Geoinformatics handbook

GEO INFORMATICS
HANDBOOK
By: Mohammed Faizan O
Father of GIS
“ I’m very positive about the future of GIS
It’s the right technology at the right time ”
-Goger Tomlinson

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contents
page no
1.Introduction……………………..……………………….4
2.Top GIS software
2.1 Open source software ……………………………5
2.2 Commercial software ……….……………………8
3.Top Remote sensing software ………………………12
4.Top Photogrammerty software
4.1 Open source software………………………….. 15
4.2 Commercial software…………………………… 17
5. Top 25 Satellite maps
5.1 colour Imagery…………………………………… 20
5.2 Beyond visible……………………………………. 23
5.3 Humanitarian Relief……………………………. 25
5.4 Weather forecast………………………………… 25
5.5 Specialty satellite maps………………………… 26
6. Free GIS Data Sources ……………………………… 27
( Best Global Raster and Vector Datasets)
7. Free Global DEM Data Sources……………………. 33
8. Free LIDAR Data Sources……………………………37
9. Category wise free GIS Data sources……………..39
10.References …………………………………………….48

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About
Mohammed Faizan O
B.E Geo Informatics (II Year)
Institute Of Remote Sensing
College Of Engineering Guindy
Anna University, Chennai 600 025
Email Id: faizan1675273@gmail.com

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1.Introduction
Geoinformatics is the science and the technology which develops
and uses information science infrastructure to address the problems of
geography, cartography, geosciences and related branches of science
and engineering.
✓ A geographic information system (GIS) is a system designed
to capture, store, manipulate, analyse, manage, and present all
types of geographical data.
✓ Remote sensing is the acquisition of information about an
object or phenomenon without making physical contact with the
object and thus in contrast to on-site observation, especially the
Earth.
✓ Photogrammetry is the science of making measurements from
photographs. The input to photogrammetry is photographs, and
the output is typically a map, a drawing, a measurement, or a
3D model of some real-world object or scene.
A digital elevation model (DEM) is a 3D CG representation of a terrain's
surface – commonly of a planet (e.g. Earth), moon, or asteroid – created from a
terrain's elevation data. DEMs are used often in geographic information
systems, and are the most common basis for digitally produced relief maps.
LIDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing
method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges (variable
distances) to the Earth. These light pulses—combined with other data recorded
by the airborne system— generate precise, three-dimensional information
about the shape of the Earth and its surface characteristics.
Spatial data, also known as geospatial data, is information about a physical
object that can be represented by numerical values in a geographic coordinate
system. Generally speaking, spatial data represents the location, size and shape
of an object on planet Earth such as a building, lake, mountain or township.
The data for GIS can be derived from various sources. A wide variety of data
sources exist for both spatial and attribute data. People can use topo maps,
aerial photographs, satellite images, data of ground surveys, readily available
reports and government or research publications.

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2.GIS SOFTWARE
2.1 Open source software:
1.QGIS 3
Open source flows in the DNA of QGIS 3. It’s been
genetically tailored to break the mould of commercial GIS. Not
only because it’s now in 3D. But QGIS plugins still give you the
power to analyze like the Incredible Hulk.
Download link:https://qgis.org/en/site/forusers/download.html
2.QGIS 2
QGIS 2 is the largest community effort in the history of GIS.
And because it’s community-driven, it’s wildly innovative and
inventive. Even though QGIS 2 is completely open source, it
still rivals the best.
Download link: https://download.qgis.org
3.gvSIG*
If you eat, sleep and breathe GIS, gvSIG is free and open
source GIS software. Its features may surprise you. For
example, it has a field app, 3D capabilities and a desktop
application. But it’s light on documentation. Especially, anything
in English.
Download link: http://www.gvsig.com/en/products/gvsig-desktop/downloads
4.GRASS GIS*
GRASS GIS is one of those suites that let you geoprocess
until the night falls. It’s a loaded gun with sophisticated tools.
It’s so powerful that you can unleash GRASS GIS in QGIS as
a separate toolbox. But its clunky interface and stubborn map
projection rules hold it back.
Download link: https://grass.osgeo.org/download

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5.WhiteBox GAT*
WhiteBox GAT is the diamond in the rough. If you need
terrain and hydrological analysis, then it’s a superb choice.
The LiDAR support is out-of-this-world. But it also has 360+
plugin tools. It deserves a higher ranking. But it’s just not
strong in mapping, editing and data management.
Download link: https://jblindsay.github.io/ghrg/Whitebox/download.shtml
6.ILWIS*
The 80s are making a comeback. As part of it, ILWIS is still
embracing the era. But if you need remote sensing tools, it’s a
decent place to look. There’s also 3D visualizations and stereo
imaging. Despite its desperate need for makeover, ILWIS is
versatile in specific niches.
Download link: https://www.itc.nl/ilwis/download
7.SAGA GIS*
The name of the game for SAGA GIS is geoscience. If you go
down this rabbit hole, you may get lost. Documentation lacks
do much that you don’t even know the input and output. But it
has some of the rarest tools you’ll ever find in GIS software.
Download link: https://sourceforge.net/projects/saga-gis/files/latest/download
8.GeoDA
GeoDa is a specialist in statistical tools. As you work in this open
source GIS software, you explore spatial statistics. Through state-
of-the-art geo-visualizations and geo-simulations, it’s the ultimate
tool for spatial modeling.
Download link: https://geodacenter.github.io/download.html
9.MapWindow
MapWindow is an open source project. While it does about 90% of
what GIS users need, it specializes in hydrology. It still struggles with
some of the basics. But it’s a decent volunteer effort.
Download link: https://www.mapwindow.org/#download

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10.uDig
Volunteers world-wide work on this open source desktop
application. Most of the focus for uDig is on database viewing
and editing. Even today, updates continue to roll in. But the
interface really just needs a fresh coat of paint.
Download link: http://udig.refractions.net/download
11.Falconview
FalconView is a flight simulator so it’s unfair to compare in this
list of GIS software. If you want to do fly-throughs, Georgia Tech
built it for this purpose. Otherwise, you can render features in 3D
like LiDAR and elevation.
Download link: https://falconview.software.informer.com/5.1
12.OpenJump GIS
Jump GIS is good at doing the basics. It started as a tool for data
conflation. Then, it grew into a modest size open source project.
Despite its light functionality, developers still support the project.
Download link: http://sourceforge.net/projects/jump-
pilot/files/OpenJUMP/1.15
13.OrbisGIS
OrbisGIS is still a work-in-progress. It’s now released as a cross-
platform open source GIS software package. Specifically,
OrbisGIS is designed by and for research.
Download link: https://github.com/orbisgis/orbisgis/releases/download
14.Diva GIS
Diva GIS is an open source GIS software package that’s simple
and light-weight. Biologists use it for mapping biological richness
and diversity distribution. It’s functional. But there’s not a lot here
for mapping and functionality.
Download link: https://www.diva-gis.org/download
*Also Remote Sensing Software

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2.2 commercial software:
1.ArcGIS Pro
ArcGIS Pro modernizes GIS with a ribbon interface, 64-bit
processing and 3D integration. It’s a massive overhaul with a focus
on quickness, ingenuity and cartography. Even though ArcGIS Pro
is a big machine with lots of moving parts, it earns top spot.
Download link: https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/get-started/install-and-sign-in-to-
arcgis-pro.htm
2.ArcGIS Desktop
ArcGIS Desktop is cutting edge in GIS. It raises the bar to the next
level by doing what other GIS software can’t. Its success is that it’s
expandable. From field apps to modeling and scripting, ArcGIS is a
powerhouse for all things GIS.
Download link: https://store.esri.com/content/esri/en-us/arcGISDesktop.html
3.Hexagon Geomedia
GeoMedia has 40+ years of history. But lately, it’s taken a bit of a
slide. Nevertheless, it’s still solid as GIS software. Especially, when
you pair it up with ERDAS Imagine, you get arguably the best suite
in remote sensing.
Download link:https://download.hexagongeospatial.com.
4.MapInfo Professional
At its core, MapInfo Professional is all about locational intelligence.
And just like GeoMedia, it’s been a tale of shrinking market share.
But don’t get fooled. MapInfo is still gifted as an well-rounded GIS
software suite.
Download link: https://www.filehorse.com/download-mapinfo-pro
5. FME (Feature Manipulation Engine)
Feature Manipulation Engine FME® isn’t a full-fledged GIS
package. It’s extremely powerful and has a surprisingly active
community. In fact, its yearly World Tour is a blast to attend. But
just don’t use FME® for making maps.
Download link: https://www.safe.com/support/downloads

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6.Global Mapper
Global Mapper is like a “Swiss army knife” in GIS analysis. It’s
straight-forward to get started. But at the same time, it has an
incredible amount of flexibility. For example, it has powerful display
for LiDAR and elevation.
Download link: https://www.bluemarblegeo.com/products/global-mapper-
download.php
7.Cadcorp
Cadcorp meshes GIS with CAD. In a near flawless way, it adds
rich functionality for mapping and styling. In a ribbon interface,
inter-operability and web mapping both shine in Cadcorp
Download link: https://www.cadcorp.com/products/downloads
8.GE SmallWorld
If you’re in utilities, then GE Smallworld is for you. When GE
acquired SmallWorld, it rose as the top GIS software for utility
companies. The key is its robust data model which allows
various geometry properties per object.
Download link: https://www.safe.com/fme/fme-desktop/trial-download/
9.Manifold GIS
Manifold System is something you can just pick up and get
accustomed to quickly. Its highlights are its intuitive interface,
programmability and 64-bit processing. Manifold GIS has a solid set
of tools. But without the high price tag.
Download link: http://manifold.net/updates/downloads.shtml
10.TatukGIS
TatukGIS is straightforward and well-rounded. Its leading features
include its state-of-the-art editing, format support and scripting
environment. Fun fact: The origin of TatukGIS is based on Tatuk
Lake in British Columbia, Canada.
Download link: https://www.tatukgis.com/Downloads.aspx

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11.Maptitude
Maptitude stands out as one of the more affordable one-stop shop
GIS platforms on the market. While it’s true that Maptitude is a low
cost, professional GIS, you might want to look elsewhere for higher
level analysis.
Download link: https://www.caliper.com/learning/sections/download
12.Golden Software MapViewer
MapViewer is part of the Golden Software suite. Alongside Surfer
and Didger, you get a nice mix of 3D, analysis and editing capabilities.
But it’s key feature is how you can produce professional quality
thematic maps.
Download link: https://filecr.com/windows/golden-software-mapviewer
13.AutoCAD Map 3D
If you started using Autodesk, AutoCAD Map 3D has the same
look and feel to it. Basically, AutoCAD Map bridges the gap
between CAD and GIS. You get map layouts, data management
and editing capabilities. By linking CAD and GIS, you get the best
of both worlds.
Download link: https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad-map-3d/downloads
14.Bentley Map
Bentley Map combines the power of CAD with the strengths of
traditional GIS. For example, it offers robust inter-operability, overlay
tools and high quality cartographical output. It’s not only for 2D. But
you can perform GIS analysis in 3D too.
Download link: https://en.freedownloadmanager.org/Windows-PC/Bentley-Map.html
15.IDRISI Terrset
IDRISI by Clark Labs is mostly for raster analysis and image
processing. For example, it’s equipped with 300+ analysis tools.
But it also focuses on Earth modeling too. For example, it has
modules for land change, biodiversity modeling and climate
change.
Download link: https://clarklabs.org/download

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16.TNT GIS
TNTview, TNTedit, TNTmips and TNTscript are part of
the MicroImages GIS software family. At the basic level, TNTview is
an open viewer. As you move up the license levels, each one adds
extra capabilities. Overall, it’s a decent option for all-around mapping,
analysis and editing.
Download link: https://www.microimages.com/downloads/index.htm
Software
name
% of user Software
name
% of user
ArcGIS Pro 98% Maptitude 69%
ArcGIS Desktop 97% Golden software
Map Viewer
68%
Q GIS3 96% AutoCAD Map 3D 69%
QGIS2 95% ILWIS 67%
Hexagon
Geomedia
86% SAGA GIS 66%
MapInfo 85% GeoDa 65%
FME 82% Bentley Map 64%
Global Mapper 81% IDRISI Terrset 61%
gvSIG 80% TNT GIS 50%
GRASS GIS 77% MapWindow 50%
WhiteBox GAT 75% uDig 49%
Cadcorp 74% FalconView 48%
GE Smallworld 73% OpenJump GIS 45%
Manifold GIS 71% Orbis GIS 37%
TalukGIS 70% Diva GIS 24%

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3.remote sensing software
1.OSSIM (Open Source Software Image Map)
OSSIM is a high performance open source remote sensing software
application. It’s good with compatibility. If you need some remote
sensing direction for high spatial resolution imagery, OSSIM might
be the answer you have been searching for.
Download link: https://sourceforge.net/projects/ossim/files/latest/download
2.E-foto
E-foto is the digital photogrammetry specialist in the group of
open source remote sensing software. The core functionality is
Photo triangulation, Stereoscopic modelling and Digital elevation
model extraction. This software provides a fully functional
photogrammetry tool set to use at no cost.
Download link: http://www.efoto.eng.uerj.br/download
3.InterImage
InterImage is a bit different from the other open source remote
sensing software on this list.The core theme of automatic image
interpretation is object-based image analysis (OBIA). This involves
segmentation, exploring their spectral, geometric and spatial
properties and then classification.
Download link: http://www.lvc.ele.puc-rio.br/projects/interimage/download
4.Opticks
Opticks is a remote sensing application that supports imagery,
video (motion imagery), SAR, multi spectral, hyper spectral and
other types of remote sensing data. Opticks supports processing
remote sensing video in the same manner as it supports imagery,
which differentiates it from other remote sensing applications.
Download link: https://www.download82.com/download/windows/opticks-sdk

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5.PolSAR PRO
For synthetic aperture radar, you may want to into look PolSARPro. There’s
a wide range of tools like radar decompositions, inSAR processing and
calibration. Another neat part of this software is the graph processing
framework where users can automate workflow. You need to take a look at
PolSARPro if you’re working with full or dual polarization SAR data.
Download link: https://earth.esa.int/web/polsarpro/download
6.ORFEO Toolbox (OTB): Optical and Radar Federated Earth Observation
ORFEO is an image processing library aims at high spatial resolution data.
It’s a mixed bag of remote sensing tools including: Image segmentation,
classification and filtering ,Change detection and Radiometry, PCA and pan
sharpening. This type of object based image analysis is a rare feature seen
in software nowadays.
Download link: https://www.orfeo-toolbox.org/download
7.The Sentinel Toolbox
The Sentinel Toolbox consists of 3 separate applications:
• Sentinel-1 Toolbox (SAR applications)
• Sentinel-2 Toolbox (High-resolution optical applications)
• Sentinel-3 Toolbox (High resolution optical applications)
Sentinel-2 has become the gold standard for open satellite data. In order to
process the vast amounts of data collected by Sentinel-2A/2B, users can use
the Sentinel Toolbox. One of the highlights of the Sen2cor plugin which
allows users to correct for atmospheric effects and classify images.If you
download Sentinel-1 synthetic aperture radar data, you can process your
data with the Sentinel-1 toolbox.
Download link:https://sentinel.esa.int/web/sentinel/toolboxes
8.CLASlite
CLASlite remote sensing software is designed specifically for images of forests. The
software captures images of dense tropical forest via satellite imaging;
convert the images into highly detailed maps that can be readily
searched for deforestation, logging and other forest disturbance
events. The process of conversion goes through calibration, pre-
processing, and atmospheric correction and so on.
Download link: https://claslite.software.informer.com/download

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9.OpenEV
OpenEV is an open-source geospatial toolkit and a frontend to
that toolkit. OpenEV was developed using Python and uses
the GDAL library to display georeferenced images
and elevation data. The application also has image editing
capabilities and uses Open GL to display elevation data in 3-D.
Download link: http://openev.sourceforge.net/index.php?page=download
10.ENVI (Environment for Visualizing Images)*
ENVI is software for processing and analyzing geospatial imagery. ENVI
handles hyperspectral, LiDAR, and other remotely sensed data sets easily
with both wizard based approaches and allowing users to program
operations. The main benefit of using ENVI is for the analysis and
visualization of spectral and hyperpsectral data. ENVI has internal
workflows and allows users to customize procedures with their IDL programming
language.
Download link: https://envi.software.informer.com/download
11.ERDAS IMAGINE*
Erdas Imagine is an image processing software package that allows users to process
both geospatial and other imagery as well as vector data. Erdas can also
handle hyperspectral imagery and LiDAR from various sensors. Erdas also
offers a 3D viewing module (VirtualGIS) and a vector module for modeling.
Erdas is integrated within other GIS and remote sensing applications and the
storage format for the imagery can be read in many other applications (*.img
files) and that is the advantage of this package.
Download link: https://download.hexagongeospatial.com/en/download
12.PCI Geomatica*
PCI Geomatica is a remote sensing desktop software package for
processing earth observation data, designed by PCI Geomatics.
Geomatica is aimed primarily at faster data processing and allows users
to load satellite and aerial imagery where advanced analysis can be
performed. Geomatica has been used by many educational institutions
and scientific programs throughout the world to analyze satellite imagery.
Download link: https://www.pcigeomatics.com/resources/downloads
*Commerical Software

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4.photogrammetry software
4.1 Open source software:
1.3DF Zephyr
This professional photogrammetry software is built for user-friendliness. Its UI
lowers the entry barriers for beginners and facilitates generating
3D scans with easy to use wizards that explain the process and help
choose the right settings. 3DF Zephyr is capable of aligning
photogrammetry data with laser scans. 3DF Zephyr allows you to
draw shapes using the imagery as a reference.
Download link: https://www.3dflow.net/
2.Meshroom
Meshroom is a free, open-source 3D Reconstruction Software based
on the AliceVision Photogrammetric Computer Vision framework. You
can Learn more details about the pipeline on AliceVision website.
Currently, it runs on Linux and Microsoft Windows 64-bit editions.
Download link: https://alicevision.github.io/#meshroom
3.MicMac
MicMac is a free, open-source photogrammetry software. MicMac has
proven itself as a versatile tool that has been successfully used in fields
like cartography, environmental protection, forestry, cultural heritage
preservation, and private industries. Using MicMac, it is possible to
generate 3D models and orthographic images.
Download link: https://micmac.ensg.eu/index.php/Accueil
4.OpenMVG
OpenMVG is a library targetted to photogrammetry that is popular
within the Multiple View Geometry (MVG) community and computer-
vision scientists. It tends to focus on the structure from motion (SfM)
technique of photogrammetry, with a number of the integrated tools
built around this. This photogrammetry pipeline requires compiling to
use and takes some computer savvy to get up and running on Windows or
Linux.
Download link: https://github.com/openMVG/openMVG

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5.Multi-View Environment
The Multi-View Environment, MVE is a complete end-to-end pipeline for
image-based geometry reconstruction. It features Structure-from-Motion,
Multi-View Stereo and Surface Reconstruction. If you wish to automate your
steps, you can use the command-line applications, but most features are also
available from the user interface UMVE directly.
Download link: https://www.gcc.tu-darmstadt.de/home/proj/mve/
6.Regard3D
Regard3D is a free and open-source photogrammetry software that uses
the structure from motion (SfM) method to generate 3D models. Although
Regard3D is free, it is still a very powerful piece of software.It converts
photos of an object, taken from different angles, into a 3D model of
this object.
Download link: http://www.regard3d.org/index.php
7.VisualSFM
As indicated by its name, VisualSFM is a photogrammetry software that
uses the structure from motion (SfM) method to generate point clouds.
Users can choose between working with the command-line or a GUI. The
program can detect and match features and adjust bundles Please note that
this program is only free for personal, non-profit or academic use.
Download link: http://ccwu.me/vsfm/
8.COLMAP
COLMAP is a free photogrammetry software available for download from
Github. You can run either from the command-line or operate it like any
other program with a GUI.COLMAP can reconstruct 3D objects
automatically either from single-camera or stereo setups.
Download link: https://colmap.github.io/index.html
9.AutoDesk REMAKE
This software isn’t technically free, but it’s free for educational use.
This means that if you’re using it to learn about photogrammetry,
that’s fine, but you can’t use it for commercial applications. All you
have to do is open it up, select your input images under the Create
3D tab and select your preferred quality settings.
Download link: https://www.autodesk.com/products/remake/overview

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4.2 commercial software:
1.WebODM
WebODM is created by the folks at OpenDroneMap. It’s designed to be
user-friendly and uses aerial images from drones to produce elevation
models, textured 3D models, geo-referenced maps and point clouds.It can
be used on your computer offline and can also be loaded to servers to use
from the cloud.
Download link: https://www.opendronemap.org/webodm/
2.Trimble Inpho
Trimble Inpho was designed by Trimble Geospatial for a wide range of uses,
including national mapping, forestry, agriculture, mining, utility and
energy, urban development, defense and disaster response.Trimble
Geospatial has over 30 years of experience and boasts cutting-edge
technologies along with robust tech support.
Download link: https://geospatial.trimble.com/products-and-solutions/inpho
3.SOCET GXP
SOCET GXP is a photogrammetry software that uses satellite and aerial
imagery. It’s primarily designed to analyze images, produce intelligence,
test sensor models and extract and edit terrain. SOCET GXP is used in real-
life applications like homeland security, disaster relief and in humanitarian
efforts, as well as defense missions.
Download link: https://www.geospatialexploitationproducts.com/content/socet-gxp/
4. LiMapper
LiMapper offers advanced software tools for professionals. It is capable of
efficiently handling more than 10,000 images per project. Offering a suite of
editing functions such as bundle block and stitching line adjustments, lets you
capitalize on its improved accuracy and easier workflow.
Download link: https://greenvalleyintl.com/software/limapper/
5.Reality Capture
RealityCapture is photogrammetry software which creates 3D models out of
unordered photographs or laser scans without seams. The most common fields
of its current use are cultural heritage, full body scanning, gaming, surveying,
mapping, visual effects and virtual reality in general.
Download link: https://www.capturingreality.com/Home

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6.DroneDeploy
DroneDeploy is an easy to use aerial photogrammetry software that
covers the entire process from flight to finished 3D model.Using their
mobile app - which is available on both Android and iOS - it's possible to
transform a range of DJI drones into reliable and powerful mapping tools.
Download link: https://www.dronedeploy.com/
7.PhotoModeler
Using this tool you can take accurate measurements and generate 3D
models for a wide variety of purposes. Inside the photogrammetry
software, you can choose between 3 different methods to generate
your model: Manually match common features between images,
automatically generate a 3D model from coded targets, or generate
point clouds from overlapping images.
Download link: https://www.photomodeler.com/products/features.php
8.IMAGINE PHOTOGRAMMERTY
IMAGINE Photogrammetry is a software application for performing
photogrammetric operations on imagery and extracting information from
imagery. IMAGINE Photogrammetry is significant because it is a leading
commercial photogrammetry application that is used by numerous national
mapping agencies, regional mapping authorities as well as commercial
mapping firms. IMAGINE Photogrammetry is widely used in academic research.
Download link: https://www.hexagongeospatial.com/products/power-
portfolio/imagine-photogrammetry
9.WithnessPRO
WitnessPRO is a professional photogrammetry software that was developed with
a high degree of accuracy in mind. Capable of producing a point-cloud to a mind-
boggling resolution of 1 pixel, this software supports both close-range and aerial
photogrammetry.
Download link: https://www.photometrix.com.au/iwitnesspro-v4/
11.Pix4D
Pix4D is a beginning-to-end photogrammetry solution. That means it
not only comprises the generation of point clouds, 3D meshes or
elevation maps from imagery, but it also assists in the capture of
suitable images. Pix4Dcapture controls the drone’s flight path to
ensure enough overlap between the images for photogrammetry
processing.
Download link: https://pix4d.com/

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10.Elcovision 10
Generate from images of normal cameras or drones fully automatically high-
precision and highly detailed 3D models and point clouds in almost laser scan
quality. Since its market launch in 1986 as the world's first 3D photogrammetry
system for PCs, ELCOVISION 10 has presented many groundbreaking.
Download link: https://en.elcovision.com/
12.DatuSurvey
DatuSurvey is a professional photogrammetry software from Datumate. It
allows users to both generate 1:100 scale maps with just a 3cm margin of error
and use close-range photogrammetry for scanning small-scale objects. The
software uses Image GPS data to accurately stitch photos together, resulting
in more precise models.
Download link: https://www.datumate.com/products/datusurvey/
13.Bentley Context Capture
ContextCapture is capable of generating 3D models of entire cityscapes without
human intervention. Hence, the program is suitable for large infrastructure
projects and sites of large size.It enables users to edit meshes, generate cross-
sections, extract ground and break lines. Of course, you can enrich your model
GIS and engineering data to support the design process.
Download link: https://www.bentley.com/de/products/brands/contextcapture
14.Agisoft Metashape
Agisoft Metashape — formerly known as Agisoft Photoscan — is a
professional photogrammetry software that is a popular choice for GIS
applications. The software is available in Standard and Pro versions, the
standard version is sufficient for interactive media tasks, while the Pro version
is designed for authoring GIS content It is suitable for both close-range
photogrammetry and aerial photogrammetry.
Download link: http://www.agisoft.com/
15.AutoDesk RECAP
Autodesk® ReCap™ brings real-world, as-built data into your workflow, allowing
you to begin designing with true context instead of a blank screen. Utilizing digital
captures of physical environments, the Autodesk ReCap family of products
enables the creation of 3D models that can be the starting point for new designs.
Download link: https://www.autodesk.com/products/recap/overview

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5.top 25 satellite maps:
5.1 color imagery
1.Google Maps
Google Maps is the ULTIMATE tool for satellite maps. It’s grown over the years. So has
its features: Like it’s panoramic street views,
Its 3D perspectives are mind- blowingly
insane. And almost everyone’s favorite:
finding their house with its solid addressing
system. But the best part about Google
Maps is that it’s regularly updated.
website link: https://maps.google.com/
2.Google Earth Pro
Google Earth Pro was originally the business-oriented upgrade to Google Earth, with
features such as a movie maker and data
importer. Google Earth Pro is currently the
standard version of the Google Earth desktop
application as of version 7.3. The Pro version
includes add-on software for movie making,
advanced printing, and precise
measurements, and is currently available for
Windows, Mac OS X 10.8 or later, and Linux.
website link: https://www.google.com/earth/versions/
3.NASA WorldView
NASA’s Worldview aims at real-time imagery delivery. That is, Earth how it is
“right now”. This tool from NASA's Earth Observing System Data and
Information System (EOSDIS) provides
the capability to interactively browse
global, full-resolution satellite imagery
and then download the underlying
data, including data from the Global
Precipitation Measurement Missions.
But there’s more: It shows over 800
layers of satellite imagery. And
typically, most have just a 3 hour delay in time.
website link: https://worldview.earthdata.nasa.gov/

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4.Mapbox
Mapbox is the location data platform for mobile and web applications. We provide
building blocks to add location features
like maps, search, and navigation into
any experience you create. First, head
over to Mapbox. Next, go to its satellite
view. As you zoom in, you’ll see high
resolution satellite maps.
website link: https://www.mapbox.com/
5.Esri World Imagery
World Imagery provides one meter or better satellite and aerial imagery in many
parts of the world and lower resolution
satellite imagery worldwide .You can
contribute your imagery to this map and
have it served by Esri via the Community
Maps Program. Quickly and effectively,
you can view satellite maps down to
3cm in pixels.
website link: https://www.arcgis.com/home/item.html
6.Esri WayBack Atlas
Esri’s Way Back Atlas is like going through a time machine. Similar to Google Earth
Pro, you can selectively choose from
satellite maps back in time.But this atlas
holds a secret wealth of information. For
example, New York has 100+ satellite
maps dating back to 2014.Esri’s World
Imagery layer (#5) serves as the best
available of all satellite maps
Website link: http://livingatlas.arcgis.com/wayback/
7.HERE Maps
HERE Technologies (trading as HERE) is a company that provides mapping and
location data and related services to
individuals and companies. Here captures
location content such as road networks,
buildings, parks and traffic patterns. But as
part of its platform, it delivers satellite
maps for drivers.
website link: https://wego.here.com/

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7.Yahoo! Maps
Yahoo! Maps was a free online mapping portal provided by Yahoo! Functionality
included local weather powered by The
Weather Channel, printing maps, and
local reviews powered by Yelp. Its
satellite maps are behind its
competitors in several regards. For
example, it lacks 3D, street views and
imagery updates.
website link: https://maps.yahoo.com/b/
8.HERE Maps
HERE Technologies (trading as HERE) is a company that provides mapping and
location data and related services to
individuals and companies. Here captures
location content such as road networks,
buildings, parks and traffic patterns. But as
part of its platform, it delivers satellite
maps for drivers.
website link: https://wego.here.com/
9.Planet Explorer
Planet Explorer is like the goldmine of satellite maps.It doesn’t just show
satellite maps from 120+ micro
satellites. But you get nearly daily
updates at 2.5 m resolutionFirst, you’ll
have to register an account. It’s free for
the first 15 days. But after that, you’ll
have to pay.
website link: https://www.planet.com/explorer/
10.MDA NaturalVue
For a coarse view of the Earth, MDA NaturalVue is at 15 meter resolution.
Just to give you perspective on what that
means:First, find a soccer field on the map.
Then, count the number of pixels. If you
count 20 or so, it’s so coarse that you won’t
even be able to recognize center field.
website link: https://www.arcgis.com/home/item.html

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11.MapQuest
MapQuest (stylized as mapquest) is an American free online web mapping service
owned by Verizon Media. It was launched in
1996 as the first commercial web mapping
service.When you visit MapQuest, you’ll get
an automatic feeling of nostalgia.
Official MapQuest website, find driving
directions, maps, live traffic updates and
road conditions. Find nearby businesses, restaurants and hotels.
website link: http://mapquest.com/satellite-maps
12.Bing Map
Bing Maps is a web mapping service provided as a part of Microsoft's Bing suite of
search engines and powered by the Bing
Maps for Enterprise framework Bing’s
street views are sparse and it doesn’t
have oblique views like Google
Maps.But Bing Maps still serves 10+
TB of imagery. While some imagery
can be years out of date, populated
areas still have frequent updates.
website link: https://www.bing.com/maps
5.2 Beyond Visible
13.Sental Playground
Sentinel Playground utilizes Sentinel Hub technology to enable easy-to-use discovery
and exploring of full-resolution
Sentinel-2, Landsat 8, DEM and
MODIS imagery, along with access to
the EO data products. It is a graphical
interface to a complete and daily
updated Sentinel-2 archive, a massive
resource for anyone interested in
Earth's changing surface, natural or
manmade.Application is perfect for someone, who wants to find the latest available
images of forest fire, a nice looking poster, observe drought or simply understand,
how earth observation products are built
website link: https://apps.sentinel-hub.com/sentinel-playground/

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14.Landsat Explorer
The launch of Landsat-1 in 1972 was a hingepoint for space satellites. It was a
milestone moment which prompted the
40+ years of archiving our planet’s
history.Hundreds of satellites have
followed Landsat’s path into space. But
it wasn’t just in color.In the Landsat
Explorer, you can see the world in new
ways like near infrared, a spectral index
or like how our eyes see it
website link: http://landsatexplorer.esri.com/
15.USGS Earth Explorer
The EarthExplorer user interface is an online search, discovery, and ordering tool
developed by the United States
Geological Survey (USGS). EarthExplorer
supports the searching of satellite,
aircraft, and other remote sensing
inventories through interactive and
textual-based query capabilities. Through
the interface, users can identify search
areas, datasets, and display metadata,
browse and integrated visual services within the interface.
website link: https://earthexplorer.usgs.gov/
16.Leaflet
Leaflet is the leading open-source JavaScript library for mobile-friendly
interactive maps. Weighing just about
38 KB of JS , it has all
the mapping features most developers
ever need. Leaflet is designed with
simplicity, performance and usability in
mind.
website link: https://leafletjs.com/
17.Cesium Viewer
Similar to Leaflet, Cesium lets users build
their own customized webmaps.But because
Cesium is all in 3D, viewing is off the
charts.The Cesium Viewer is joined by
satellite maps like Bing, Esri and Mapbox
website link: https://cesiumjs.org

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5.3 Humanitarian satellite maps
18.Tomnod/GeoHIVE
GeoHIVE enables organizations, small and large, to do more with geospatial data. Our cutting
edge Machine Learning models and highly
accurate crowdsourced data are all powered
by Maxar’s high resolution satellite imagery.
Tomnod leverages the power of
crowdsourcing during times of crisis.
DigitalGlobe is shifting the Tomnod
platform to GeoHIVE.
website link: https://geohive.digitalglobe.com/
19.DigitalGlobe Open Data
DigitalGlobe has two flavors of open data:First, its Open Data Program supports major
global crisis events like earthquakes, hurricanes
and forest fires.During these humanitarian
events, they release each photo into the public
domain under the Creative Commons 4.0
license.Secondly, DigitalGlobe has product
samples available for around the globe.
website link: https://www.digitalglobe.com/ecosystem/open-data
5.4 weather forecasting
20.NOAA Weather Rader
NOAA’s 3D map is the first out-of-the-gate. The trick to this one is how it gives you
near real-time weather.In this global map,
you can see the weather from space as it
would appear from our eyes.Alternatively,
the near infrared lets you tackle the
challenge through a different lens.
website link: https://satellitemaps.nesdis.noaa.gov
21.GOES Viewer
GOES knows weather. These geostationary satellites update our weather every 5
minutes. But how do you see it?First, head
over to the GOES Imagery Viewer. Next,
select your target region.This will lead you
into satellite maps for weather. Finally,
choose your view and get an updated
snapshot of satellite weather.
website link: https://www.star.nesdis.noaa.gov/GOES/index.php

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22.Latest 24
As NOAA satellites silently circles Earth, we get a preview of our planet from
space.Instead of a 3D perspective, NOAA
has built a set of satellite maps that
targets weather with a top-down view.In
fact, you can interactively fast-forward
and rewind the weather from the last
24 hours each day.
website link: https://satellitemaps.nesdis.noaa.gov
5.5 Speciaity satellite maps
23. Night View
How does Earth look like at night? And what is the extent of human settlement on the
landscape?By stitching 400+ images from
space, NASA had compiled the most
comprehensive night view in its black
marble map.As seen in this night view map,
major cities illuminate the sky the most.
website link: https://worldview.earthdata.nasa.gov
24.Global Forest Map
When a tree falls in the forest, satellites hear the impact. Anyone who doubts the
severity of deforestation can browse it in
the Global Forest Watch.First, go to the
Global Forest Watch. By default, cleared
forests are on. Countries like Indonesia, Brazil
and Peru light up.If you zoom in, it has satellite
maps like Planet’s 120+ constellation
website link: https://www.globalforestwatch.org/map
25. NASA(FIRMS)
The Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS) delivers global
MODIS-derived hotspots and fire locations.
The active fire locations represent the center
of a 1-kilometer pixel that is flagged by the
MOD14/MYD14 Fire and Thermal Anomalies
Algorithm as containing one or
more fires within the pixel.
website link: https://firms.modaps.eosdis.nasa.gov/

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6. FREE GIS DATA SOURCES:
1.Esri Open Data Hub
• The Esri Open Data Hub is a hidden gold mine of free GIS data. For example,
it now houses over 250,000+ open data sets from 5,000+
organizations worldwide. For this reason, we have it at the top of our list of
free GIS data.
• In some cases, you’ll have to sift through piles of data because they’re not
conveniently merged into one. Despite the extra effort, this is still arguably
your best chance to find exactly what you’re looking for.
• In any case, the search is convenient with a map preview of the extent and
table. Alternatively, you can search by topic or location and download data in
multiple GIS formats. Ultimately, there is nothing more thorough for GIS data
than the Esri Open Data Hub.
• website link: http://opendata.arcgis.com/
2.United Nations Environment Programme
• United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the authoritative
source for UN data. For example, it holds more than 500 variables such as
freshwater, climate and health.
• I must admit. I found it a bit difficult to explore the GIS data because the
interfaces takes awhile to get used to. If you click advanced, you can filter
“Geospatial Data Sets”. From here, you can download free GIS data like climate,
disasters and ecosystems.
• website link: http://geodata.grid.unep.ch/

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3.Natural Earth
• Natural Earth Data is number 2 on the list because it best suits the needs of
cartographers. By and large, all the key cultural and physical vector GIS datasets
are at a global scale conveniently for you to use. The raster datasets also
provide beautiful hillshade relief for your map.
• The best part is Natural Earth Data is in public domain. So this means that you
have the right to use, modify and disseminate the data in any manner.
• Here’s more details for Natural Earth data. From a cartography standpoint,
it’s a no-brainer. Download Natural Earth Data now.
• website link: http://www.naturalearthdata.com/downloads
4.USGS Earth Explorer
• For satellite and aerial imagery, the USGS Earth Explorer is one of the
largest free sources of data. Registration is free.
• A friendly user-interface makes accessing remote sensing data simple. In fact,
it even has a bulk download application if you need to download more than one
data sets.
• Download data from more than 300 data collections that span over 75 years
of coverage. Includes USGS satellite imagery, historical and recent USGS
aerial photography, elevation data, land cover products, Lidar point cloud
data, Digital Line Graphs (DLGs), Digital Orthophoto Quads (DOQs), and much
more.
• website link: http://earthexplorer.usgs.gov/

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5.OpenStreet Map
• GIS users are harnessing the power of OpenStreetMap (OSM) as a means to
crowdsourced data. The result of crowd-sourcing is highly detailed data. But I
say detailed with cautious optimism.
• While OSM is open to the public, it’s also created by the public. So this means
that accuracy varies based on the creator. From my experience, the accuracy is
very good. And people like you and me are working on completeness every day.
• For GIS analysts seeking free GIS data at a street level, OSM is exactly what you
are looking for.
• website link: https://gisgeography.com/openstreetmap-download-osm-data/
6.SEDAC
• NASA’s Socioeconomic Data and Applications Center (SEDAC) shows
human interactions with the environment. SEDAC has a wide variety of coarse
global free GIS data.
• I like the SEDAC map viewer because you can select GIS thematic maps of the
socioeconomic data. If you want to assemble the data yourself, there’s that
option too.
• Socioeconomic data includes a range of topics such as agriculture,
climate and health.
• website link: http://sedac.ciesin.columbia.edu/

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7.Open Topography
• Open Topography provides a portal to high spatial resolution topographic
data and tools. In particular, it houses LiDAR Data, which is a rare, precious
resource nowadays.
• Currently, Open Topography has collected 300 high resolution datasets.
Most are point clouds. But some are just available in raster format.
• If you can’t find LiDAR data for your area of interest, the next best thing is
a global DEM. These free GIS data sets are also available on Open Topography
too.
• website link: http://www.opentopography.org/
8.NEO
• Imagine seeing daily snapshots of climate and environmental conditions of
Earth. NASA’s Earth Observations (NEO) is like a real-time climate snapshot
of the world.
• NEO focuses on 5 themes with 50+ global datasets, mostly climate-related.
For example, data ranges from aerosols, chlorophyll to sea surface
temperature.
• All are free GIS data sets that you can download in JPEG, GeoTIFF and Google
Earth formats. All raster grids are atmosphere, energy, land, life and ocean
GIS data.
• website link: http://neo.sci.gsfc.nasa.gov/

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9.Sentinels Satellite Data
• Sentinel-2 is the highest resolution satellite imagery available to the public
for free. Its interface is the Copernicus Open Access Hub.
• First, you have to register to create an account. But it’s well-worth the time.
Next, select your area of interest by right-clicking on the map.
• Finally, select the S2A or S2B product you want to download and download.
10-meter resolution satellite data readily available at your fingertips.
• website link: https://scihub.copernicus.eu/dhus
10.Terra Populus
• Terra Populus (TerraPop for short) integrates census data from over 160
countries around the world. In fact, it spans up to six decades for household-
level and aggregate data for more than 80 countries.
• The unique thing about it is how you can explore temporal and spatial
changes. It’s not only for researches. But everyone can access changes in the
human-environment system for geographic space.
• TerraPop also includes your basic land cover, land use, and climate data. It’s
supported by the National Science Foundation and the University of Minnesota.
User-friendly interface with customized temporal data delivery.
• website link: https://www.terrapop.org/

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11.ISCGM Global Mapping
• Global Map still packs some serious punch with their free GIS data. For
example, global land cover and percent tree cover are the two key
datasets here. But that’s not all. It has cultural and natural vector datasets
in here too.
• Since the move, registration is no longer required. Despite the lack of
updates, ISCGM free GIS data is still a source that many of us can use in
our maps.
• Data types: Boundaries, drainage, transportation, population centers,
elevation, land cover, land use and vegetation.
• website link: https://globalmaps.github.io/
12.FAO GeoNetwork
• FAO GeoNetwork which is another portal of free GIS data from the United
Nations.
• The focus of GeoNetwork is to improve global sustainable development.
For example, global agriculture, food security and fisheries are some of its key
free GIS data.
• Search wide range of categories and filter by country.
• website link: http://www.fao.org/geonetwork

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7. FREE GLOBAL DEM DATA SOURCES:
1.Space Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM)
NASA only needed 11 days to capture Shuttle
Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) 30-meter
digital elevation model.
Using two radar antennas and a single pass, it
collected sufficient data to generate a digital
elevation model using a technique known
as interferometric synthetic aperture radar
(inSAR). C-Band penetrated canopy cover to the
ground better but SRTM still struggled in sloping
regions with foreshortening, layover and
shadow.
In late 2014, the United States government released the highest resolution SRTM DEM
to the public. This 1-arc second global digital elevation model has a spatial resolution
of about 30 meters. Also, it covers most of the world with absolute vertical height
accuracy of less than 16m
Download the SRTM data:
SRTM DEM data is being housed on the USGS Earth Explorer. To download, select your
area of interest. Under the data sets tab, select Digital Elevation > SRTM > SRTM 1-
ArcSecond Global .
2. ASTER Global Digital Elevation Model
ASTER GDEM boasted a global resolution of 90
meters with a resolution of 30 meters in the United
States. Despite its high-resolution and greater
coverage (80% of the Earth), dissatisfied users
expressed issues with its artifacts often in cloudy
areas.
ASTER GDEM used stereoscopic pairs and digital
image correlation methods. Based on two images
at different angles, it used stereopairs and photogrammetry to measure elevation.
However, the amount of cloud cover affected the accuracy of ASTER which wasn’t the
case for SRTM DEM. Because of how passive and active sensors work, this had the
most significant effect on quality of DEM.
Download the SRTM data:
You can download the ASTER DEM data for free from the USGS Earth
Explorer. Under the data sets tab, select Digital Elevation > ASTER .

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3. JAXA’s Global ALOS 3D World
ALOS World 3D is a 30-meter resolution digital
surface model (DSM) captured by the Japan
Aerospace Exploration Agency’s (JAXA). Recently,
this DSM has been made available to the public.
The neat thing about is that it is the most
precise global-scale elevation data now. It
uses the Advanced Land Observing Satellite
“DAICHI” (ALOS) based on stereo mapping from
PRISM.
Download link: http://www.eorc.jaxa.jp/ALOS/en/aw3d30/
4. Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR)*
LiDAR stands for Light Detection and Ranging. It
measures the distance to a target by illuminating it
with a pulsed laser light and then measuring the
reflected pulses with a sensor. Life is not very easy
when it comes to get LiDAR data.
Even though there are certain websites to retrieve
LiDAR data, there is not free coverage for the entire
Globe. Some web sources provide free data for a
limited number of places, while some countries provide LiDAR data via their own
webpages.
Download link: http://www.opentopography.org/
5.Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA)
The Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA)
was one of five instruments on the Mars
Global Surveyor (MGS) spacecraft, which
operated in Mars orbit.However, .
The MOLA instrument transmitted infrared laser
pulses towards Mars at a rate of 10 times per
second, and measured the time of flight to
determine the range (distance) of the MGS
spacecraft to the Martian surface.
The range measurements resulted in precise topographic maps of Mars. The precision
maps are applicable to studies in geophysics, geology and atmospheric circulation.
MOLA also functioned as a passive radiometer, and measured the radiance of the
surface of Mars.
Download link: http://chrisherwig.org/planets/map/terrain/

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6.EU-DEM
The Digital Elevation Model over Europe (EU-DEM) is a
Digital Surface Model (DSM) representing the first
surface as illuminated by the sensors. The EU-DEM
dataset is a realization of the Copernicus program,
managed by the European Commission, DG Enterprise
and Industry.
EU-DEM is a hybrid product based on SRTM and ASTER
GDEM data fused by a weighted averaging approach
and it has been generated as a contiguous dataset divided into 1 degree by 1 degree
tiles, corresponding to the SRTM naming convention.
Download link: https://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/data/eu-dem.
7.NOAA Globe
The NOAA National Centers for Environmental
Information (NCEI) announces the full release of the
Global Land One-kilometer Base Elevation (GLOBE) digital
elevation data set.GLOBE was an international effort to
create a global digital elevation model (DEM) on a nominal
1-kilometer grid. GLOBE was an activity of the Committee
on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS), part of the historic
Focus I of the International Geosphere-Biosphere
Programme's Data and Information System (IGBP-DIS).
Source data include satellite imagery, aerial photography, satellite altimetry, cadastral
survey data, and hardcopy topographic maps converted to digital format. The source
data were converted to 16-bit binary raster grids by a variety of techniques, including
stereoprofiling, image pattern recognition, contour-to-grid and point-to-grid surface
generation.
Download link: https://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/mgg/topo/globe.html
8.GMTED 2010
The GMTED2010 stands for Global Multi-resolution Terrain
Elevation Data 2010, which has a global coverage and
contains raster elevation datasets for each of the 30, 15 &
7.5 arc second spatial resolutions.
It has been produced by the collaboration of U.S. Geological
Survey (USGS) and the National Geospatial-Intelligence
Agency. GMTED2010 may be used for maps of small to
medium scale.The easiest way to download data from
GMTED2010 is via the Earth Explorer by selecting the area of your interest.
Download link: https://topotools.cr.usgs.gov/GMTED_viewer/

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9.OpenDEM*
Another source of free available DEM
datasets is the portal of Open Digital
Elevation . OpenDEM provides very High-
Resolution DEMs (<= 2m) but once again
only for limited parts of the World. You
may see the places with available data on
a convenient web map
at http://opendem.info/opendemsearcher.html, from which you may also download
the data.
Download link https://www.ngdc.noaa.gov
10.3DEP
The 3D Elevation Program is managed by the U.S.
Geological Survey (USGS) National Geospatial Program
to respond to growing needs for high-quality
topographic data and for a wide range of other three-
dimensional (3D) representations of the Nation's natural
and constructed features. All 3DEP products are
available, free of charge and without use restrictions.
The USGS National Map 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) is a project that provides the
most detailed and accurate DEMs with 1 meter resolution, but only for the United
States. It is available via the DATA.GOV at the elevation section
Download link:https://catalog.data.gov/dataset
10.GTOPO30
GTOPO30 has been provided by the USGS and it is a
digital elevation model (DEM) with a global coverage
and a horizontal grid spacing of 30 arc seconds
(approximately 1 Km). GTOPO30 was produced from
several raster and vector sources of topographic
information.
We loaded data from GTOPO30 in our QGIS project of
Matterhorn, just to confirm that from medium to large
scales the cell size is that large that almost nothing is shown on screen, while only in
smaller scales GTOPO30 seems to make sense.
Accuracy: According to DTED and USGS DEM the absolute vertical accuracy of GTOP30
varies from ±30 meters.
Download link: https://lta.cr.usgs.gov/GTOPO30
*Also LIDAR Data Sources

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8. FREE LIDAR DATA SOURCES:
1.National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON)
One of the cool things about the National Ecological
Observatory Network (NEON) is that they are funded by
the National Science Foundation. Another neat thing
about NEON is the amazing work they are doing with
airborne LiDAR to map out vegetation stands.
Although some of NEON’s data may not have sufficient
QA/QC to meet the end-user’s needs, we still think NEON’s
airborne LiDAR data has some serious potential.
• Minimal selection of LiDAR because in construction phase and Beginning of a
collection of publicly available LiDAR.
Download link: http://www.neoninc.org/
2. LIDAR Data Online
Who knows? This may be where the future of LiDAR is
going – a global LiDAR map. Don’t laugh. We have the
Earth mapped with optical imagery already.
LiDAR Online’s mission is ambitious. No matter where
you live, this data source shows you exactly where on
Earth is LiDAR. Admittedly, a little bare now in terms of
LiDAR sources, LiDAR Online shows a lot of promise.
• LiDAR spans the globe – mostly Europe, North and
South America and Africa
• Webmap with points delineating free LiDAR data sources.
Download link: http://www.lidar-online.com/
3.NOAA Digital Coast
NOAA’s mission (in the sense of LiDAR data) is clear.
Overall, they want to capture coastal area LiDAR data.
Then, they serve this data openly to the public.
NOAA’s Digital Coast webmap gives you the ability to
know exactly where coastal LiDAR is located in the United
States. This makes your search for coastal LiDAR data a no-
brainer. Go with NOAA.
• Slick web application to search, analyze and download free LiDAR data.
• Draw area of interest and click LiDAR data download
Download link: http://www.coast.noaa.gov/dataviewer/#

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4.United States Inter-agency Elevation Inventory
There’s been a movement in the United States for
a National LiDAR Dataset. This initiative is being
led by the United States Inter-agency Elevation
Inventory (USIEI). NOAA and USGS are spearheading
this collaborative effort.
Several states have already moved forward in their
own collections. To see exactly which states they
are, the USIEI Inventory gives you this information
along with vertical accuracy, point spacing, and date of collection.
• LiDAR sources are decentralized with partial and incomplete data across the
United States
• USIEI LiDAR data viewer displays the nationwide listing of known high-accuracy
topographic data
Download link: http://coast.noaa.gov/inventory/#
5. LIDAR DATA FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM
Centre for the Environmental Data Archival
(CEDA) maintains the Free LIDAR data of the
United Kingdom. CEDA hosts numerous datasets
on behalf of the Natural Environment Research
Council (NERC).
Download link: http://www.ceda.ac.uk
6. GIPUZKOA.NET (SPAIN)
The LIDAR data of the North of Spain is free which
can be accessible by visiting their English version
web map. Click on the grid map to download the
data. Data are in LAS files of 1 sq km. the Spanish
Spain government has provided free LIDAR data,
you can directly download from their website
Download link: ftp://ftp.geo.euskadi.net/lidar/
7.GEOSUD
GEOSUD is based in France. The French website
maintains the access of Free LIDAR data of few
countries. These countries are from Europe, Asia,
Africa and South America. To download free LiDAR
data from Geosud,
Download link: http://ids.equipex-geosud.fr

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9.Category wise Free GIS Data sources
Transport and Communications Data
• Open Flights: Airport, airline and route data across the globe. Data is
provided as CSV files which can be easily processed to produce GIS outputs.
Data includes all known airports, and a large number of routes between
airports.
• World Port Index: Dataset from the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency
listing approximately 3700 ports across the world, with location and
facilities offered.
• Global Roads Open Access Data Set: A vector dataset of roads across the
world, using a globally consistent data model, and suitable for mapping at
the 1:250,000 level. Only roads between settlements are included, not
residential streets, and the dataset is accurate to approximately 50m.
• Undersea Telecommunications Cables: Open source undersea
telecommunication cables map, updated frequently
Buildings, Roads and Points of Interest Data
• OpenStreetMap: Crowd-sourced data for the whole world consisting of
most things you’d find on a standard local paper map: points of interest,
buildings, roads and road names, ferry routes etc.

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• SimpleGeo’s Places: Point of Interest data from SimpleGeo, provided as a
2Gb Zip file and licensed under the Creative Commons license. Contains
over 21 million POIs for over 63 countries.
• Nuclear Power Station locations: Locations of all nuclear power stations
worldwide (according tthe IAEA), provided as a Google Fusion Table.
Population Data
• Gridded Population of the World: Includes raw population, population
density, both historic, current and predicted.
• Global Rural-Urban Mapping Project: Based on the above, but includes
information on rural and urban population balances.
• WorldPop: High-resolution, contemporary data on population across
Africa, Asia and Central/Southern America. Combines the AfriPop,
AmeriPop and AsiaPop projects.
• Large Urban Areas 1950-2050: Historic, current and future estimates of
populations in large urban areas of the world.
• Global Urban Extent: Maps showing urban extent across the world, at
500m resolution, derived from MODIS images. Requires email to author to
download
• GeoHive: Population and country statistics. Not provided in GIS data
formats, but can easily be converted from CSV
Snow/Ice, Lakes, Oceans and other Water Sources Data
• Randolph Glacier Inventory: A global inventory of glacier outlines, including
some multi-temporal data. Major focus on quality control.
• NSIDC Frozen Ground maps: Maps of various types of frozen ground
(permafrost) in the Arctic and various other areas

41
• Multisensor Analyzed Sea Ice Extent (MAISE): Sea ice extent for the
Northern Hemisphere from the NSIDC.
• Coastal Water Quality: Quality of coastal waters across the globe measured
by chlorophyll concentrations from SeaWIFS satellite. Data for 1998 and
2007.
• Global Reservoir and Dam Database: Geographically-referenced data on all
reservoirs with a storage capacity of more than 0.1 cubic kilometres. The
data consists of polygons outlining reservoirs at high spatial resolution with
extensive metadata about the dam and reservoir.
Administrative Boundaries Data
• Natural Earth: Includes countries, disputed areas, first-order admin
(departments, states etc), populated places, urban polygons, parks and
protected areas and water boundaries. Available at multiple levels of detail.
• GADM: Global administrative boundaries, with extensive attribute sets.
Covers countries and up to four levels of internal administrative boundary
(states, departments, counties etc). (For Land Cover see above)
• UN Second Administrative Level Boundaries: Multi-level administrative
boundaries data for the world, created in co-ordination with national
mapping agencies. Contains information on historic changes since 1990.
• World Borders: World country borders with attributes including country
codes (FIPS, ISO etc), area and populations.
• Europe in the World: Administrative boundaries for Europe with lots of
attribute data for each country/region including information on economy,
demography and infrastructure.
• CShapes – Historical Boundaries: Historical state boundaries and capitals
post-WW2, world-wide, including all changes and dates of changes.
• VLIZ Maritime Boundaries: Maritime boundaries and areas of Exclusive
Economic Zones, including detailed attribute data on treaties etc. From the
Flanders Marine Institute.
• TZ timezones: A map of timezone areas in the world as used in the Unix TZ
database format, from which we get the naming Europe/London,
America/New_York etc. In shapefile format

42
Land and Ocean Boundaries Data
• GSHHS: A Global Self-consistent, Hierarchical, High-resolution Shoreline
Database – which basically means it’s good quality (no internal
inconsistencies, good accuracy).
Hydrology Data
• HydroSHEDS: Hydrological data and maps based on the STRM elevation
data. Includes river networks, watershed boundaries, drainage directions
and flow accumulations for the globe.
• Catchment Characterisation and Modelling: Data on river basins,
catchments and rivers for the European Union area.
• Major Watersheds of the World Deliniation: Vector data showing the
outlines of major watersheds (river basins) across the world.
• Water Isotopes: Global grids of hydrogen and oxygen isotope composition
of precipitation and environmental waters in ArcGRID format. Data can be
downloaded for whole globe or individual continents.
Weather and Climate Data
•

43
• Satellite Application Facility on Climate Monitoring: Provides near real-time
and retroactively-generated datasets of cloud cover, type and temperature,
surface radiation budget and temperatures, amongst others.
• Climate Analysis Indicators Tool: Carbon Dioxide emissions data by
country, and by US state, including measures of adaption.
• International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project: Monthly averages of a
number of cloud variables including cloud cover (and associated
breakdown by frequency), cloud top temperature, cloud water path, cloud
optical thickness etc.
• Climatological Database for the world’s oceans (CLIWOC): Data compiled
from ships logs compiled during voyages between 1750 and 1850. Includes
various meteorological observations, broken down by date, ship and year.
• IRI/LDEO Climate Data Library: A wide range of over 300 datasets from
various climate models and datasets.
• World Ozone and Ultraviolet Radiation Data Center: Extensive set of data
collected from many stations across the world, recording ozone information
(from ozonesonde ascents) and ground-level ultraviolet irradiance.
• WorldClim: Climate data for past, present and predicted future conditions.
Includes temperature (min, max, mean) and precipitation. 1km x 1km
resolution.
• NCAR GIS Climate Change Scenarios: Lots of data from the National Centre
for Atmospheric Research models, including data used by the IPCC in their
reports.
• CRU Climate Datasets: Various datasets including temperature,
precipitation, pressure, drought, paleoclimate and others, from the
(infamous) Climate Research Unit at the University of East Anglia. High and
low resolution datasets available.
• Downscaled GCM Portal: A wide range of downscaled (that is, higher
resolution data) created from the outputs of a wide range of GCMs. Covers
the majority of important climate variables.
• European Climate Assessment and Dataset: Gridded observation data
across Europe, including cloudiness, temperature, precipitation, humidity,
pressure, snow and sunshine.
• Global Potential Evapotranspiration and Aridity Index: Potential
Evapotranspiration data and indices of aridity at 30 arc-second resolution
in raster format.
• GlobAerosol: Aerosol data in raster format (provided as NetCDF files),
including estimations of AOD at 550nm and the Angstrom coefficient.
• Global Aerosol Climatology Project: Monthly averages of Aerosol Optical
Thickness and the Angstrom exponent from 1981 to 2006.

44
Land Cover and Land Use
• USGS Land Cover Institute: Great set of links to almost all land cover
datasets. Links here include most of the datasets below, and many more
esoteric data such as river observations, aquifers data and ocean colour
information.Although the page starts with US data, it continues with data for
other continents lower down the page
• Corine Land Cover Map: Europe only. Satellite derived land cover, available
as at 1990, 2000 and 2006 in vector and raster formats. 100m and 250m
resolutions.
• GLOBCOVER: Global land cover dataset at 300m resolution from the MERIS
sensor on the ENVISAT satellite.
• MODIS Global Land Cover: 1km and 4km resolution global land cover maps
derived from MODIS images.
• UMD GLC: 1km resolution global land cover maps from the University of
Maryland created using a classification tree approach from MODIS data
• GLC2000: Global land cover map for the year 2000 created from the
VEGETATION instrument on the SPOT-4 satellite. Individual continents
were classified by local experts, increasing the quality of the classification
overall.
• Global Land Cover by National Mapping Organisations: 1km data of land
cover for the globe, with a classification scheme based on the UN FAO LCCS,
facilitating easy comparison with other land cover products.
• Global Lakes and Wetlands Database: Global vector datasets showing areas
of lakes, reservoirs, wetlands, swamps, bogs etc.
• Vegetation Map at Last Glacial Maximum: Broad-scale map of the world
showing vegetation cover at the Last Glacial Maximum (25,000 – 15,000 BP)
• Grassland GIS: Grassland extent data, along with grassland usage (eg.
livestock intensity per area of grassland)
• Forest GIS: Percentage tree-cover, population density and tree cover, share
of wood in fuel consumption etc.
• PALSAR Forest/Non-Forest map: A very detailed (50m resolution) forest
map for the whole globe, created from SAR data.
• Global Land Use Dataset: Gridded data at 0.5 degree resolution showing
population density, potential natural vegetation, cropland extent, grazing

45
land extent, built-up land extent, crop extent (for 18 major crops) and land
suitability for cultivation.
• Human Influence and Footprint: Human Influence Index and Human
Footprint calculated from various factors which exert human influence on
ecosystems, for example population distribution, urban areas, navigable
rivers etc. Available at 30 arc-second resolution.
• Global Agricultural Lands: Extent and intensity of use of agricultural lands
(both cropland and pasture) in 2000 from MODIS and SPOT images and
agricultural inventory data.
• Global Irrigated Area and Rainfed Crops Areas: Vector mapping of global
irrigated cropland and rainfed cropland.
• Crop Calendar GIS: Gridded data on planting dates and harvesting dates
across the world for 19 crops. Available at 5 minute and 0.5 degree
resolutions.
• EarthStat: Agricultural Land Use and potential use: A number of GIS
datasets on agricultural land use, including global cropland and pasture
from 1700 to 2007, harvested areas and yields for 175 crops, and global
fertiliser application rates.
• ESPON Urban Morphological Data: Data on urban areas for Europe
including many attributes.
• European Urban Morphological Zones: Data derived from the CORINE
landcover dataset showing all sets of urban areas lying less than 200m
apart.
Natural Disasters Data
• Lightning and Atmospheric Electricity Dataset: Wide range of data on
lightning activity, including average flashes per grid cell per year.
• Natural Disaster Hazards: Hazard Frequency, Mortality and Economic Loss
Risk as gridded data for the globe. Covers cyclones, drought, earthquakes,
flood, landslide, volcano and a combination of them all (‘multihazard’).
• USGS Earthquakes Database: KML files of all earthquakes recorded by the
USGS (across the whole world) from 1973 to present. Available as one
dataset or grouped by magnitude or year.
• Global Seismic Hazard Map: Gridded data showing hazard risk of seismic
activity across the globe.
• IBTrACS: Hurricane and tropical cyclone tracks, including attributes such as
minimum pressure, maximum winds.

46
• NOAA/WDC Historical Tsunami Database: Location information of tsunami
sources and run-up events, including many attributes (eg. maximum water
height, travel time). Available in TSV format which can be imported into GIS
systems.
• Global Burnt Area: 1km resolution map of areas of burnt vegetation across
the world. Aggregated products at 0.5 and 1 degree resolutions are also
available.
• MODIS Fire Detection Data: Frequently updated data (including last 7 days
of fires) in 1km grid format, derived from thermal anomalies from MODIS
data.
• NOAA Historical Hurricane Tracks: Hurricane tracks for all North/Central
American hurricanes.Data can be exported by clicking the Download button
on the top right.
• Natural Disaster Hotspots: A wide range of geographic data on natural
disasters (including volcanoes, earthquakes, landslide, flood and
‘multihazards’) with hazard frequency, economic loss etc.
Ecology Data
• Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center: All data products from this
center are available for download, including atmospheric CO2
concentrations (including the famous Mauna Loa dataset), precipitation
data, long-term modelling data and more.
• UNEP WCMC: Variety of datasets from the United Nations Environment
Programme including global wetlands, global distribution of coral reefs,
mangrove distributions and more.
• Aquamaps: Standardised distribution maps for over 11,000 species of fish,
marine mammals and invertebrates. *Data available for download under
High Resolution Maps and Environmental Data links.
• Terrestrial Ecoregions of the World: Vector data showing a biogeographic
classification of terrestrial ecological regions across the world.
• Freshwater Ecoregions of the World: Vector data showing a biogeographic
classification of freshwater ecological regions across the world.
• Marine Ecoregions of the World: Vector data showing a biogeographic
classification of marine ecological regions across the world.

47
• BioFRESH: Contemporary distributions of freshwater species, mapped in
vector format across the world.
• World Spatial Database of Protected Areas: Global vector database of
marine and terrestrial protected areas. Rather complicated to download
from – instructions at bottom of linked page.
• IUCN 2013 Red List: Set of shapefiles produced by the IUCN showing the
distribution of endangered species of plants and animals across the world.
• Global High Resolution Soil Water Balance: Raster data containing actual
evapotranspiration and soil water deficit with a resolution of 30 arcseconds
(approx 1km).
• Global Carbon Storage in Soils: Gridded carbon storage in soils for the world,
from the World Resources Institute.
• ReefBase GIS: GIS data about coral reefs worldwide, including extensive
attribute data.
• Human Impacts to Marine Ecosystems: Data from the National Center for
Ecological Analysis and Synthesis on human impacts to marine ecosystems.
Includes fishing impacts, ocean acidification, sea surface temperature,
pollutants and more.
• Atlas of the Biosphere: Raster maps of environmental variables including
soil pH, potential evapotranspiration, average snow depth and many more.
• Lifemapper: Species distribution maps – both recorded and predicted
(based on climate, terrain and land cover). Covers a huge number of species.
*Data is available by clicking on Species, searching for a species and then
clicking on the number of points and choosing the SHP link at the top.
Alternatively, web services are available.
• WWF World Ecoregions: Shapefile of ecoregions as defined by the WWF
Conservation Science Program.
• Anthropogenic Biomes: Ecosystem unit maps derived from human
interactions with ecosystems creating ‘anthropogenic biomes’. Gridded
data at 5 arc-seconds available.
• Amphibian Species Distribution Grids: Approximately 1km resolution
gridded data showing species distribution. One file per species.
• Net Primary Productivity: Gridded Net Primary Productivity data across the
globe, including a novel measure of ‘Human Appropriation of NPP’
measuring how much of the NPP of an area humans are using.
• World Soil Information: Gridded datasets covering the world’s soils at a
maximum resolution of 5 arc-minutes with 22 attributes for each cell
including organic carbon content, gypsum content, water capacity etc. Data
is given for topsoil and subsoil. More detailed datasets for individual
countries and continents are available.
• Harmonized World Soil Database: Combining regional and national soil
databases and maps from many countries under the Land Use Change
programme of the UN FAO. Includes soil units and parameters (such as pH,
depth, and texture) and is at a resolution of 30 arc-seconds.

48
Mineral Resources/Oil and Gas
• Mineral Resources Data System: Vector data of mineral resources across the
world including names, locations, descriptions, geological characteristics
etc.
• Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide deposits: Information on VMS deposits from
across the world with attribute data.
• North Sea Oil Offshore Maps and GIS – English sector: Maps from the UK
government showing licensing information, locations of wells and country-
ownership boundaries.
• North Sea Oil Offshore Maps and GIS – Dutch sector: Same as above but for
the Dutch-controlled area of the North Sea.
• North Sea Oil Offshore Maps and GIS – Netherland sector: Same as above but
for Netherland-controlled area of the North Sea.
10.References Links
• https://qgis.org
• http://www.3dbeginners.com
• http://www.gvsig.com
• https://grass.osgeo.org
• https://jblindsay.github.io
• https://pro.arcgis.com
• https://sourceforge.net
• https://www.mapwindow.org
• https://www.diva-gis.org
• https://www.safe.com
• http://google.com/earth
• https://worldview.earthdata.nasa.gov
• https://www.mapbox.com/maps/satellite
• http://livingatlas.arcgis.com/wayback
• https://www.bing.com/maps

49
• http://mapquest.com/satellite-maps
• https://apps.sentinel-hub.com
• https://gisgeography.com /
• https://monde-geospatial.com/
• https://www.usgs.gov
• https://www.ngdc.noaa.gov
• https://www.opendem.info
• https://www.globalforestwatch.org
• https://www.3dbeginners.com
• https://www.all3dp.com
• https://envi.software.informer.com
• http://www.gisresources.com/
• https://lidarradar.com
• https://sentinel.esa.int
• https://envi.software.informer.com
• https://www.3dnatives.com
• https://www.autodesk.com
• https://3dinsider.com/photogrammetry-software
• https://worldview.earthdata.nasa.gov/
• https://geohive.digitalglobe.com/
• https://satellitemaps.nesdis.noaa.gov
• https://www.globalforestwatch.org/map
• https://firms.modaps.eosdis.nasa.gov/
• http://opendata.arcgis.com/
• http://geodata.grid.unep.ch/
• http://www.naturalearthdata.com
• http://sedac.ciesin.columbia.ed
• http://www.opentopography.org/
• http://neo.sci.gsfc.nasa.gov/
• https://scihub.copernicus.eu/dhus
• https://www.terrapop.org/
• http://www.coast.noaa.gov
• http://www.ceda.ac.uk

50
Dr. Roger F.Tomlinson
(1933-2014)
“The Father OF GIS”
It was Dr.Roger F.Tomlinson who first
coined the term geographic information system
(GIS). He created the first computerized
geographic information system in the 1960s
while working for the Canadian government a
geographic database still used today by
municipalities across Canada for land
planning. Born in England ,he settled in
Canada after military service and attending
university, where his work in geomorphology
led to applying computerized methods for
handling map information.Tomlinson has had a
distinguished career as a pioneer in GIS and
developed Tomlinson associates Ltd., which
provides geographic consulting services. For 12
years, he was chairman of the international
geographical union GIS commission . He was
also president of the Canadian associates of
geographers and most recently was recipient of
the prestigious alexander graham bell medal
awarded only once before by the national
geographic society. Tomlinson was also the
author of Thinking about GIS :Geographic
Information System planning for managers,
one of the most widely read books on the subject.

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