Software Alternatives & Startups

Global Mapper VS CloudLinux

Compare Global Mapper VS CloudLinux and see what are their differences

Global Mapper

Blue Marble's GIS software and training are used worldwide by GIS professionals who need affordable, powerful, and easy GIS mapping solutions.

Rating
0 reviews
CloudLinux

Making Linux secure, stable, and profitable for thousands of hosting providers and data centers worldwide.

Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Open source
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Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

Global Mapper
CloudLinux
Website bluemarblegeo.com cloudlinux.com
Pricing
Open source
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

Global Mapper 7 features
CloudLinux 5 features
  • Versatile Data Support
    Global Mapper supports a wide range of spatial data formats, making it very versatile for various GIS applications.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The software has a straightforward and intuitive interface, allowing users of all experience levels to navigate and utilize its features effectively.
  • Advanced Analysis Tools
    Global Mapper offers powerful analysis tools for terrain analysis, watershed delineation, and viewshed analysis, among other functionalities.
  • Cost-Effective
    Compared to other high-end GIS software, Global Mapper offers a more budget-friendly option while still providing robust functionalities.
  • Batch Processing
    The software allows batch processing of large datasets, which can save time and increase productivity.
  • Frequent Updates
    Global Mapper is frequently updated with new features and improvements, ensuring it remains up-to-date with the latest GIS technology.
  • Strong Community Support
    It has a strong user community, which can be a valuable resource for troubleshooting, tips, and best practices.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited Customization
    While versatile, Global Mapper has limitations in customization and might not offer the same level of flexibility as some other specialized GIS tools.
  • Learning Curve
    Despite its user-friendly interface, there can be a steep learning curve due to the vast array of features and functionalities available.
  • Performance Issues
    When working with very large datasets, users may experience performance slowdowns, which can impact efficiency.
  • Limited Mobile Support
    Global Mapper's mobile support is not as extensive as its desktop version, potentially limiting field data collection and real-time updates.
  • Integration Challenges
    Integrating Global Mapper with other specialized GIS software or customized workflows may require additional effort and technical expertise.
  • Higher Cost for Advanced Features
    While the base program is cost-effective, advanced modules and extensions can be expensive, potentially increasing the overall cost.
  • Enhanced Server Stability
    CloudLinux uses its lightweight virtualization technology (LVE) to isolate each tenant on a shared hosting server, preventing any single user from consuming excessive resources and crashing the server for everyone else. This ensures consistent uptime and performance.
  • Improved Security with HardenedPHP and KernelCare
    CloudLinux offers HardenedPHP, which patches old and unsupported PHP versions against known vulnerabilities, and KernelCare, which provides live kernel patching without requiring server reboots. These features significantly enhance server security posture.
  • Resource Limit Management
    Administrators can set granular resource limits (CPU, memory, I/O, number of processes, etc.) per user account using LVE Manager. This makes it easy to manage shared hosting environments and ensure fair resource distribution among tenants.
  • CageFS File System Virtualization
    CageFS creates a virtualized file system for each user, preventing them from seeing other users on the server, viewing sensitive configuration files, or exploiting server vulnerabilities. This adds an important layer of isolation and security.
  • Wide Compatibility with Hosting Panels
    CloudLinux integrates seamlessly with popular hosting control panels such as cPanel, Plesk, and DirectAdmin, making it straightforward for hosting providers to adopt without overhauling their existing infrastructure or workflows.

Possible disadvantages

  • Additional Licensing Cost
    CloudLinux requires a paid monthly or annual license on top of the base server cost. For smaller hosting providers or individual server owners, this additional expense can add up and may not always be justifiable compared to free alternatives.
  • Limited to CentOS/RHEL-Based Systems
    CloudLinux is built on top of RHEL/CentOS and does not support other Linux distributions like Ubuntu or Debian. This limits its adoption for hosting providers who prefer or already run non-RHEL-based environments.
  • Learning Curve for Configuration
    While CloudLinux provides powerful resource management tools, properly configuring LVE limits, CageFS, PHP Selector, and other features requires a solid understanding of the platform. Misconfiguration can lead to users being unnecessarily restricted or resources being poorly allocated.
  • Potential Performance Overhead
    The additional layers of virtualization, resource monitoring, and file system isolation introduced by CloudLinux can impose a slight performance overhead on the server compared to running a bare, unmodified Linux distribution without these controls.
  • Dependency on CloudLinux Ecosystem
    Adopting CloudLinux means relying on their ecosystem for kernel updates, PHP patches, and security fixes. If the company experiences delays in releasing patches or changes its pricing/licensing model, hosting providers may find themselves locked into a dependency that is difficult to migrate away from.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

Global Mapper
CloudLinux

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Global Mapper is generally viewed as a good GIS tool for its ease of use, comprehensive functionality, and cost-effectiveness. It's widely appreciated by professionals in various industries for its flexibility and performance with large datasets.

Why this product is good

  • Global Mapper by Blue Marble Geographics is considered a robust GIS application due to its versatile data processing capabilities, extensive format support, and advanced analysis tools. It stands out for its user-friendly interface and affordability compared to other high-end GIS software. It provides features such as terrain analysis, 3D data visualization, and spatial data editing, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users.

Recommended for

    Global Mapper is recommended for GIS professionals, surveyors, engineers, and environmental scientists who need a powerful, yet accessible tool for mapping and spatial data analysis. It's also suitable for educators and students who require a comprehensive GIS software for learning and instructional purposes.

Overall verdict

  • CloudLinux is a well-regarded, mature Linux OS distribution and toolset specifically designed for shared hosting and multi-tenant server environments, offering strong isolation, resource management, and security features that make it a solid choice for hosting providers.

Why this product is good

  • Provides LVE (Lightweight Virtual Environment) technology for per-tenant resource isolation, preventing 'bad neighbor' effects on shared servers
  • Enhances server stability and security by isolating users so that one account's issues (crashes, resource spikes) don't affect others
  • Offers extended lifecycle support (longer than standard CentOS/RHEL support windows), which is valuable for legacy systems
  • Includes tools like CloudLinux OS Shield, Imunify360 integration, and hardened kernel options for improved security
  • Compatible with popular control panels like cPanel and Plesk, making it easy to integrate into existing hosting stacks
  • Backed by an established company with a long track record in the hosting industry and responsive support
  • Offers granular control over CPU, memory, I/O, and other resources per user account
  • Provides PHP Selector and multiple PHP version support, useful for hosting providers serving diverse client needs

Recommended for

  • Web hosting companies running shared or reseller hosting environments
  • Hosting providers needing to isolate customer accounts on the same physical server
  • Businesses requiring extended OS support lifecycles beyond standard RHEL/CentOS EOL dates
  • Enterprises using cPanel or Plesk that want tighter security and resource control
  • Hosting companies looking to reduce support tickets caused by noisy-neighbor resource contention
  • IT teams managing multi-tenant infrastructure who need governance and monitoring tools built into the OS layer

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

Global Mapper 3 videos + Add
CloudLinux 3 videos + Add

Top 10 Global Mapper Features

More videos

  • - Global Mapper Version 22: Top 5 New Features
  • - What's New in Global Mapper v21.1

When To Use Cloudlinux On Your Virtual Private Server (VPS)

More videos

  • - CloudLinux OS+ in a minute: Explore Features
  • - How CloudLinux Plans to Keep CentOS 6 Alive

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
Global Mapper
CloudLinux
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%

User comments

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Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

Global Mapper no reviews yet
CloudLinux no reviews yet
  • Top 7 ArcGIS Alternatives For Your GIS Needs
    nextbillion.ai · Oct 2024

    Easy-to-use interface: Global Mapper boasts an intuitive interface that is easy to use. Users don’t need extensive training to start using the platform. Supports a wide range of data formats: Following in the...

  • Top 10 GIS Software Tools And Solutions
    em360tech.com · Aug 2024

    Global Mapper is often described as the “Swiss army knife” of GIS analysis due to its versatility and ease of use. Getting started with Global Mapper is straightforward, yet the software offers incredible flexibility....

  • 30 Best GIS Software Applications [Rankings]
    gisgeography.com · Feb 2022

    If your definition of “GIS” is limited to desktop applications, you’re not reading the winds correctly. I rarely use a desktop GIS, and yet I “do GIS” all day. (When I do use one, it’s QGIS or Global Mapper.) Much...

We have no reviews of CloudLinux yet. Be the first one to post

Alternatives to Global Mapper and CloudLinux

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