The 11 Desktop Mapping Package Requirements
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Desktop mapping is a new and rapidly growing software category.
Understandably, emerging technologies often bring confusion. What is
a desktop mapping package? How do I know if it is the solution I need?
What features must a complete desktop mapping package have? How do I 
compare various packages on the market?

As a pioneer and a leader in desktop mapping software, we regard the 
features listed here as essential for a robust, fully functional      
package that will handle your critical applications. After these 
fundamentals are covered, you can turn your attention to other factors
such as ease of use.


1. Attach data to any object.

The power of desktop mapping is it's ability to display data geographically
so that it can be visualized and analyzed. It is important to associate data
with objects on a map such as: points, lines, polygons, polylines, etc.


2. Use data directly from other formats.

Since your application can involve a lot of data from many sources, seamless
access for analysis is critical. A desktop mapping package should use data
directly from other formats. Other benefits of direct use of data are;      
a) analysis is done on live data, not a copy; b) data isn't stored twice on
disk; c) conversion time is eliminated; d) less possibility of resulting loss
of data.


3. Layer data on maps.

The ability to overlay data from different tables onto the same map is
necessary in order to visualize relationships among data, analyze data from
different tables on the fly, and create new tables as necessary.


4. Relational database manager.

A desktop mapping package must have a powerful relational database engine.
Many common desktop mapping functions rely on the underlying database engine
such as: performing queries, find objects, and performing searches. Since
data comes from many sources and on many layers, it is vital that the
database engine be relational. Otherwise, working with data from different
layers is harder and more cumbersome, data is stored less efficiently, and
there is less flexibility in the types of queries you can perform.


5. Thematic representation of data.

Data visualization in desktop mapping lets you represent the data on maps
with colors, fills, line types, and symbols.






6. Geographic analysis.

Geographic querying of objects allows you to analyze and select data
graphically. Geographic editing tools allow you to create custom maps.


7. Multiple simultaneous views of data.

Since desktop mapping merges data with graphics, you need the ability to work
with many views if the data simultaneously. You should be able to see both
the graphics and the associated data at the same time, as well as perform
queries and see the results.


8. Printing.

A desktop mapping package must have support for a wide range of fonts,
colors, fill patterns, and line styles over many hardware peripherals.


9. Multiplatform.

A key attribute in a desktop mapping package is multiplatform support. The
ability to run the same software on PC's, Macintoshes and Workstations
protects your investment and gives you options. Files should be seamlessly
accessible across platforms so you won't lose data transferring between
platforms. The interface should be consistent so you will only have to learn
one package.


10. Maps and data.

Vendor supplied base maps and data from worldwide to street level allows you
to be productive with your desktop mapping software right away.


11. Programming language.

For flexibility and customization, a desktop mapping package should have a
programming language.


Note:
MapInfo features vary depending on your platform. Call your MapInfo 
representative for more details.