Re: MI Scaling maps for layouts
Tim & Harry, Maybe I missed part of the exchange, but let me give a "scientist" procedure, without bolt on module. Finding out how to produce a "real map" with Mapinfo was a but tedious and needed some experimentation, as the topic is almost not raised in the manuals (probably because, as you correctly stated, most of the US users need to make illustrations.) Anyway, here is how we proceed here (in a metric environment may I add). 1/ zoom the mapper window to the extent that all what has to be on the "real map" is on the screen (do not bother about scale). 2/ open a new layout window containing all elements in one window . the content of your mapper window will appear in the layout 3/ double click left on the map object. A diagogue box appears with towards the bottom the message: scale on paper: 1cm = km. Fill in the ... km with the required scale ratio: f.ex. 1/100.000 map is 1cm = 1 km. 4/ change layout display zoom so that you can position other objects like scale bar(s) and legends 5 DO NOT CHANGE ANYTHING IN THE MAPPER WINDOW 6/ Print The routine works ok; we printed on A0 size transparents that were overlaid on basemaps and there does not seem to be a problem, besides digitising errors Max.. Tim Warman wrote: > Harry, > > In the past I've used Discover, a "bolt-on" designed for mineral exploration > to produce scaled plots. It works quite well. > > I guess the core of the problem is that there are two distinct types of > users of MI. The first and most common (at least in the US) seem to be the > marketing, telecom and real estate types whose goal is to produce > illustrations. That's what they need, and MI is a good tool for it. > > The second and smaller group are the "scientists" who need to produce what > for lack of a better term might be called "real maps". I guess we're a > smaller segment of MI's market and as a result we're stuck buying bolt-ons > to get what we need. I suppose you can't blame MI for concentrating on the > needs of the majority of its customers. > > Cheers, > Tim > _ > Tim Warman > Geologist & GIS Specialist > Richard C. Slade & Associates > North Hollywood, CA > (818) 506-0418 > > -Original Message- > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Harry Bell > Sent: Friday, September 01, 2000 1:56 AM > To: 'Mapinfo User List' > Subject: MI Scaling maps for layouts > > Hello all. > > I know this is an age old topic but was wondering if anyone had any > comments. Basically it involves printing from layout windows to scale. I > remember a User Group meeting a few years back where Lazlo Bardos was in > attendance, and was asked about this to which he replied that it was not > something the American users really needed to do, so was never tackled! > > Anyway, after many months of typing '333' in the Zoom box for A4, for the > last few years I've been using a bolt on application from a reseller to > achieve scale printing. I would like to know: Do most users use a bolt on > module, write their own code or is there another solution? Does anyone have > any opinions about this? > > Have a good weekend everyone, > > Harry > > Harry Bell > GIS Project Manager > East Dorset District Council > > -- > To unsubscribe from this list, send e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and put > "unsubscribe MAPINFO-L" in the message body, or contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- * Max Fernandez Departement Geologie, Koninklijk Museum voor Midden - Africa Département de Géologie, Musée royal de l'Afrique centrale Department of Geology, Royal Museum for Central Africa Steenweg op Leuven, 13tl: +32 2 769 5431 B-3080 Tervuren fx: +32 2 769 5432 Belgiumemail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] our home page:http://www.africamuseum.be/ * -- To unsubscribe from this list, send e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and put "unsubscribe MAPINFO-L" in the message body, or contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MI Scaling maps for layouts
Well I have to admit that Richard's method works like a charm - I'd used bolt-on programs from day one so I've never actually had to do it the hard way before. I still think it should be a lot easier and more automated than this. Just as an example, the Discover add-on gives you a dialogue box that asks for the scale you want to plot at and the size of the paper you're plotting to. It then adds a region to a temporary layer in your mapper, the region being the area that can be plotted at the specified scale and paper size. You can move the region around, and keep respecifying scales and/or paper sizes until you've got something you're happy with. Next, it asks if you want to add a grid, a scalebar, and a title block to your layout, and lets you fill in the lines on your title block. It even adds some automatic things like projection and date info. Finally, it creates the layout window and places all of the map items exactly where you told it to. Is this too much to ask of MI? Cheers, Tim _ Tim Warman Geologist & GIS Specialist Richard C. Slade & Associates North Hollywood, CA (818) 506-0418 -Original Message- From: Richard Greenwood [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Friday, September 01, 2000 2:49 PM To: Tim Warman; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: MI Scaling maps for layouts Maybe I'm throwing on too late here, but producing maps at a specific scale can be accomplished in 30 seconds by anyone possessing basic arithmetic skills: 1. Assuming you have a map window open that shows generally the area you need to plot, create a new layout. Double click on the mapper frame to see what the approximate scale is. Lets say it's 1"=187.9', so the closest standard scale would be 1"=200'. 2. with the mapper frame properties still open, make the frame width an even number (so you don't have to dig around for your calculator). Say the frame is 29.67" wide, so make it 30.0" wide. 3. Now you have a 30" wide frame and you want to plot a map at 1"=200' scale map; so (without the aid of a calculator) I can derive that the frame should show 6000'. Switch back to the map window and use the little magnifying-glass-with-the-question-mark tool to set the mapper window width to 6000'. 4. As for a scale & north arrow, I maintain a set of fancy north arrow/scale/logos at all the standard scales, which I can slap into any layout. If you think plotting to scale in MapInfo is hard, DON'T use AutoCAD. I find MI the fastest and easiest tool I have for plotting simple maps (ones without complex labeling or hatching). Rich At 01:34 PM 9/1/2000 -0700, you wrote: >Spencer, > >To illustrate what the problem with producing scaled maps in MI is, try >producing a map of a specific geographic feature on an A4 sheet, at the >maximum standard scale that will fit on the page, with a title block, a >north arrow and a decent-looking scale in under 5 minutes. I can do it using >one of the many available bolt-ons, but I'm fairly certain that it's not >possible with MI alone. > >Any decent mapping program should have this as one of it's most basic >capabilities. > >Cheers, >Tim >_ >Tim Warman >Geologist & GIS Specialist >Richard C. Slade & Associates >North Hollywood, CA >(818) 506-0418 > >Maybe I'm missing something here > >In a Layout window, if you "double-click" on a frame which contains a Map >window, the dialog box that appears contains a place to type in the >exact scale you want. Its accuracy depends upon having selected the >correct paper size, but A4 was a paper-size choice in my "Page Setup". > >Hope this helps >Spencer > Richard W. Greenwood, PLS Greenwood Mapping, Inc. [EMAIL PROTECTED] (307) 733-0203 fax: 733-4018 http://www.GreenwoodMap.com -- To unsubscribe from this list, send e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and put "unsubscribe MAPINFO-L" in the message body, or contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MI Scaling maps for layouts
Maybe I'm throwing on too late here, but producing maps at a specific scale can be accomplished in 30 seconds by anyone possessing basic arithmetic skills: 1. Assuming you have a map window open that shows generally the area you need to plot, create a new layout. Double click on the mapper frame to see what the approximate scale is. Lets say it's 1"=187.9', so the closest standard scale would be 1"=200'. 2. with the mapper frame properties still open, make the frame width an even number (so you don't have to dig around for your calculator). Say the frame is 29.67" wide, so make it 30.0" wide. 3. Now you have a 30" wide frame and you want to plot a map at 1"=200' scale map; so (without the aid of a calculator) I can derive that the frame should show 6000'. Switch back to the map window and use the little magnifying-glass-with-the-question-mark tool to set the mapper window width to 6000'. 4. As for a scale & north arrow, I maintain a set of fancy north arrow/scale/logos at all the standard scales, which I can slap into any layout. If you think plotting to scale in MapInfo is hard, DON'T use AutoCAD. I find MI the fastest and easiest tool I have for plotting simple maps (ones without complex labeling or hatching). Rich At 01:34 PM 9/1/2000 -0700, you wrote: >Spencer, > >To illustrate what the problem with producing scaled maps in MI is, try >producing a map of a specific geographic feature on an A4 sheet, at the >maximum standard scale that will fit on the page, with a title block, a >north arrow and a decent-looking scale in under 5 minutes. I can do it using >one of the many available bolt-ons, but I'm fairly certain that it's not >possible with MI alone. > >Any decent mapping program should have this as one of it's most basic >capabilities. > >Cheers, >Tim >_ >Tim Warman >Geologist & GIS Specialist >Richard C. Slade & Associates >North Hollywood, CA >(818) 506-0418 > >Maybe I'm missing something here > >In a Layout window, if you "double-click" on a frame which contains a Map >window, the dialog box that appears contains a place to type in the >exact scale you want. Its accuracy depends upon having selected the >correct paper size, but A4 was a paper-size choice in my "Page Setup". > >Hope this helps >Spencer > Richard W. Greenwood, PLS Greenwood Mapping, Inc. [EMAIL PROTECTED] (307) 733-0203 fax: 733-4018 http://www.GreenwoodMap.com -- To unsubscribe from this list, send e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and put "unsubscribe MAPINFO-L" in the message body, or contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MI Scaling maps for layouts
Spencer, To illustrate what the problem with producing scaled maps in MI is, try producing a map of a specific geographic feature on an A4 sheet, at the maximum standard scale that will fit on the page, with a title block, a north arrow and a decent-looking scale in under 5 minutes. I can do it using one of the many available bolt-ons, but I'm fairly certain that it's not possible with MI alone. Any decent mapping program should have this as one of it's most basic capabilities. Cheers, Tim _ Tim Warman Geologist & GIS Specialist Richard C. Slade & Associates North Hollywood, CA (818) 506-0418 Maybe I'm missing something here In a Layout window, if you "double-click" on a frame which contains a Map window, the dialog box that appears contains a place to type in the exact scale you want. Its accuracy depends upon having selected the correct paper size, but A4 was a paper-size choice in my "Page Setup". Hope this helps Spencer Spencer -- To unsubscribe from this list, send e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and put "unsubscribe MAPINFO-L" in the message body, or contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- To unsubscribe from this list, send e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and put "unsubscribe MAPINFO-L" in the message body, or contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MI Scaling maps for layouts
Hi, I've been getting that strange creeping sensation down my spine over these calls for easier scaled plotting, I guess Ive missed something but Ive been plotting to scale with the standard interface for years, admittedly its not a one-click task, but its not a heinous chore either... some tips for the worried (who might think its impossible) and the mean (who like myself are allergic to spending money) 1. Experiment with the 'when map resizing' options (map>> options) I find 'preserve current scale' is easier to work with when trying to set up a mapper to show what I want. 2. set your system units (Options>>preferences) and map units (Map>>options) to similar or scaleable values (I use cm paper units amd metres/km map units) 3. Experiment with the frame object settings (double click the frame in the layout. the bottom right box in the dialog shows you the print to scale values eg 1 cm = 0.1 km is 1:10,000 scale, 1cm = 0.025 km is 1:2500 scale) 4. Experiment with a combination of mapper size /coverage and frame scale. the trick is to 'accommodate the fact' that the layout frame size,the frame scale,the mapper size and the coverage shown, are all linked. Its hideously frustrating at first but this is mainly due to users trying to plot a map covering 800 sq km at 1:10,000 scale in a 30 cm x 30 cm frame on a single piece of a4. 5. Dont rely on the contents of the mapper being accurately reflected in the contents of the frame, there is always some shortfall/overlap, experiment...yes I know..its a pain, but its not that bad.or try using a mask or a clipping-region to hide extraneous objects. HTH r -- To unsubscribe from this list, send e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and put "unsubscribe MAPINFO-L" in the message body, or contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: MI Scaling maps for layouts
Harry, In the past I've used Discover, a "bolt-on" designed for mineral exploration to produce scaled plots. It works quite well. I guess the core of the problem is that there are two distinct types of users of MI. The first and most common (at least in the US) seem to be the marketing, telecom and real estate types whose goal is to produce illustrations. That's what they need, and MI is a good tool for it. The second and smaller group are the "scientists" who need to produce what for lack of a better term might be called "real maps". I guess we're a smaller segment of MI's market and as a result we're stuck buying bolt-ons to get what we need. I suppose you can't blame MI for concentrating on the needs of the majority of its customers. Cheers, Tim _ Tim Warman Geologist & GIS Specialist Richard C. Slade & Associates North Hollywood, CA (818) 506-0418 -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Harry Bell Sent: Friday, September 01, 2000 1:56 AM To: 'Mapinfo User List' Subject: MI Scaling maps for layouts Hello all. I know this is an age old topic but was wondering if anyone had any comments. Basically it involves printing from layout windows to scale. I remember a User Group meeting a few years back where Lazlo Bardos was in attendance, and was asked about this to which he replied that it was not something the American users really needed to do, so was never tackled! Anyway, after many months of typing '333' in the Zoom box for A4, for the last few years I've been using a bolt on application from a reseller to achieve scale printing. I would like to know: Do most users use a bolt on module, write their own code or is there another solution? Does anyone have any opinions about this? Have a good weekend everyone, Harry Harry Bell GIS Project Manager East Dorset District Council -- To unsubscribe from this list, send e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and put "unsubscribe MAPINFO-L" in the message body, or contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MI Scaling maps for layouts
- Original Message - From: "Harry Bell" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "'Mapinfo User List'" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Friday, September 01, 2000 4:56 AM Subject: MI Scaling maps for layouts > Hello all. > > I know this is an age old topic but was wondering if anyone had any > comments. Basically it involves printing from layout windows to scale. I > remember a User Group meeting a few years back where Lazlo Bardos was in > attendance, and was asked about this to which he replied that it was not > something the American users really needed to do, so was never tackled! > > Anyway, after many months of typing '333' in the Zoom box for A4, for the > last few years I've been using a bolt on application from a reseller to > achieve scale printing. I would like to know: Do most users use a bolt on > module, write their own code or is there another solution? Does anyone have > any opinions about this? Maybe I'm missing something here In a Layout window, if you "double-click" on a frame which contains a Map window, the dialog box that appears contains a place to type in the exact scale you want. Its accuracy depends upon having selected the correct paper size, but A4 was a paper-size choice in my "Page Setup". Hope this helps Spencer Spencer -- To unsubscribe from this list, send e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and put "unsubscribe MAPINFO-L" in the message body, or contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: MI Scaling maps for layouts
Hi Harry, I have also heard that the American market does not print to scale. I still find that statement hard to believe, printing to scale is the the biggets complaint I get from my users, everyone wants to be able to do it and they all get very frustrated with the scale conversion method. So we commisioned someone to write a plotting routine, which helps but is not as slick as we would like. At the moment we are looking into buying a bolt on tool like 'Easyplot' for our mapinfo users (about 50 in PCC) and 'Proprinter' for our pro-viewer users, though my clients find it hard to accept they have to pay extra for this basic facility. I keep hoping that one day Mapinfo will not think of the non-American market as being a second class citizen and gives us a useable (even if very basic) WYSIWYG plotting facility. Malcolm Norman a disgruntled plotter Portsmouth City Council UK >From: Harry Bell <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >To: "'Mapinfo User List'" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Subject: MI Scaling maps for layouts >Date: Fri, 1 Sep 2000 09:56:23 +0100 > >Hello all. > >I know this is an age old topic but was wondering if anyone had any >comments. Basically it involves printing from layout windows to scale. I >remember a User Group meeting a few years back where Lazlo Bardos was in >attendance, and was asked about this to which he replied that it was not >something the American users really needed to do, so was never tackled! > >Anyway, after many months of typing '333' in the Zoom box for A4, for the >last few years I've been using a bolt on application from a reseller to >achieve scale printing. I would like to know: Do most users use a bolt on >module, write their own code or is there another solution? Does anyone >have >any opinions about this? > >Have a good weekend everyone, > >Harry > >Harry Bell >GIS Project Manager >East Dorset District Council > >*(01202) 886201 extn.2243 >[EMAIL PROTECTED] > > > >Views: >The views expressed in this electronic communication are those of the >writer and are not, unless otherwise stated, the views of East Dorset >District Council. > >Confidentiality: >The addressee(s) of this electronic communication shall treat its contents >in confidence and take all reasonable steps to ensure that the contents are >not accessed or made available to any third party. No liability arising >from unauthorised access to the information contained in this electronic >communication whilst stored on any computer system or electronic storage >media outside of its direct control shall be accepted by East Dorset >District Council. > >Virus checking: >Whilst all reasonable steps have been taken to ensure that this electronic >communication and its attachments whether encoded, encrypted or otherwise >supplied are free from computer viruses, East Dorset District Council >accepts no liability in respect of any loss, cost, damage or expense >suffered as a result of accessing this message or any of its attachments. > >-- >To unsubscribe from this list, send e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and put >"unsubscribe MAPINFO-L" in the message body, or contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] _ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com. Share information about yourself, create your own public profile at http://profiles.msn.com. -- To unsubscribe from this list, send e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and put "unsubscribe MAPINFO-L" in the message body, or contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
