One of the key distinctions between XMap and the other GIS software offerings is the fact that XMap has a fully integrated vector base map at its core. DeLorme has been building and independently managing its extensive road and street 
database for almost 30 years, so we do not have to rely on third-party companies to provide this map information for our customers. Furthermore, we readily update the map data based on the latest information from departments of transportation, local government, and our software users.
Within XMap, the road and street database greatly enhances the functionality of the software. It enables the routing and navigation tools; it is employed in the geocoding of location-based data; it facilitates address and place name searches; and much more.
Perhaps most importantly, the road and street map data offers a spatial perspective for the data layers that are imported into the GIS tab. In this context it is often necessary to “clean up” the map to avoid the appearance of clutter. For instance, if you are mapping your customers’ locations you may wish to disable other points of interest to avoid confusion, or if you are viewing a GIS layer showing forest stands, you may want to limit the base map to just the major roads and hydro features.
XMap offers the option of customizing the appearance of the base map data by turning off unwanted features. This is achieved by adjusting the settings in the Map Features tab in the Options window, which is accessed from the toolbar at the top of the screen.
When you select the Map Features tab, you will see a list of the primary components of the map along with check boxes that allow these feature types to be turned on or off. Included in this list are such options as major and minor roads, town borders, and a coordinate grid.
For more control over the contents of the map, check the box next to Use Custom Map Features and click the adjacent Customize Map Features button. This brings up an expandable list of individual feature types, each of which can be enabled or disabled as needed. It also offers a search function for quickly finding a specific type of feature.
The Custom Map Features approach provides a high level of control over the map contents. For example, within the Line category, there are nine types of lines, including Boundaries, Hydrographic Features, and Land Thoroughfares. The latter can be further expanded to show 12 classes of roads and streets such as Local or Rural Roads and Primary Limited Access Roads, which in turn can be expanded to show such map features as State Route Toll Roads and Interstates. Select or clear the check box next to each individual feature type or class to enable or disable that feature or group of features.
A commonly used approach for map customization is to first disable all map features using the None button in the Map Features window. After you click Apply, the map window will be blank. Specific features can now be selected as needed to display only those map objects that are applicable to your requirements. All customized feature options are saved in the current XMap project file so multiple settings can be established and individually saved for future use.
For more information on map customization and other XMap features and functions, refer to the Help system in the software.
