ImageMapper is a program for the mac, designed to make the task of producing accurate, maintainable imagemaps as easy as possible. Map formats supported are HTML - Client Side, CERN, NCSA, and you can also define your own.
Thanks to inclusion of the Independent JPEG Group's code, ImageMapper is capable of displaying and converting between graphics files in a variety of formats, notably JPEG, GIF, PICT, BMP, PPM, TARGA.
You can also test your imagemaps before compiling, thanks to the inclusion of 'Internet Config' compatability.
How does it work?
1: Set up your imagemap
It can work in two ways - both are very different, but achieve similar results, you can even mix the two.
Method 1 - drawing
If you have ever used an object-oriented drawing program, then you should have no problems using this method - simply load in your graphic, and draw the 'hot-spots' onto your image using the tools provided, objects available are rectangles, circles and polygons. Don't worry if you don't get it right first time, you can manipulate the objects after they've been drawn, moving, resizing/shaping, etc until you get it right. Click in the bar at the top of the window, and you get a floating dialog that lets you alter the objects to your heart's content.
Method 2 - listing
This is probably the less intuitive of the two methods, but it's great if you want to do some tweaking of your objects after they've been set up using method 1. Basically, you get a list of your objects, showing the boundaries, the target url, and the object kind. Double-click an object, and you get a floating dialog which lets you alter the parameters individually. There is nothing to stop you creating your imagemap from scratch using this method, but since you can't see the image, it is difficult. You can create/delete objects using the buttons at the top of the window.
2: Test the imagemap
Once you have your imagemap as you like it, try clicking on the 'test' tab in the 'Toolbar' floater - this starts up testing mode, where you can see how your imagemap will work when seen via netscape. Clicking the mouse while inside an object in test mode will invoke Internet Config, and launch the target in Netscape. It is a good idea to have Netscape running in the background while in test mode, and you can see if all your links work before you compile.
3: Compile the imagemap
After you have checked that the map works as you want, simply choose 'Generate ImageMap…' from the 'Image' menu, and select the kind of imagemap you would like to create. Normally you want HTML code, for Client Side ImageMaps, for inclusion in your own webpage code. If this is the case, just click on 'Generate', and wait a few seconds while the map is created in a new window. This is raw code, you might want to copy parts of it, to paste into other documents, but the (HTML) code created is a valid Netscape file, which can be saved and used without alteration. Command-clicking on the URL part of the text will open the URL in the associated Internet Config helper.
Other Tools
Comprehensive zoom tools are supplied. You can open the Zoom floater, which displays the area of image around the cursor - minus any objects, at an enlarged size. You can vary the amount of zoom, by clicking in the floater. You can also zoom in on the entire imagemap, by simply clicking on the zoom in/out/menu icons at the bottom-left of the window.
Note- the zoom options do not affect the final compiled image - check it at 100% before generating code!
Selection tools are also provided, you can access these via the tool floater by clicking in the 'Select' tab - you can select either a rectangle or a user-defined region, you can drag the area to the desktop/other program, or use the 'copy' command to copy it into the clipboard.
A utility is provided that allows you to convert between various graphics formats, currently you can convert between any two formats, as long as one of them isn't a PICT. This should be implemented soon…
More Information
There are many resources on the Internet which can give you in-depth information on ImageMaps, HTML code, CERN, NCSA formats, etc, in much more detail than I could possibly go into here. A good resource on HTML coding can be found at Glasgow University WebSoc, http://www.gla.ac.uk/Clubs/WebSoc.
Requirements
There are currently three versions of ImageMapper, these are 68k, PowerMac, and FAT - obviously, you want the version that suits your computer, but if you are unsure, use the FAT version as it will work on either system, it just takes up a bit more of your disk.
ImageMapper works best with System 7.5, but will work with System 7 or later, although you need to have the Drag Manager installed, and to decode 'PICT' images, you'll also need QuickTime (I think the PowerMac version REQUIRES QuickTime.)
Bugs
Obviously, a program the size of ImageMapper, there will be the odd bug lurking around. Hopefully these won't be too nasty or inconvenient, but if you encounter any - PLEASE LET ME KNOW!!! I'm not psychic, and I don't have time to exhaustively test every system variation, especially the PowerMac version (I don't have a PPC.) I will do my best to sort them out as I hear of them.
Shareware:
Thanks for taking the time to download ImageMapper. This is the complete version, it is shareware, and if you think you may find it useful, then I hope you will consider sending the shareware fee. Benefits include removal of the 'annoying messages', support and latest updates via eMail.
If you live in the UK, you can register directly, by clicking 'Register' in the startup dialog. If you stay elsewhere, or want to register electronically, you will find it more convenient to do so via the "Register" program which is included beside this readme file. See the file "Using the Register Program" for info on doing this.
Send any bug reports, suggestions, or comments to:
snaddosg@kagi.com,
and I will respond as soon as I can, normally within 2 working days.
the latest version will be available from my web pages at:
http://www.dcs.gla.ac.uk/~snaddosg, or http://www.gla.ac.uk/Clubs/WebSoc/~9404524s
Disclaimer:
This software is licensed on an “as is” basis. The author can provide no warranty of any sort. By running this software, the user assumes complete responsibility for any direct or indirect damages due to use or misuse.
