CUBIZEN: Global Mapper, CityEngine & Creative Tech

Understanding Export Workflows in Global Mapper

Global Mapper is perhaps one of the most versatile GIS tools when it comes to the sheer number of formats it can import and export. Because of this, many users utilize it as a conversion and editing stage before moving data to their final production tools.

Let’s walk through the process step by step.

First, please download the file below. It is a digital map containing building information.

Cur_BD_2.zip (Verified and safe file for Global Mapper.)

If you drag and drop the downloaded file directly into the Global Mapper screen without unzipping it...

You will see the building data appear. Now, I will add a few more features.

As shown below, please create one polygon located roughly within the current data area and another polygon that extends outside the data area, each on its own layer.

When exporting, there are several things to consider:

1. Which format will you export to? Vector? Raster? Or something else?
2. Will you export the entire data set, or define a specific area beforehand?
3. Will you export only specific layers, or export everything currently visible on the screen?

Let’s go through these one by one. First, let's save the entire visible screen as a raster image.

Click File - Export from the top menu bar, and you will see the Raster/Image Format option. Select it.

A window will appear asking you to choose the format.

Select the format that best matches your downstream workflow requirements. After selecting, an options window will pop up.

Key Options:

• Sample Spacing: This determines how much real-world distance is contained in a single pixel. Set this to an appropriate resolution.
• Metadata File Formats to Generate: This allows you to export the coordinate system information alongside the image. I recommend always checking the 'World File' and 'PRJ File' options. This ensures the file can be re-imported with the correct coordinates later.
• Save Map Layout: This includes elements outside the map (like legends or scales) in the raster file. I generally don't recommend this because the size of legends can change depending on the Sample Spacing.
• Save Vector Data if Displayed: This option determines whether to render vector elements if you have raster layers in your workspace. It is currently grayed out here as we only have vector elements.

Once you've configured these, click OK. A window will appear asking you to save the file.

Name your file and save it. A quick tip: if you use Korean for the file name, the generated .prj file will also have a Korean name. Some programs may not recognize .prj files with non-English characters. For better compatibility, I recommend using English names, though Global Mapper itself handles Korean names just fine.

Now, let's try loading the saved file back into Global Mapper.

I turned off the other layers to show only the imported file. You can see that the entire data set has been successfully rasterized and loaded. Next, let’s export the entire data set as a vector file.

If you select Vector/Lidar Format from the Export menu (feel free to explore other formats on your own; they aren't difficult), a format selection window will appear.

Select the format you need. Shall we try PDF?

Most PDF export settings are standard page and layout options. Most are standard page settings. Just click OK.

Choose your location and filename, then save. Now, let’s load it back in.

The file was imported successfully with vector geometry preserved. If you zoom in and out, you’ll see it has been imported correctly as vector data.

How to Export Only Selected Layers in Global Mapper

Now, let's look at how to export only specific layers.

Currently, I have three layers. I will select two of them (hold Ctrl while clicking), then right-click to open the context menu and select Layer - EXPORT - Export Layer(s) to New File...

A window will appear to confirm your layer selection.

The layers you previously selected will already be checked. You can add or remove layers here if needed. Click OK.

Let's go with JPG again. (Note: When you use the 'Export Layer' function, all compatible formats for both vector and raster will appear in the list.) Configure your export options and save the file.

As you can see, only the selected layers were exported correctly.

How to Export a Cropped Area Using a Polygon Boundary

Finally, here is how to export by defining a specific area. First, select the area you want to export. I will select the yellow polygon.

For this method, you need to decide whether you want to export based on what's visible on the screen or based on specific layers.

• Visible Screen: With the area selected, use the File - Export menu from the top menu bar.
• Specific Layers: Select the layers in the Control Center, right-click, and use the Export menu.

Let’s try using everything visible on the screen. Select File - Export - Raster/Image Format... and choose JPG.

Now, the most important part is the Export Bounds tab in the options window.

Export Bounds Explained:

• All Loaded Data: Ignores your selection and exports all active layers.
• All Data Visible On Screen: Ignores your selection and exports only what is currently visible in the workspace.
• Lat/Lon: Allows you to set a coordinate range (rarely used manually).
• Draw a Box: Allows you to manually draw a rectangular area on the screen for export.
• Use Layer Bounds...: Sets the export boundary to the extent of a specific selected layer.
• Crop to Selected Area Feature(s): This is what we want. It uses the currently selected polygon as the clipping boundary.

After selecting 'Crop to Selected Area Feature(s)', click OK and enter your filename.

The export was successfully clipped to the selected polygon boundary. If you don't want the boundary line of the polygon to show up in the image, simply turn off that layer in the Control Center after making the selection but before clicking export.

Once you understand the workflow, the export process becomes very straightforward.

That’s all for today.