dependent datum transformations that account for geophysical changes, such as tectonic motion, as well as vertical transformations for precise elevation modeling. The course concludes with a guide to augmenting the GeoCalc Datasource, teaching you how to define custom coordinate systems and add new datum transformations.

Use the provided sample data files to follow along with the hands-on walkthroughs for each concept. Upon completion of the course and a brief quiz, you will receive a personalized certificate with the course name, date completed, and estimated completion duration (2 hours).

Course Requirements

Licensing

• Course participants need Global Mapper version 27.0 or later installed and licensed
• For more information on licensing options, visit Purchase Global Mapper

Data

Download the sample data used throughout the course here. After the download is complete, unzip the GeoCalc_in_GM folder and place in a convenient location on your computer.

Course Pre-requisites

No pre-req required; however, users may benefit from completing Introduction to Global Mapper or experience working with Global Mapper.

Course Structure

Each lesson contains two or three topic pages covering an explanation of the software tools and example workflows for hands-on participation. At the end of course, you may complete a short quiz to gauge your knowledge and proficiency with the concepts. Upon receiving a passing grade (70%) on the quiz, you earn a course completion certificate.

Look out for the following symbols interspersed throughout the course:
Indicates that data needs to be downloaded to be used in the course workflows.
Denotes a helpful hint or supplemental information about the current topic or theme.
Precedes an informational video in which the instructor demonstrates a tool or workflow.
Indicates a series of step-by-step instructions guiding you through a workflow.
Denotes a bulleted list summarizing the key takeaways.
Introduces a quiz at the end of each lesson.
After you complete each section, click the button to proceed to the next topic.

Estimated completion time = 2 hours