Tools to create MapFiles

Introduction

There are different tools and ways to help you create MapFiles. Be aware that this is not an exhaustive list and that the suitability depends on the way you prefer  to work. The most used are:

  • Text Editors
  • MapEdit from DMSolutions
  • MapInfo Professional
  • ArcView 3.x
  • ArcGIS 8.x/9.x
  • MapStorer

Text Editors


Click on the image to enlarge.		 This is the most straight forward way to create and edit MapFiles. The old fashion way to edit ASCII files combined with an extensive use of Copy/Paste is simply one of the most efficient. Using UltraEdit and the appropriate wordfile the syntax of MapFiles is highlighted.

There are other Editors which offer the same functionality such as Textpad and the appropriate file for syntax highlight.

MapEdit from DMSolutions


Click on the image to enlarge.		 MapEdit allows users to create, edit and manage MapServer MapFiles on Web servers. MapEdit includes several easy to use features including a tree view of the MapFile and a form-based process for changing its values. Other features included to support map design, are basic dialogues to select symbols, colors, fonts and a navigable map preview. MapEdit supports all versions of MapServer and built in validation ensures that MapFiles are of high quality.

Be aware that there will not be any further development.

MapInfo Professional

If you are a MapInfo Professional user, you can export your MapInfo Workspaces using a MapBasic Utility. However, be aware that not all MapInfo specific definitions, such as pattern and linetypes are supported by MapServer, therefore some editing of the MapFile might be necessary. This utility is provided by TYDAC. Download mbx and source here (however, be aware that it's pretty outdated and we had so far no time to update it ...).

ArcView 3.x

AveiN! is an OpenSource ArcView 3.x extension that allows the easy creation of UMN MapServer MapFiles (also WMS). The utility is provided and maintained by Terrestris.

Ross Searle has written an ArcView 3.x utility in Avenue to create a map file from an ArcView View. Ross has also included a Java applet that can be used to display MapServer images; the applet talks directly to the Web server so that html is not updated each time a MapServer request is sent.

ArcGIS 8.x/9.x

AmeiN! is an OpenSource ArcGIS 9.x extension that allows the easy creation of UMN MapServer MapFiles (also WMS). The utility is provided and maintained by Terrestris.

MapStorer

MapStorer is a database supported system for managing UMN MapServer projects. It allows users to edit map projects via a web browser and create MapServer configuration files (MapFiles) on the fly. Usually MapFiles are simple text files, which have to be edited by hand. MapStorer makes it possible to maintain UMN mapping projects via an easy-to-use web front-end - and ignore the internal details of a mapfile. See www.mapstorer.org.