I'm interested in seeing what it takes to integrate the maps with my own software. Which typically means what standards apply to the maps, like projections, ... . programming languages, API'S, interface packages, etc, ... .
Any information or URL wd be appreciated that wd let me import and display a map in another application. Or, ... ?
AS
Any information or URL wd be appreciated that wd let me import and display a map in another application. Or, ... ?
AS
Hi AS,
I don't think S&T has an API. For that sort of thing you might be much better off playing with Mappoint. Functionally it does everything S&T does but it does more. It integrates with MS Office applications nicely and it has a documented API and a proper SDK.
There is a free trial, full function, no limits except you have to buy it within 60 days or it simply stops working.
Here's the MS Developers Network page for more info on Mappoint and the SDK. Check the lists of resource links at the right.
Enjoy.
...ken...
I don't think S&T has an API. For that sort of thing you might be much better off playing with Mappoint. Functionally it does everything S&T does but it does more. It integrates with MS Office applications nicely and it has a documented API and a proper SDK.
There is a free trial, full function, no limits except you have to buy it within 60 days or it simply stops working.
Here's the MS Developers Network page for more info on Mappoint and the SDK. Check the lists of resource links at the right.
Enjoy.
...ken...
Thanks for the fill-in. Right now I can't tell fm the marketspeak - mebbe you can tell me - whether it includes the map data, or whether it connects to some MS server in the sky for that.
That's important for the usage I'm considering, which is an Open Source Computer-Aided-Dispatch application I've written. The users like its functionality, but some are put off by its current reliance on an Internet connection for map data and API. So I need a way of serving map data locally.
While I have a candidate solution for the API in OpenLayers, I don't have one for the map data. While I'd prefer it be free - these are volunteer folks with $zero budgets - 'cheap' cd work.
AS
That's important for the usage I'm considering, which is an Open Source Computer-Aided-Dispatch application I've written. The users like its functionality, but some are put off by its current reliance on an Internet connection for map data and API. So I need a way of serving map data locally.
While I have a candidate solution for the API in OpenLayers, I don't have one for the map data. While I'd prefer it be free - these are volunteer folks with $zero budgets - 'cheap' cd work.
AS
There isn't much open about S&T's maps and you are stuck with Microsoft's map update cycle for changes.
If you want to integrate just the maps and your software already has all the necessary functionality, you might be better off to explore open source mapping. Here are some links to get you started:
http://www.openstreetmap.org/
http://opensourcegis.org/
http://www.maptools.org/
http://mapguide.osgeo.org/
Another alternative is to look at the Garmin map format. It's pretty open and well understood. There are loads of people out there creating free maps of various parts of the world and there are lots of utilities to support the creation and modification of the Garmin map format. Let us know if you are interested in pursuing the Garmin possibilities and we can probably point you to some information sources.
With either open source mapping or Garmin format maps, you are pretty much in control of your own destiny. If the users want to submit map corrections to you, you will be able to make the changes as and when you want rather than waiting for a commercial vendor to do it.
With the Garmin format you can do corrections on a transparent overlay so that if your underlying data happens to be from a commercial vendor or other regularly updated source, you haven't messed with the base data. You've just added an overlay that can be changed or removed at your whim. This is probably also true for open source mapping. I'm just not as familiar with the possibilities or the availability of the necessary source map data. You haven't mentioned the locations you are interested in map data for, so it's hard to speculate what might be available. I'm assuming it's North America or wouldn't be interested in Streets & Trips.
...ken...
If you want to integrate just the maps and your software already has all the necessary functionality, you might be better off to explore open source mapping. Here are some links to get you started:
http://www.openstreetmap.org/
http://opensourcegis.org/
http://www.maptools.org/
http://mapguide.osgeo.org/
Another alternative is to look at the Garmin map format. It's pretty open and well understood. There are loads of people out there creating free maps of various parts of the world and there are lots of utilities to support the creation and modification of the Garmin map format. Let us know if you are interested in pursuing the Garmin possibilities and we can probably point you to some information sources.
With either open source mapping or Garmin format maps, you are pretty much in control of your own destiny. If the users want to submit map corrections to you, you will be able to make the changes as and when you want rather than waiting for a commercial vendor to do it.
With the Garmin format you can do corrections on a transparent overlay so that if your underlying data happens to be from a commercial vendor or other regularly updated source, you haven't messed with the base data. You've just added an overlay that can be changed or removed at your whim. This is probably also true for open source mapping. I'm just not as familiar with the possibilities or the availability of the necessary source map data. You haven't mentioned the locations you are interested in map data for, so it's hard to speculate what might be available. I'm assuming it's North America or wouldn't be interested in Streets & Trips.
...ken...
Ken, thanks for the information. here's the background re my interst.
I have an Open Source web-based application i've written that's a classical mashup of PHP/MySQL/GMaps; it's drawn users largely fm the ham community who're beating on me for a version that will operate without Internet capability - for possible use 'when the balloon goes up'.
At this stage in my search for map data as candidates for local storage in place of the Google dependence, I don't know what map image formats those named candidates use, incl Garmin and MS, but they gotta be browser-compatible.
Another parameter is cost; ideally zero, but low - since these folks are usually volunteers.
OpenStreetMaps sounds extra-good, but my impression is that availability for rural areas is spotty.
Again thanks for any help on this,
AS
I have an Open Source web-based application i've written that's a classical mashup of PHP/MySQL/GMaps; it's drawn users largely fm the ham community who're beating on me for a version that will operate without Internet capability - for possible use 'when the balloon goes up'.
At this stage in my search for map data as candidates for local storage in place of the Google dependence, I don't know what map image formats those named candidates use, incl Garmin and MS, but they gotta be browser-compatible.
Another parameter is cost; ideally zero, but low - since these folks are usually volunteers.
OpenStreetMaps sounds extra-good, but my impression is that availability for rural areas is spotty.
Again thanks for any help on this,
AS