June 20, 2023
Frequently Asked Licensing Questions
Blue Marble Geographics offers four license options to meet the varied needs of users worldwide, covering everyone from single users to cross-office use. Licenses are also available in nine different languages. The table below explains how each license works and will help you decide which type is right for you.
| License type | How it works | How it moves | Will it work for you? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single User | This license is node-locked to one computer and it cannot be accessed remotely. | The license can be moved up to two times a year, with a verified license removal. | This license works best for one person with one primary computer. If you plan to move your license multiple times, this license type is not recommended. |
| Single User Floating | This license is node-locked to one computer and can be accessed remotely. This license can also be moved between machines an unlimited number of times following a proper removal and transfer procedure. | If a user wishes to move the license to another machine, the license must be released from the previous machine. Alternatively, a user can access their license remotely through RDP on a machine that is already licensed. | This is best for one person who needs to move their license between two computers or needs to access a remote desktop. This license is not recommended for multiple users or small offices or for sharing between multiple users. |
| USB Dongle | This license is moved between machines via a USB dongle and can be moved an unlimited amount of times with the dongle. | To use a dongle license, Global Mapper must be installed on the machine and the dongle must be plugged in to activate the application. | This dongle works best for moving between multiple machines, without the hassle of unlicensing prior to moving to a new computer. |
| Network | These licenses are hosted on a server, with a minimum of two licenses. | Licenses can be checked out from the server as needed. They are only limited by the number of licenses purchased, meaning if you own a two-seat license, a total of two users can access a license at the same time. | This license is best for groups of users. Networks can be used in one office or across multiple offices. Users can also borrow licenses from the server for up to 90 days if they are going to be away from the network. |
I want Global Mapper Pro; do I need to purchase/renew both Global Mapper Pro and Global Mapper?
Global Mapper Pro is an extension of Global Mapper, meaning that a foundation of Global Mapper (the standard license) is required to use Global Mapper Pro. Both licenses must be purchased and maintained to have a current and updated version of the software. Therefore, you will see two line items or licenses when you purchase, renew, or activate Global Mapper Pro.
How do I move my single-user or floating license to a new computer?
Before activating your Global Mapper license on a new computer, you must first release the license from your current machine through the removal verification process. It is important to note that simply uninstalling Global Mapper will not release your license. To get the Global Mapper License Removal verification, follow these simple steps:
- Open Global Mapper on the machine you wish to remove the license from
- Go to Help
- Open the License Manager
- Select Release/Remove from the drop-down menu.
Once completed, this action will replace the license file on that computer with a removal code. Copy this code to your computer’s clipboard. Depending on your setup, the removal confirmation will be sent to Blue Marble licensing servers, and you will then be able to use your order number to register the application on the new computer.
If the old computer is offline or the removal confirmation does not automatically complete for some reason. In that case, the removal code will be contained in a file named ‘GlobalMapper.lic_removed’ in the following directory location for most computers: C:\ProgramData\GlobalMapper\GlobalMapperXX. Please send in the removal code or the ‘GlobalMapper.lic_removed’ file to authorize@bluemarblegeo.com
Once this process has been completed, you can activate your license on the computer of your choice using your complete order number.
How do I upgrade my license to the latest version?
If you are enrolled in Maintenance and Support service, you have full access to all new releases of Global Mapper. With a single-user license, you only need to download the latest version and login with your most recent order number.
If you have a network license, you can email orders@bluemarblegeo.com or authorize@bluemarble.com with your order number, server name, and ethernet address. Once you have been sent a new license file, you will need to delete the old file and then will be able to install the new license.
To update a USB dongle, you will need to send the C2V for the dongle. This process can be done by downloading the Hasprus.exe program from our website and following these easy steps:
http://www.bluemarblegeo.com/downloads/licensing/Hasprus.zip
File: Hasprus.exe
- Run this program with your dongle plugged in
- Click ‘collect information.’ This action will prompt you to save the C2V file.
- E-mail a request containing your most current Order ID and the C2V file to geohelp@bluemarblegeo.com.
Once received, you will be contacted with an EXE file that you can use to update the dongle, as well as additional instructions.
My single-machine license of Global Mapper is no longer working. I am on the same computer as yesterday. What happened?
Your Global Mapper has been working fine until one day; you are greeted with an error message that you have licensed this product the maximum number of times. This message can be confusing as you have not changed your physical computer; however, the Machine ID of your computer has changed.
Single machine licenses are locked to the machine ID, also known as the ethernet address of your computer. Machine IDs can change for various reasons, including computer updates, docking station or Wi-Fi adapter changes, or motherboard replacements. For this reason, it is essential to release your license before you make these changes and ensure the laptop is disconnected from any wireless network adapters or docking stations when activating a license.
Why is my dongle not working?
Usually, once a USB dongle is plugged into a machine, the dongle license will automatically download and activate. Occasionally, you may find the dongle needs to be recognized. This occurs when drivers aren’t automatically installed when you first plug the dongle into a machine. If this is the case, or your machine seems to not recognize the dongle, please install the latest drivers available from our website.
Once the manual update is complete, you will be back up and running again.
Remember that your dongle must be updated for each version release.
Why can’t I check out my network license?
Network licenses are housed on a server; any computer connected to the server can check out a license. However, the ports must be open on the firewall and unused by other services. If they are not, you will receive the following error message: “Unable to checkout license.”
The first port, the licensing port, is specified in the first line of the license file. The default licensing port in the licenses we distribute is 27000. If needed, you can edit the port number in the license file by opening the license file in a text editor and changing only the port number on the first line of the file.
The second port, the vendor daemon port, is not static; by default, it is not specified in the license file. If needed, you can specify this port by opening the license file in a text editor and adding PORT= followed by the port number in the second line of the license file after VENDOR bmgeo. Example: VENDOR bmgeo PORT=28000
After making port number edits to the license file, be sure to save the license file and reread it on the Start/Stop/Reread tab of lmtools.exe.
Can I change license types?
Our sales team is here for any questions you may have when trying to pick the best license for you. However, once you start using your license, you may realize a different license type would be a better fit. We are happy to work with you within a 90-day window after your initial purchase if you want another license type.
If you wish to change your license type after this window, you must purchase a new license.
Please contact the Blue Marble Sales team at orders@bluemarblegeo.com with any questions or if you are interested in a free 14-day trial!
