GIS TOOLS Software and Utilities

GIS do not necessarily need expensive software. Many tools are free and even the most sophisticated software is available either as demo or trial version.

We are likely to be criticised for supporting certain software packages rather than others. We support what we like to use. If another MadMapper does not agree with our choice he is welcome to support on this forum anything he likes. We will listen, judge and hopefully be convinced. But please, do not avoid price comparisons! The Madmappers motto is "GIS data accessible to all". The word accessible has been chosen for this exact reason: data must be suitable for use in software we can afford.  Sustainable Development cannot be based on cracks and illegal software!

We recommend:

• OziExplorer: Most MadMappers are Oziexplorer users. Why?
Simply because it is the best value for money GIS software on the market. Ozi, as we call it, can handle both raster digital maps and vectors, it can be connected to your GPS for uploading and downloading data and it is an excellent moving map software (Ozi features). Furthermore updates are free and support magnificent.
Madmappers have acquired distribution rights for OziExplorer: a way to contribute to the MadMappers project is to purchase an Oziexplorer licence from us (particularly if you have an illegal copy).
MADMAPPERS PRICE:
R 1 150,00* / US$ 100,00 (including S.A. 250k Maps on CD and more!!!)
* Price subject to exchange rate variations

• Global Mapper: A must have for any MadMapper and GIS Professional.
GM is the magic wand of the GIS professional. Re-project and change datum at the touch of a button and even in batch mode, load almost every type of data without even knowing format or parameters, generate in real time Relief Maps, Digital Terrain Models, Mosaics and 3-D Views. And the interface is so friendly that you start to wonder why others have taken the complicated route. Every project manager at NASA uses it. Why? Because GM does in 30 seconds what other GIS software does in 30 minutes.
Global Mapper loads virtually all formats of Vector, Raster Maps, Satellite Imagery, Aerial Photography, DEMs, ... GPS maps are the only data which are left out ... for now. Support is so prompt that it can be embarrassing. We are not passionate about many software packages but we are about Global Mapper.
If you don't know it then try it, if you do know it, get a legal licence, it does deserve it!

UTILITIES

• IrfanView: With this great free graphic utility any graphic file can be viewed and converted. Make sure you also install Plugins/AddOns