This is, in my opinion, the largest area that still needs work in the
open source geo world, if we are to take over the world properly.
For some web mappings that I have put up, I used the Chameleon
MapServer toolkit:
http://maps.timberline.ca/okifpa/
Most of that site is default Chameleon technology, widgets for
zooming, layer control, etc. are all by default available. There is
a printing button you'll see there - which then pops up a window for
accepting various parameters. After I've downloaded the image, I can
then send it to my printer.
I've never been able to get PDF working in that environment, but
others certainly have. Of course, this is not an automated
solution. For that you will need to get into some sort of scripting,
perhaps with a web mapping client app via AJAX - or a desktop/server
tool like GRASS which is scriptable via bash.
You can also use QGIS (qgis.org) do mock up maps meant for output/
printing. They components for c++ programmers that you could tap
into if you want to get more raw access to underlying APIs.
All of the above are free to use, how much time it will take you to
get up and running will vary.
Hope that helps somewhat. From my industrial GIS perspective, we
need some better packages that are focused purely on high quality
output - or some adjustments/improvements of existing tools - before
some GIS shops I work with can put all proprietary options aside.
Good luck,
Tyler
On 27-Sep-06, at 8:33 PM, Bryce Nesbitt wrote:
How do folks prepare printed maps? Meaning maps meant for .pdf or
direct printing use?
I'd like to produce a few thousand a month, centered and zoomed on the
recipient's home address, with some custom icons and graphics. What
tools might work, and are they open-source, free, closed-source, paid?
What's the startup investment?
-Bryce
--
----
Visit http://www.obviously.com/
_______________________________________________
Geowanking mailing list
[email protected]
http://lists.burri.to/mailman/listinfo/geowanking
_______________________________________________
Geowanking mailing list
[email protected]
http://lists.burri.to/mailman/listinfo/geowanking
