Just want to clairify some thinking that seems to be inaccurate on GLOBAL.
RANT ON
Not much of any problems with the program from the git go, just improvements to version 1.3 now. Global is a program that simply replaces the default FSX textures with new and much better textures world wide. On install it gives you to opportunity to save the FSX default textures in case you wish to ever remove Global. That will never be the case if you install the program properly because the replaced textures are 1000% better than default. Global has been fine anomaly wise but VECTOR of the other hand is a "work in progress" that with release 1.0 and 1.1 was sadly flawed but v1.15 improved the performance greatly and now at v1.2 while it still has warts and scars here and there is much more user friendly.
The biggest problem with these two pieces of software is the marketing. ORBX alludes to the fact that these two programs will magically change default FSX into a wonderland of beauty and accurate shorelines, roadways etc. With nothing else needed to obtain the wonderous world and people are fighting with each other grabbing the software and expecting things to look like the screen shots provided by ORBX. Not possilble says I, the software is great when used along with ORBX full fat regions and airports and will enhance the FSX experience greatly but as a stand alone purchase it ain't gonna look like the 'pretty pitchers' trying to sell it period.
I want to make it clear that the full ORBX regions and airports already include custom textures and objects and thus Global will not 'pretty up' an ORBX region but outside, in the 'real world' of FSX there is a major improvment.
My experience with both programs which I purchased upon original release and have gone through each and every update/version in order has been mixed. Global is not really in the mix as it has always worked fine and without problems from day one. VECTOR on the other hand was pretty rough at first and still has work needed. Pilot's does have a forum on the ORBX site for reporting problems and are making corrections and improvement. Unlike ORBX they are slower releasing new versions but remember the program is a world wide (global) coverage and a lot more work to update. Example the original data source was woefully lacking (street map) and has since been replaced which is like writing a complete new code.
My Recommendation would be Global is a must for FSX with ORBX Regions and airports. It also vastly improves the area outside of ORBX treatments greatly but it isn't ORBX quality of course.
ORBX contracted with Pilot's for VECTOR and Pilot's is the one who update that software
VECTOR v1.2 is at the point that if you want accurate shorelines, waterways and better roadways most of the major blemishes have been fixed but room for improvments are still there.
As you probably know I keep close tabs on the ORBX forums to try and stay abreast of all things ORBX and have noticed a drastic drop in user understanding and how to even install ORBX and PILOT'S software. The newbies seem slanted toward the ain't gonna read or search for answers, screw the manual I know better, here's my money take care of me and fix my stupid mistakes.
Global = buy it!
VECTOR = I would buy v1.2 but the choice is yours.
RANT OFF
