Re: Datamap software, like good old M$ Excel97 version?

de FTR 05/21/2006 12:23

Michel Firholz wrote:
> Hi does anyone know a free software to display data in geographic maps?
>
> M$ trapped the Datamap module from Excel without notice...
>
> Thanks
> Michel
>
Try Mapmaper Gratis at http://www.mapmaker.com/products.htm

In fact, it's a free GIS with a cartography tool.

Free map editor and viewer. Gives students and novice users the
opportunity to learn the basics of map making and GIS. Gratis can also
be used to distribute map projects and data.

Map Maker Gratis is a powerful introduction to the world of GIS. Unlike
other free viewers, Gratis is a fully functional map production program
with GIS functions such as thematic mapping and data interrogation. The
program can be used both with vector and raster data and produces high
quality, accurately scaled print outs.

Good looking maps

* Unlimited number of layers, raster and vector.
* Colour, mono, and grey-scale bitmap backgrounds.
* Large range of fill, line, and symbol styles
* Translucent and semi-translucent fills.
* Curved, stretched, and outline text.
* Arrows, and dimensions.
* Easy to create scale bars, north points, legends, text panels,
inset images, etc.
* Point-and-click to pop-up images, documents and internet links.

Printing

* Print accurately scaled maps on any true Windows compatible printer.
* Multi-sheet printing of large maps.

Map Creation & Editing

* Create from new or import and edit.
* Vector drawing and editing.
* Intuitive cutting and joining of polygons.
* Create polygons with islands.
* Simple editing of common boundaries.
* Numerous "snap-to" options.
* Drag, stretch, rotate, duplicate groups of objects.
* Create buffer zones.
* Calibrate raster images.

Using data with maps

* Use data from DBF files to colour up a map or determine symbols.
* Generate legends.
* Measuring areas and lengths is simple.
* Edit data sets.

Compatibility

* Import vector data including ArcView SHP, MapInfo MIF, AutoCAD
DXF, Idrisi VXP.
* View BMP, TIF, Geo-Tiff, and JPG raster data.
* Export BMP, JPG, TIF.
* Export DBF data to Microsoft Access, Excel, dBase etc.

If you try it please report your experience back to the list.

- Frank