Blue Marble Geographics Launched New Subscription Tiers
The company unified its geospatial software suite into three distinct access levels for practitioners.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Geography
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Blue Marble Geographics has transitioned its Global Mapper suite to a tiered subscription model. The new offering consolidates previously separate desktop GIS products into a unified platform managed through the Blue Marble Hub.
Why it matters
The transition aims to reduce complexity for users by integrating desktop analysis tools with field execution capabilities. This change simplifies license management and provides a centralized resource for training and seat assignment.
The new subscription model introduces 8 exclusive features, including advanced lidar and point cloud processing capabilities. These tools represent a shift from the software suite's heritage dating back to the company's founding in 1993.
The players
Blue Marble Geographics
Headquartered in Hallowell, Maine, this company has developed GIS software and geodetic tools since 1993.
Avenza Maps
This mobile mapping application platform is now linked with office-based analysis tools through a strategic combination.
The details
The subscription tiers, titled Essentials, Advanced, and Professional, integrate services such as the Geographic Calculator and MAPublisher. Users can now access AI tooling and enhanced data sharing features, with support for legacy Maintenance and Support contracts continuing until their respective expiration dates.
Timeline
April 2026: Blue Marble and Avenza announced their strategic combination.
September 28, 2026: Blue Marble Geographics announced the new subscription offering.
Deeper Dive
The move to a subscription model updates the delivery mechanism for the Global Mapper software suite, marking a transition away from perpetual licensing patterns previously established by the firm.
Users will now manage licenses and access training resources through the centralized Blue Marble Hub. Practitioners should check their existing Maintenance and Support contracts to determine when their current access will transition to the new tier system.
The takeaway
This unified model helps professionals bridge the gap between complex office-based analysis and field data collection. Practitioners should audit their current workflows to identify which of the three tiers best aligns with their specific technical requirements.
Further reading
For more information on the evolution of GIS tools, visit the Geography section.
More information
View full details regarding subscription tiers and pricing information on the company website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The American Surveyor.
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