Does DeLorme offer flexible XMap licensing for the large Enterprise?

February 24, 2010 by xmap

As the United States enters the next phase of recession recovery, most organizations and businesses will be struggling with budget limitations. We believe DeLorme provides the most outstanding Geospatial value available on the market today—GIS software, GPS devices, & base map data.

Large field force organizations—those with more than 500 mobile laptop stations—may require special licensing arrangements to support geospatial requirements, such as:

  • Disconnected GPS navigation and GIS work
  • Mobile views of the organization’s GIS infrastructure
  • Field data collection and GIS database synchronization
  • Special discounts on Earthmate PN-Series GPS receivers

DeLorme has several options that can assist in budget management and planning and to help to control costs.

Corporate Licensing–Consider a licensing arrangement that allows flexible installations of all XMap software and data tiers across your organization for an annual fee. Corporate licensing provides your IT group with flexible installation allowances, more powerful XMap GIS functionality for advanced users, and establishes reasonable expense planning over multiple budget cycles.

True-Up Program–Some companies prefer a “pay-as-you-grow” option.  Under a True-Up program, large installations of XMap can be initiated at a buy-in bulk quantity discount. Every 90 days, the XMap administrator reports to DeLorme any additional installations that occurred during that period and pays for those installations under standard payment terms and at the rate of the original buy-in.

If you have interest in a flexible licensing program for your organization please contact a DeLorme sales representative today—prosales@delorme.com.

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Tab Tip—Using Duplicated Layers to Manage GIS Label Placement

February 23, 2010 by xmap

When assigning labels to objects in a GIS layer—whether the layer contains points, lines, or polygons—XMap’s integrated cartographic engine optimizes the placement of the labels to ensure the clearest possible text display while maintaining the aesthetic qualities of the map. Polygon labels are automatically placed at the geometric center of the object being labeled; point labels are, by default, positioned above and to the right of the symbol; and line labels are placed as close as possible to the mid-point of the line. If necessary, XMap uses a text decluttering process to ensure that one label does not overlay another.

In most cases, this automated labeling process is sufficient to clearly denote the required information about the object; however, cartographic sticklers will suggest that a perfect map cannot be created without some sort of human input. By following a few simple and creative steps, it is possible to fine-tune or tweak the positioning of labels in XMap while providing the opportunity to determine the zoom level range within which labels appear.

The first step in this process is to create a duplicate copy of the layer in question. To do this, first select the layer in the Workspace, click Layers, click Create, and then click Copy Layer. It is a good idea to add “Labels” to the name of this second layer.

Next, adjust the symbolization of this new labels layer so that the objects on the map are transparent or invisible. The Symbolize dialog box can be accessed by right-clicking the layer in the Workspace or by clicking the Tools button above the Workspace table and selecting Symbolize. For each color or class displayed in the Symbolization window, change the Opacity setting to Transparent, then click OK. The objects formerly displayed on the map will disappear.

You can now use the Label function, accessed from the Tools menu, to add the required labels to this transparent layer. Although the objects are not visible, the labels will appear on the map.

Initially, these labels will appear in the same location as if the original layer had been labeled; however, because the objects to which they are assigned are invisible, their position can be moved without affecting the appearance of the map. To move these labels, select the new labels layer from the Active Layer dropdown list in the toolbar and click the Edit tool to the right. Each label can be individually selected and moved as needed.

With the labels for the original layer now contained within a second layer, it is possible to more precisely control the appearance and behavior of these labels. To customize the settings for this layer, click the Tools button and select Properties. Within this dialog box are options for determining whether the labels appear in the Primary and/or Secondary Maps, for setting the Zoom Level range at which the labels appear, and for adjusting the layering hierarchy to ensure that the labels are displayed on top of the objects in the original layer.

With a little creativity, it is possible to create a map that not only uses the latest in cartographic technology but also allows a certain amount of individual input.

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XMap at Work—Using the PN-40 GPS for GIS Data Collection

February 23, 2010 by xmap

One of the most significant new functions of the XMap 7 suite is XMap Forms. This innovative mobile GIS tool provides the opportunity for field technicians to view, edit, and collect GIS data using a laptop computer or an Earthmate PN-40 GPS receiver. After returning from the field, edits, additions, or other modifications can be automatically merged into an XMap GIS layer.

On the PN-40, XMap Forms functionality offers the ability to:

  • Record the location of field assets
  • Collect attribute data using preformatted drop-down lists, check boxes, and simple text entry
  • Verify the positional accuracy of current data layers
  • Modify the attributes for existing point locations
  • Move a point to a new set of coordinates
  • Delete existing points
  • Save collected data in GPX format
  • Store multiple forms, each containing their own data collection parameters for a variety of field applications

There are several considerations that should be addressed before deploying XMap Forms on the PN-40 for your mobile GIS operations:

  • To build an XMap form, you must have access to a copy of XMap 7 GIS Enterprise to create the requisite XMap 7 Enterprise database. XMap 7 GIS Editor includes the necessary tools for creating and managing forms, but not for creating the appropriately formatted database.
  • The PN-40s on which XMap Forms will be used should be upgraded to the latest Pro firmware.
  • The devices must be equipped with an SD card.
  • A GIS layer on which the form is built should be imported or created in the XMap 7 Enterprise database. Any data collected using a form is automatically appended to this layer.
  • It is not necessary to assign all attribute fields associated with a layer to a form.
  • Multiple PN-40s can be employed to collect data that is later integrated into a single GIS layer.
  • The process of merging collected data does not require each PN-40 to be connected to the host computer running XMap. There are several manual file transfer options that allow field-collected data to be submitted from a remote location.
  • Using XMap Forms on the PN-40 requires no additional forms license or locally installed software and the device itself requires no hardware upgrade.

Creating, Transferring, and Collecting Data on the PN-40 Using a Form

Step 1—Configuring a GIS Layer

As noted above, an XMap form is associated with a GIS layer in an XMap Enterprise database and therefore the first step in creating a form is to ensure the layer in question contains the required attribute fields. A form can be created using an imported GIS layer or a using a layer that is designed and developed in XMap specifically for this purpose. In either case, it will be necessary to establish certain field constraints to enable accurate and efficient data entry on the PN-40. Applying constraints to a field establishes limits on the data or values that can be entered when collecting or editing field information.

For an imported layer, the Attribute Design View in the GIS tab allows existing fields to be edited and constraints to be applied. To achieve this, simply right-click the attribute name in the Design View and click Edit Field. Depending on the data type, constraints can be applied that limit the number of characters that can be entered; that define an upper and lower range for the numeric values; or that specify a finite list of text entries that are acceptable. If an imported layer is pre-populated with existing points and attributes, the Suggest Values button will automatically create the list of value constraints based on what is currently contained in that field. This list can be manually supplemented with additional values if it is assumed that certain field-collected points will be attributed with data that is not included in the current list.

When creating a new layer for the purpose of collecting data on the PN-40, each field will be created manually. XMap 7 offers three options for creating fields:

  • Simple Field
    Use this option if you want manual text or number entry on the device without any constraints. Simple Field also offers the option to create a Boolean field which is manifested as a simple check box on the PN-40
  • Formula Field
    Formula fields, which are derived from a formula applied to an existing field, are not compatible with the PN-40 and cannot be used in a PN-40 form.
  • Constraint Field
    As noted above, this allows limits to be applied to the values that are added to a form. When creating a constraint field in a new layer, the Suggest Values button is not available as there are no preexisting values—therefore, the list of expected values must be manually typed. It is a good idea to include “Other” as a value constraint and to add a following simple text field to the form to allow text entry in the event that field observations do not match the constraints.

A Constraint Field can be assigned an initial value which will automatically be inserted with each new record. This option is usually applied if the vast majority of field-collected records have the same value and it eliminates redundant steps in the data collection process.

When symbolizing a layer from which a PN-40 form is created, be sure to use the Earthmate PN-Series symbol set. This ensures that the points displayed on the device will look the same as they do in XMap. If a layer is classified, all classes including the Null class must be assigned an Earthmate PN-Series symbol.

Step 2—Using XMap’s Form Builder

After the requisite GIS layer has been created and formatted with the necessary constraints, it’s time to build your XMap form. The form builder window is accessed in one of three ways: from the XMap Forms button in XMap’s toolbar; by right-clicking the appropriate layer in the Workspace and choosing Forms; or by clicking the Tools menu above the Workspace table and selecting Forms. Whichever method is chosen, click the Create option.

In the Create New Form window, there are several required steps for creating a form for the PN-40:

  • Enter a name for the form in the Form Name field. This is automatically populated with the name of the corresponding layer, but it can be edited if needed.
  • Change the Form Type dropdown to PN-compatible Form. XMap-only forms will not work on the PN-40.
  • If the PN-40 is being used to collect as well as view data, set the Form Operations selection to Add Data. Note that this setting will also allow points to be edited or deleted on the device.
  • If necessary, type a description for the form.
  • Under Attributes, add the fields you wish to include in the form using the arrow buttons and if required, adjust the order in which they appear.
  • To ensure that the correct Earthmate PN-Series symbols are assigned when points are displayed on the device, make sure you transfer the classification field to the form. This will be listed as a non-editable field.
  • To manually lock specific fields, ensuring the data cannot be deleted or modified, check the box next to the appropriate fields.

When creating a form for the PN-40, you may notice certain fields from your layer are not available in the attributes list. The reason for this is because certain types of data that are supported by XMap, such as document, URL, and currency fields, are not compatible with the device.

After all of the form parameters are set, click the Create button.

Step 3—Transferring a Form to the PN-40

A GIS point layer containing a PN-compatible form can be sent directly to a connected PN-40 from the Workspace in XMap’s GIS tab or it can be saved in a user-specified location and distributed via e-mail or manually copied to one or more SD cards. Simply right-click the layer name or choose the Send to PN-Series Device from the Tools menu to display the Export Points dialog box.

If the source layer contains existing data, these points along with their corresponding attributes will be copied to each PN-40 device that either directly or indirectly receives the form. If no preexisting data is present, such as in cases where the form is being used exclusively for data collection, an empty layer will be sent.

If the points and the form are being saved locally, two folders will be created at the specified location: a forms folder and a GPX folder. It is important that the recipient of these files replicates these folders on their SD card before inserting it into their device.

Another method for distributing XMap Forms to multiple PN-40 users is to use XMap’s data synchronization feature. This process transfers the entire source layer to a local version of XMap from where the form and data can be directly transferred to the device using the process described above. For more information on synchronization, refer to the XMap 7 Administration Guide.

Step 4—Collecting or Editing Data on the PN-40

The process of transferring the form and data to the PN-40, as described above, creates the necessary files on the SD card within the PN-40. Before using the form, these files must be loaded into the internal memory of the device. This process is initiated from the Waypoints screen on the device by clicking the MENU button, selecting File, and selecting Open. After choosing the appropriate layer, a list of existing points will be displayed in the Waypoints list. If the layer is empty a blank waypoint screen is displayed.

Collecting Data – To create a new point, press the Mark (pushpin) button at the bottom of the PN-40. The preconfigured form will be automatically displayed allowing the user to enter the appropriate data pertaining to that point. Use the arrow buttons to scroll between the available fields. When the form is complete, there is no need to save the point as it is automatically stored in the internal memory of the device. Instead, simply press the QUIT button to return to the previous screen or press the Mark button to create a new point.

Editing Data – To edit the attributes for an existing point, use the up or down arrows on the PN-40 to highlight the point in the Waypoints list and press the ENTER button on the device. Alternatively, move the cursor on the PN-40 screen to hover over the required waypoint and press the ENTER button. Initially, the attributes will be displayed as a read-only list. To enable editing, press the MENU button and select Edit Waypoint. All the attribute fields are now editable.

Deleting Points – Be careful when deleting points that were transferred to the PN-40 because when the data is later merged back into the source layer in XMap, the original point in the GIS layer will be deleted as well. To delete a point, select it from the Waypoints list or from the map as described above and press the ENTER button. After verifying from the attributes list that the point in question is no longer needed, press the MENU button again and select Delete Waypoint.

Moving Points – To move an existing point, enable the editing function as previously described and select the coordinates in the Position field. Note that these coordinates are assigned by the PN-40 and may not necessarily reflect the coordinates in the original data in XMap. After pressing the ENTER button, use the left and right arrow buttons to highlight each individual number in the coordinates and press the up and down arrows to adjust the values as needed.

After the data collection or editing process is complete, press the MENU button when displaying the Waypoints Page, select File and then Save. This copies the collected points back to the GPX file on the SD card in preparation for transfer into the original GIS layer in XMap. Note the same form can be used over again so there is no need to transfer a new version to the PN-40 for each data collection event.

Step 5—Transferring Field-Collected Data into XMap

The GPX file that was created when the form and accompanying points were transferred to the PN-40 retains its association with the original GIS layer so the process of merging collected data into XMap automatically adds the new points to the layer. Furthermore, any attribute edits or point deletions are also applied to the original layer.

To merge collected data, right-click the layer name in the Workspace in XMap or choose the Import from PN-Series Device from the Tools menu to display the Import from PN Series Device dialog box. The import process automatically recognizes the data layers on a connected PN-40 and displays the associated GIS layer for each data layer. This dialog box also offers the option to browse to another location if the GPX files have been emailed or manually transferred from remote PN-40 users.

To update the source layer with the new data, click the Merge button.

Employing XMap Forms functionality on the PN-40 significantly increases the value of the device by transforming it from a field data viewer into a fully functional GIS data collector. No comparably priced GPS receiver offers this level of functionality and provides access to such a wide variety of data at the jobsite, wherever that may be.

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Tab Tip – Tracking Offenders with XMap’s GPS Radar Function

January 26, 2010 by xmap

November’s DeLorme Professional Newsletter included a list of the major functional enhancements in the newly released XMap 7 suite. If you read the entire article, towards the bottom of the list under the subheading, Other XMap Enhancements, you may have noticed “Improved GPS Radar Search”—a reference to a lesser known but, nonetheless, powerful component of the XMap toolkit.

About XMap 7

A recurring theme in the various descriptions of XMap is that it represents the perfect integration of GPS and GIS technology. DeLorme mapping software has included GPS functionality since its earliest days, when DeLorme was one of the first companies to introduce a GPS receiver for consumer use. It is no surprise, therefore, that when XMap was developed, it inherited a powerful set of GPS tools for tracking, navigation, data collection, and, as seen in the GPS radar functionality, proximity searching.

The idea behind the GPS Radar is very simple: if your GPS receiver is able to discern your precise location and the map on which your position is being displayed includes points of interest or other significant data layers, it is very easy to generate a list of these points that are within a defined distance and to update this list as you move. Originally, this functionality was incorporated into DeLorme software titles to help the traveler find particular businesses and services such as restaurants, hotels, and gas stations. However, it soon became clear that there could be many other applications for this tool.

One such example emerged during a meeting between members of DeLorme’s XMap team and a representative from a state law enforcement agency. The officer, citing studies indicating that most criminal activity is carried out by individuals who have been previously convicted, suggested that if each patrol vehicle were equipped with a system that would alert the officer when they came close to the address of a known offender, many crimes could be prevented. This discussion and other similar meetings, led to the development of a GIS-optimized version of the GPS Radar search function.

GPS Radar is a subtab of the Find tab in XMap and the set-up process involves a few simple steps:

  1. Create or import the GIS layer containing the points that you want to search for. If you are working with a database or a spreadsheet of addresses, XMap’s GIS import function will automatically geocode or assign each record the correct point on the map.
  2. Make sure you have a GPS receiver connected to your computer. If a device is not detected by XMap, the search will originate at the current map center.
  3. Click the Find tab and click the GPS Radar button.
  4. From the Find drop-down list, select either All GIS Points, which will return results from all active GIS point layers, or Custom, which provides a text box within which the name of a specific layer can be typed.
  5. Before beginning the search process, click the Options button to customize the behavior of the search:
    • Select the distance within which the search will be conducted.
    • Set the time between updates to the search results.
    • If required, choose the wording of the verbal prompt that is played when a result is found.
  6. Click the Search button to initiate the GPS Radar search. The results will be displayed in list form with the closest at the top of the list. After the previously determined time interval, a new list of results will be generated. Directions to the closest or selected object will be indicated by a thin green line on the map.

GPS Radar can be employed for a wide variety of applications; however, much of the new functionality was developed to address the specific needs of the mobile law enforcement community.

Read More About XMap 7

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Utilizing GPS and GIS Technology for Emergency Management

January 26, 2010 by xmap

In recent years, there has been a surge in interest in location-based technology among organizations and agencies that would previously have considered these tools to be beyond their means. The emergence of low-cost and Web-based mapping applications and the ubiquitous availability of worldwide satellite-enabled navigation have instilled a spatial mindset within a broad cross-section of the population. Software offerings such as DeLorme’s XMap and GPS receivers such as the rugged Earthmate PN-40 are bringing this technology firmly down to earth.

The utilization of geographic intelligence has been particularly evident in the field of emergency management and response, where GPS technology has long played a critical role and where GIS—Geographic Information System—is now coming to the forefront. Response agencies at the national, regional, and local levels are learning that the efficient management of data plays a critical role in all aspects of emergency management, from mitigation to recovery.

Unlike in many other situations where the benefits of a GIS are measured in terms of increased efficiency, higher productivity, and ultimately dollars and cents, the benefit of this technology for emergency managers is that it saves lives. No matter what the situation, whether it is a major natural disaster, such as an earthquake, hurricane, or flood, or a local search and rescue operation, GIS can and should play a key role.

GIS Defined
While many GIS specialists might offer a more complex definition of their chosen field, the basic tenet of a GIS is fairly straightforward. A GIS is a system for managing data in its locational context. Typically, a GIS is a computer-based system for gathering, storing, organizing, and distributing location-based information.

Why GIS?
A well-organized GIS provides an invaluable tool for collecting data from a variety of sources, organizing it into a usable format, and efficiently redeploying the data to those who need it most. In the field of emergency management, a GIS can reduce response time, eliminate redundancy, streamline the allocation of personnel and resources, and can provide crucial information for planning future operations. Additionally, the common file formats in which GIS data is usually stored offer an easy means to share maps and data with other responding agencies.

Integrating GIS and GPS
It is frequently assumed that GIS and GPS are inherently connected; however, the interoperability of these two technologies is often a difficult process necessitating the conversion of files to allow the exchange of data from one platform to the other. Few handheld GPS receivers offer the option of  viewing GIS layers or aerial imagery, a feature which serves to extend the reach of the GIS infrastructure to remote locations. Nor do they typically provide the means to collect field observations that can be easily integrated into a centrally managed GIS. It was with this in mind that DeLorme developed the Earthmate PN-40, a GPS receiver that offers a unique set of capabilities.

Foremost is its ability to display map data from a wide variety of sources, including aerial imagery, USGS maps, NOAA charts, GIS layers, and more. Additionally, this waterproof device can be used to collect data using the innovative XMap Forms capability. This powerful component of the XMap suite utilizes customized drop-down lists, check boxes and simple text entry to not only mark a critical point but to record a wealth of invaluable information about the location. Back at the command post, the field-collected data from multiple PN-40s is integrated directly into a GIS layer, allowing emergency managers to quickly discern the spatial characteristics of the data and to make better operational decisions.

GIS for Emergency Management
Often the development of a GIS is approached as a three-phase effort: data collection, data processing, and data sharing. For emergency managers, much of the data collection and processing can be performed as part of the preparation work. A broad range of relevant data can be imported or created to reflect what might typically be required in an emergency within the jurisdiction of the responding agency.

When an emergency strikes, the GIS infrastructure needs to be flexible enough to work in the field and to incorporate all of the additional data that will be collected as part of the emergency operation. In such a dynamic and challenging setting, the system must be easy to manage and the data must be accessible to those with limited knowledge of GIS. An overly complex GIS requiring a specialist to run it may become an unwelcome bottleneck when the need for data and maps becomes critical.

Typically, GIS software is designed for office use; however, DeLorme’s XMap, which has been developed on the platform of the company’s renowned navigational software and includes route planning and GPS interoperability as standard features, has helped redefine GIS. XMap is equally at home in the office, in the vehicle, in the field, or wherever emergency operations are managed.

GIS and GPS for Search and Rescue Operations
When a hiker fails to show up at a designated rendezvous spot or a child goes missing after wandering away from a campsite, the local emergency response agency quickly steps up to the plate, often assisted by other organizations and willing volunteers. From the outset, a high degree of organization is essential.

Many searchers will be unfamiliar with the area so there is the risk of escalating the crisis if those who are searching becoming lost themselves. Others, eager to assist, may take it upon themselves to initiate a search without any collaboration with the agency in command and without access to potentially critical directions.

A GIS will allow the emergency manager to identify and record any currently available information: Where was the subject last seen? In which direction was he heading? What are the terrain, land cover, and natural vegetation in the proposed search area? Where are the best access points? With all of this information at hand, a strategy can be developed and a plan initiated.

A useful component of the GIS for both assigning response teams and keeping track of areas covered is a grid superimposed on the search area. By way of preparation, a custom floating grid can be created in XMap and dragged to the target area. For those responders who do not have access to a GPS device, a map displaying this grid along with all of the other pertinent information can be printed. Users of DeLorme’s PN-40 GPS receiver can have the same map sent directly to the device so as they proceed on their designated search path, they can see where they are in relation to the grid.

Upon returning to the command center, the track recorded by each GPS device is imported into XMap and overlaid on the grid to determine which areas have not yet been covered in the search. The GIS tools in XMap allow each track to be buffered creating a wider swath on the map so that a more realistic perspective of the actual area searched can be ascertained. XMap’s spatial querying and symbolization capabilities are then used to create an updated map that is then redeployed to each PN-40.

Classification or color-coding of the tracks is used to map the area searched by each team. For example, the track files that were recorded and downloaded from the GPS receiver used by the canine unit could be represented by a unique color, allowing the emergency manager to see where this particular team should be assigned next.

The collection of point-specific data is also important in the search and rescue effort. Tagging a location where evidence has been found is a simple process using the PN-40. A button on the device is used to create a labeled waypoint to which detailed comments can be added. As with tracks, this point data is easily integrated into a GIS layer allowing all of the information to be centrally managed and, if necessary, updated and redeployed.

If a photographic record is also appropriate, XMap includes a tool for automatically assigning a series of downloaded digital photographs to the precise point on the map at which they were taken. This geo-referenced photo can be displayed as a thumbnail image on the map or as a hyperlink, which opens the full size photograph.

For emergency managers, the application of GIS does not end with the completion of the search operation. All of the data that has been collected during the rescue effort can be reviewed and analyzed to help plan and prepare for future events. It can also be used to create simulations for the purpose of training other responding agencies.

Conclusion
A GIS is a tool that manages information to enable better decision-making and nowhere is the decision-making process more important than in emergency management and response. Among the critical considerations when deciding to apply spatial technology for emergency management and response are the flexibility and suitability of the system for field applications, the accessibility of the technology for novice-GIS users, the interoperability with other applications and data sources, and the ability to efficiently share data with handheld GPS receivers.

XMap GIS software and accompanying Earthmate PN-40 GPS receiver from DeLorme meet all of these requirements and collectively provide a perfect mapping and GPS platform for all emergency operations.

Posted in XMap at Work | Leave a Comment »

DeLorme Responds to Haiti Disaster

January 26, 2010 by xmap

A few weeks ago, the XMap team met to discuss the content of January’s edition of the DeLorme Professional Newsletter. It was decided during the meeting that we would focus on the application of XMap and the Earthmate® PN-40 GPS receiver for emergency management. Little did we know at the time that within a few days the nation of Haiti would fall victim to one of the most devastating national disasters in living memory and that DeLorme mapping and GPS tools would be quickly called into service.

As the news of the severity of the earthquake filtered out, and agencies and organizations from around the world mobilized to help the citizens of this already impoverished country, calls started to come in to DeLorme requesting accurate and up-to-date map data as well as assistance deploying our software and GPS products. DeLorme data technicians quickly responded and developed a GPS-accurate, routable road and street map for Port-au-Prince and other affected areas for use in XMap and on the PN-40.

Download Free Haiti Map Packages

Meanwhile customer service representatives and product specialists manned the phones, met with emergency response organizations, and conducted training classes to ensure that everyone who required assistance with their DeLorme product provided the information they needed.

DeLorme products are now being used by emergency personnel and relief organizations in Haiti to map the extent of the destruction, to help navigate around the city of Port-au-Prince and beyond, to assist in the distribution of much-needed supplies, and to plan for the slow rebuilding process.

On behalf of everyone at DeLorme, our heartfelt thoughts are with the residents of Haiti as they come to terms with the loss of friends and relatives and as they begin to rebuild their lives. We also forward our sincerest gratitude to those who selflessly responded to the call for help and who are on the ground in Haiti. DeLorme is pleased that we are able to assist in this effort.

Read the full press release:
As Many as 500 First Responders Relying on DeLorme GeoSpatial Solutions in Haiti

Posted in Events, XMap Developments | Leave a Comment »

XMap Q & A – Will XMap or the PN-40 work outside the U.S.?

December 14, 2009 by xmap

There is no technical limitation that restricts the use of XMap or the Earthmate PN- 40 GPS receiver to use in the United States. Courtesy of the United States Department of Defense, a reliable GPS signal can be used to establish a precise positional fix virtually anywhere on the surface of the planet at any time. XMap and the PN-40 can therefore be used to monitor location, track movement, and accurately create waypoints or other draw objects no matter where in the world you are located.

In practical terms, however, the most significant impediment to using DeLorme mapping technology outside of the U.S. has, until recently, been the availability of map datasets. This barrier is slowly disintegrating and there are now several avenues for non-U.S. XMap users to view, import, or create base map data:

  • XMap World Base Map
    Skilled cartographers at DeLorme recently embarked on an ambitious project to create the first seamless, consistent, accurate, and up-to-date base map for the entire world. This effort culminated in the XMap World Base Map, a vector-based dataset incorporating an extensive GPS-navigable road network, geographic and hydrographic features, land cover information, elevation, and much more. For information on purchasing this dataset, call 1-800-293-2389, or e-mail prosales@delorme.com.
  • Locally Available GIS data
    GIS professionals within the U.S. have access to countless data libraries and archives from which thousands of data layers, both raster and vector, can be downloaded, usually at no charge. Such publicly accessible data repositories are becoming increasingly common throughout the rest of world as government agencies and educational institutions recognize the value in encouraging the application of spatial technology. In these archives, XMap users can usually find compatible data in the form of shapefiles, GeoTIFFs, or other common GIS formats.
  • Scanned and Registered Paper Maps
    Often considered a last resort if no preexisting datasets are available, the ImageReg function in XMap provides a straightforward means to convert a standard image file into a raster GIS layer. The obvious benefit of this approach is that any local map or aerial image that is either in a standard image file format or that can be scanned is compatible. The positional accuracy of the final dataset depends on the precision with which the anchor coordinate points are established and, obviously, on the accuracy of the original map itself.
  • Canadian Topographic Maps from the Map Library
    If your foray into foreign lands takes you no further than our neighbors to the north, XMap has you covered. The Map Library subscription now includes unlimited downloads of Canadian topographic maps derived from the 1:50,000 series. These high-quality maps are available from the U.S. border to beyond the Arctic Circle.
  • XMap’s Embedded Reference Data
    If you have ever clicked the pan button in XMap a few too many times or imported a coordinate dataset without first checking to see if the longitude values had the requisite minus sign or West designation, you may have found yourself, or at least your map view, in some remote corner of the world. You may also have noticed that the map is not blank, at least up to zoom level 6. Embedded in all versions of XMap is worldwide Reference Dataset that, while not detailed enough to allow you to plan a hike in the Himalayas, will, with the aid of an attached GPS, let you know if you are currently in Kathmandu or Khartoum.

XMap users within the U.S. have become accustomed to the integrated high-quality topographic and street level datasets that are the foundation upon which XMap projects are built. Not only does DeLorme design and develop the software, we also create and manage the map datasets themselves; a truly unique amalgamation of spatial technologies. With the release of the XMap World Base Map, this synthesis of maps and software is now available worldwide, supplemented by locally available GIS layers and other data. XMap and the Earthmate PN-40 are therefore truly global mapping tools.

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Tab Tip – Using the Edge Matching Tool to Accurately Map Adjacent Polygons

December 14, 2009 by xmap

Among the exciting new GIS components developed for XMap 7 is an ingenious tool for streamlining the process of creating or modifying polygons. The Edge Matching tool, as its name implies, provides an efficient and effective way to automatically match the edge of a polygon with the corresponding edge of its neighbor. In short, this tool saves a lot of duplicated effort when creating adjacent irregular polygons.

To help provide an appreciation of the value of this tool and to describe how it works in a practical sense, we will consider a common application for manual polygon creation: parcel mapping.

If you are lucky enough to play your GIS trade in the vast central section of the United States, property mapping is a relative breeze. Thanks to the Jeffersonian survey system, properties are typically regular, four-sided polygons, stretching as far as the eye can see. Click, click, click, click and you’re ready for the next one. Here in New England, property boundaries tend to be based not on a universal consistent system but on local geographic or hydrographic features such as streams or ridgelines, which do not usually follow straight lines or intersect at right angles.

When mapping adjoining parcels of this type, it is unavoidable that each boundary line must be precisely duplicated to avoid any holes or overlap. This process usually doubles the time and effort needed to create the parcel database—it was for such situations that XMap’s Edge Matching feature was developed.

To use the Edge Matching tool in either the Editor or Enterprise version of XMap, follow these steps.

  1. Create or import the first polygon, making sure it is accurately delineated.
  2. Create a simple version of the adjacent polygon (four points is sufficient).
  3. Click the Edge Matching tool on XMap’s toolbar and click anywhere within the simple polygon.
  4. Select the two shape points at either end of the section of this polygon that will be matched. These anchor points will be symbolized with pink boxes.
  5. Click anywhere within the first polygon and repeat the anchor point selection process for the two points that correspond with ends of the section of the boundary to be matched. A dashed line on the map provides a visual indication as to which of the two previously selected points will be matched. After the second point is selected, the corresponding edge of new polygon will be automatically redrawn and matched to the shape of the original polygon.

The Edge Matching tool not only saves time and effort in polygon mapping projects, it also ensures accuracy in the mapping process by eliminating the likelihood of mismatched or omitted points.

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DeLorme Offers Free Downloadable Trial Version of XMap 7 GIS Enterprise Software

December 14, 2009 by xmap

DeLorme is pleased to announce the availability of a downloadable trial edition of the latest release of its XMap 7 GIS Enterprise software. This thirty-day evaluation copy provides all of the features of the standard Enterprise software version and includes a sample of DeLorme’s topographic base map data.

XMap 7 is a three-tiered GIS software suite that has been engineered to extend the reach of GIS to field technicians and mobile professionals through straightforward two-way data synchronization and form-based data collection and editing.

XMap 7 GIS Enterprise is the most advanced level of the three tiers. It offers offer a full array of GIS importing, editing, and analysis tools as well as powerful data administration and deployment functionality. Using XMap 7 GIS Enterprise, a GIS manager or IT administrator can:

  • Import data in all common spatial formats
  • Create and edit both the geometry and attributes of a layer
  • Classify, symbolize, and query the data.
  • Establish the synchronization process to enable the efficient transfer of selected GIS layers
  • Build data collection forms for use in all versions of XMap 7 or on the Earthmate PN-40 handheld GPS receiver
  • Integrate field-collected data in a master GIS database

To download a free trial copy of XMap 7 GIS Enterprise, visit www.xmap.com/trial.

Also available in the XMap 7 software suite are XMap 7 GIS Editor—a full-featured application offering an extensive set of GIS layer importing, creating and editing tools, ideally suited for small scale GIS operations—and XMap 7 Professional, which is primarily a GIS data viewing application but, when used in conjunction with XMap GIS Enterprise, becomes a proficient field data collection and updating tool, ideally suited for field personnel and other mobile professionals.

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XMap at Work

December 14, 2009 by xmap

Santa Claus travels the world with the Earthmate PN-40

North Pole – The Earthmate PN-40 has proven its mettle in the most demanding physical environments—from the high peaks of the Himalayas to the searing heat of the Sonoran Desert. Yet these extremes pale in comparison to the latest assignment for this indomitable device.

This year, Santa Claus has chosen the PN-40 to help him guide his sleigh as he circumnavigates the globe bringing joy (and DeLorme mapping products) to all.

“Rudolph’s navigational prowess is well known,” said Mr. Claus in a recent interview. “But the red nose is yesterday’s technology. When I heard the Easter Bunny had picked up a PN-40 and had shaved twenty percent off his delivery time, I had to get one.”

Working with his team of IT elves, Mr. Claus used XMap to quickly geocode the location of every child on the planet. In the resulting GIS layer, he added a Naughty or Nice field, with Nice assigned as the default initial value, of course. He then appended the Requested Presents database and even attached a copy of each kid’s Santa letter as an embedded document. Finally, he overlaid this point layer on the new XMap World Base Map data before creating the necessary map packages for his PN-40.

“The forms feature on the PN-40 is what will really make my job easier,” said Mr. Claus while stuffing his sack full of DeLorme Atlas and Gazetteers. “Let’s say I park the sleigh on the roof little Jimmy’s house. I just look down at the screen of my PN and click the symbol and up pops a form with all of Jimmy’s details: Nice–check; Copy of XMap–check. I’m on to the next house before the guys up front have a chance to finish their carrots. I even added a check box to the form to let me know that I’d visited this house. How cool is that? Now, if you’ll excuse me, I really have a lot to do.”

So there you have it, the PN-40 does its part to help bring holiday cheer to kids all over the world.

The XMap Team at DeLorme would like to wish you and yours a happy and healthy holiday season and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.

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