GMW File – What is .gmw file and how to open it?

Global Mapper Workspace File

A GMW file is a Global Mapper Workspace File, used by Global Mapper, a geographic information system (GIS) software developed by Blue Marble Geographics. GMW files store the workspace and project settings for a GIS project, including the layers, map views, and other settings. They are essential for saving and resuming work in Global Mapper, allowing users to easily continue their GIS projects.

GMW files contain information about the project’s data, including the layers that make up the map, their properties, and their display settings. Additionally, they store the map view, including the zoom level, pan position, and layer visibility. Other settings, such as the coordinate system, projection, and measurement units, are also saved in the GMW file. By preserving this information, GMW files enable users to quickly and accurately recall the state of their GIS projects, facilitating collaboration and project sharing.

Open GMW Files Using Global Mapper

Global Mapper is the primary software used to open and work with GMW files. As mentioned earlier, GMW files are Global Mapper Workspace Files created and utilized by the Global Mapper application. To open a GMW file in Global Mapper, simply follow these steps:

1. Launch Global Mapper on your computer.
2. Click the “File” menu and select “Open.”
3. In the “Open” dialog box, navigate to the location of the GMW file you want to open.
4. Select the GMW file and click the “Open” button.

Once you open a GMW file in Global Mapper, it will load the workspace it contains, including the map layers, views, and settings you had when you last saved the workspace. You can then continue working with the workspace or make changes as needed.

Alternative Methods for Opening GMW Files

While Global Mapper is the primary software used to open and work with GMW files, there are a few other options available. However, it’s important to note that these alternative methods may not provide the same level of functionality as Global Mapper:

• Text Editor: You can open a GMW file in a text editor such as Notepad or TextEdit. This will allow you to view the contents of the file as text, but you will not be able to edit or work with the workspace.

• XML Viewer: Since GMW files are XML-based, you can open them in an XML viewer such as XML Notepad or Oxygen XML Editor. This will allow you to view the XML structure of the file, but again, you will not be able to edit or work with the workspace.

Format and Use of GMW Files

GMW files are proprietary files used by Global Mapper, a geospatial data processing and visualization software developed by Blue Marble Geographics. They contain a workspace, which is a collection of data layers, settings, and other information necessary to conduct geospatial analysis and visualization projects. GMW files serve as convenient containers for storing and organizing project data and configurations.

Advantages and Limitations

The use of GMW files offers several advantages. They allow users to easily save and share project workspaces, ensuring a seamless continuation of analysis and mapping operations. Additionally, GMW files provide a structured format for storing project data, making it easier to manage and maintain. However, it is important to note that GMW files are specific to Global Mapper and cannot be natively opened in other software applications. This can create compatibility issues if the need arises to exchange data with users unfamiliar with Global Mapper.

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