Author: @ourlocality

@OurLocality Publishing Locally in East Lothian since 2010 JOIN FREE

Maps, Layers, Attributes and Meta Data

A map is a view of one or more data layers.

Data layers contain polygons, lines or points or images (commonly TIF format.)

So we can make maps from data that is arranged in layers.

Data with attributes (fields that can contain multiple pieces of information about a polygon, line or a point) can be styled to make keys for legends and more useful maps.

Attribute data can be queried directly (e.g. using a spreadsheet) or spatially using one of the GIS tools.

Meta Data describes your data.  In many cases the data sets that we have received have little or no accompanying meta data.

Data provenence e.g.  from a government body shouldn’t imply that it either accurate or up to date, nor imply ownership – check that you have the right to use / publish it.  Always give credits to data providers.

The usefulness of any data is dependent on the purpose of your enquiry, the quality of the data, and its resolution.

File and Project Management

You’ve got beyond viewing and printing the odd map and want to create your own projects.

A high degree of file and project management discipline will keep you sane.

Data (Map Data folder) are kept separate from projects (Map Projects folder).

Remember to keep your personal projects out of the public map area.

When you save a project or associated file (e.g. styles, legends and templates) remember to go to your desktop first and then head over to your own project area.

For your personal projects you want to keep data separate from project files.

Remember that and you will not go crazy looking for your project files.

Extract data or image

In Map Maker Pro the Extract Tool only appears in the TOOLS menu, unlike other selection options.

It is quite powerful as you can create:

  • an enhance meta file – emf
  • bitmaps, like tiff, jpg, bmp
  • copy to the clipboard
  • Map Maker drawing
  • Map Maker drawing as polygons

What’s more, you can save world files too (the information that geo locates the image).

Very clever indeed!

Why is it so well hidden?

    The Public Map Store

    Each workstation has a Public Map Store.

    The Public Map Store is where all the map data and core projects are kept.

    Do not save your projects here unless you wish to make them public or have them potentially overwritten when an update is performed. The Public Map Store will be updated from time to time.

    To make sure your maps are stored permanantly ALWAYS save them to the My Documents folder.