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ArcView-Based Map Production Application CGIS Introduces MapEXPRESS |
ow rolling out onto the CGIS main line is MapEXPRESS. While stopping at all major and minor GIS locations, speed will not be impaired. All Aboard!
A key element of most GIS installations, particularly government sites, is map production. In Qatar, literally hundreds of maps are produced daily by the many agencies using GIS to meet the numerous requests by engineers, consultants, and other agencies.
While various attempts were made by the individual agencies themselves to solve their map making needs, it became increasingly apparent that the map production bottleneck was an agencywide problem and CGIS decided that the only permanent solution would also have to be agencywide.
CGIS decided that the most efficient method of implementing a comprehensive map production system would be decentralize the map making process and empower the users themselves by developing an easy&endash;to&endash;learn, easy&endash;to&endash;use software product that would allow those needing the maps to create them at their desktops.
Based on ESRI's ArcView software and developed using Avenue, its object-based programming language, MapEXPRESS retains both the look and feel of ArcView, as well its full functionality. This allows users to not only create maps, but also provides them with the ability to view, query, and analyze georeferenced data.
Beginning with its opening display, which is a "live" map of Qatar, you know that MapEXPRESS was designed and built as a high production tool. Zoom to any portion of the Qatar map and you're on GISnet with its 90+ gigabytes of constantly updated information at your fingertips. Road flowlines and coastal boundaries come up by default, which gives the user immediate visual reference points. Street names can be added with the click of a button and resized and repositioned, if desired.
Ortho Imagery or Satellite Imagery can be easily included. MapEXPRESS decides which layer to add based on the scale you have selected. Zoom in and you'll get orthos, zoom out and satellite imagery is overlaid.
Since agencies have agreed upon a standard symbol set for use across GISnet, Qatar's national GIS network, and this has been incorporated into MapEXPRESS, users can easily visually compare data.
It is also possible to save work sessions, allowing the return to a project to continue working on it. Supported platforms include Windows NT, Windows for Workgroups, and UNIX.
Map production is format driven. Agencies are able to include their own particular map templates, as well as design new ones. Maps automatically include a miniature index map and full legend. Legend attributes and text can be easily edited. MapEXPRESS is so intuitive, that the symbols library will automatically change depending on whether or not a color or monochrome printer has been designated for output.
Since MapEXPRESS resides on the server, the user is confident of always using the most current version of the software because of the ease of distributing updates in this manner, as well as the most up-to-date data, since maintaining current databases is a requirement of all agencies.
A designated staff member in each agency will act as the MapEXPRESS technical advisor. Classes for the advisors are currently being organized for the Summer. After returning to their own agencies, advisors will be responsible for conducting their own training sessions. The advisors will also act as the focal point for any questions or comments from their users regarding MapEXPRESS.
For the past few months, both the Drainage and Roads Divisions have been riding on MapEXPRESS and have enjoyed the benefits. The Planning Department has recently climbed aboard.
For more information about MapEXPRESS and how it can meet your mapmaking needs, contact Satinath Sarkar, Head of the Technology Services Section, at telephone number 337511.
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