Surfer

About Surfer
Surfer is a 2D and 3D mapping and modelling tool, which helps display data while maintaining accuracy and precision. Users can communicate information related to geology, environmental, hydrology, construction and more. Its 3D viewer lets professionals monitor point data and surfaces and analyze data patterns.
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- Used Monthly for 2+ years
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Review Source
Overall rating
- Value for Money
- Ease of Use
- Customer Support
- Likelihood to recommend 8.0 /10
Good option for fast data processing and generation of associated three-dimensional maps.
Reviewed on 2018/03/09
Almost all aspects of the map can be customized, so the final presentation is practically what I...
Almost all aspects of the map can be customized, so the final presentation is practically what I want, with few format restrictions.
The most recent versions have incorporated improvements that allow me:
Develop 3D views to visualize data in real 3D, with the ability to walk on the surface and fly through the visualizations.
Now I can process and visualize the data more quickly on the surface that I have created.
I have also noticed that aspects related to data import formats have improved.
Pros
For the mapping and modeling of small areas, I prefer it before more complex software such as Arcgis, simply for convenience and faster results.
Almost all aspects of the map can be customized, so the final presentation is exactly as the user intended.
Cons
I can not use it to model buildings and it also does not have video output format
It does not allow me to do double visualization in the same interface, option that if they have other similar programs like the qGis, for example.
- Industry: Environmental Services
- Company size: 11–50 Employees
- Used Weekly for 2+ years
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Review Source
Overall rating
- Value for Money
- Ease of Use
- Customer Support
- Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10
Fantastic Mapping Software
Reviewed on 2019/04/23
Surfer offers a wide range of functionality from creating very basic figures to complicated 3D...
Surfer offers a wide range of functionality from creating very basic figures to complicated 3D visuals. I have had clients mention they were impressed with the mapping I have been able to produce for their properties.
Pros
The functionality of Surfer incredibly broad. I use Surfer as general mapping tool for site maps and contour figures but also for making 3D site models and visuals. Being able to incorporate LiDAR data into my visuals is a particularly helpful feature of Surfer. The figures I am able to produce with Surfer are visually appealing and allow me to present my data in an easily understandable way.
Cons
I have no complaints with this software.
Response from Golden Software
Thank you very much for your review! We are glad to hear you're pleased with Surfer. Don't hesitate to reach out should you have any questions.
- Industry: Research
- Company size: 201–500 Employees
- Used for 6-12 months
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Review Source
Overall rating
- Value for Money
- Ease of Use
- Customer Support
- Likelihood to recommend 6.0 /10
Isovaloras
Reviewed on 2021/04/09
It is good for basic stuff.
It is good for basic stuff.
Pros
It is ideal to plot points in 3d. Easy to create isovaloras.
Cons
It needs more vision in 3D and calculation of areas.
Response from Golden Software
Hello Pedro,
Thank you for your review!
We want to be sure you see that Surfer can calculate and display areas (and volumes and lengths). Areas can be calculated between contours levels, for existing polygon areas, or by drawing a polygon. We are also interested in hearing what type of 3D functionality would be most useful to you, and want to make sure you are aware of our student discount offer! Our student discount offers significant savings on the price of Surfer for students.
If you have any questions about calculating areas, are willing to describe what you would like to do in the 3D, or have any questions about the student discount or anything else, please reach out to our support staff at [email protected].
Thank you!
Golden Software
- Industry: Oil & Energy
- Company size: 501–1,000 Employees
- Used Monthly for 1+ year
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Review Source
Overall rating
- Value for Money
- Ease of Use
- Customer Support
- Likelihood to recommend 7.0 /10
Very useful for engineers and geoscientists
Reviewed on 2018/08/13
I discovered surfer when I was in a physics lab . I had to represent electric fields line and I...
I discovered surfer when I was in a physics lab . I had to represent electric fields line and I didn't know how to do that. That is when I found a tutorial using this software to make it possible. Then, when I started to see more advanced subjects at my school . I found out that geoscientist use it a lot, that is where I started exploring all of its awesome features. I made a gravimetric study of all my school for a project and Surfer was really helpful for presenting the results of that study.
Pros
with surfer we are able to create good quality 2D and 3D maps . It allows you to import an excel sheet and work based on that data. Also you can create different types of maps ( I have made gravimetric and topographic maps ).
Cons
It is hard to use some of the tools and is not easy to find some kind of tutorial on internet. I have only used in small areas because I've only made school projects.
Response from Golden Software
Thank you for the review!
There is a self-paced tutorial within Surfer's help. You can access the Help directly within the program or online- http://surferhelp.goldensoftware.com/#t=tutorial%2Fusing_the_online_tutorial.htm.
You're also welcome to contact our support team directly with any questions you may have - support.goldensoftware.com
Hope this helps!

- Used for 1+ year
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Review Source
Overall rating
- Value for Money
- Ease of Use
- Customer Support
- Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10
Excellent for contouring maps.
Reviewed on 2018/05/17
I truly recommend surfer to anyone who would like a much more streamlined GIS software that...
I truly recommend surfer to anyone who would like a much more streamlined GIS software that produces beautiful maps and it's cheaper than other top notch GIS programs.
Pros
As a geoscientist you normally use lots of GIS softwares, and I can honestly tell that working with surfer for me produced the best results, it is a mix of easier than other GIS software with beautiful maps. Its correlation tools and color palettes allow you to create great contour maps to represent any type of geophysical, geological or geographical data, such as magnetic and gravimetric.
Cons
As many of the GIS softwares it can be difficult at first, but once you get the hang of it you shouldn't have any issues, just beware that there are not that many tutorials online.
Surfer FAQs
Below are some frequently asked questions for Surfer.Q. What type of pricing plans does Surfer offer?
Surfer offers the following pricing plans:
- Starting from: US$599.00/year
- Pricing model: Subscription
- Free Trial: Available
Single-user licenses are priced at $105/month or $629/year. Concurrent-use licenses are priced at $1,259 per year per seat. Your subscription includes: • Access to the latest version of Surfer and Surfer Beta • Free upgrades, updates, and fixes during the term of your subscription • Automatic renewal without the need for re-installation or re-activation • Access to priority technical support • Access to features before the official release with Surfer Beta Perpetual licensing is also available.
Q. Who are the typical users of Surfer?
Surfer has the following typical customers:
Self Employed, 2–10, 11–50, 51–200, 201–500, 501–1,000, 1,001–5,000
Q. What languages does Surfer support?
Surfer supports the following languages:
English
Q. Does Surfer support mobile devices?
Surfer supports the following devices:
Q. What other apps does Surfer integrate with?
We do not have any information about what integrations Surfer has
Q. What level of support does Surfer offer?
Surfer offers the following support options:
Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Phone Support, Chat
Related categories
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