Category: FAQ

Failed to Redraw

You open up project in Map Maker and  get: “Redraw failed [4]”.  What’s that about?

A map maker project (.geo) usually consists of several layers, a linked database and links to style files.

So a working map project consists of multiple files stored on your PC on a network or on a portable device.

The .geo file is simply a text file with the project instructions.  Basically any changes you make to the location or names of the files and folders in between sessions will potentially throw an error when you retrieve a project that uses those files.

Fixing is relatively easy.  Go to the project manager and under files you’ll find all the files that should be in use by that project, incl. the original file names and their locations.  Either re-create your project from the new locations or rename & move the files and folders that were changed.  The first course of action is probably easier!

When things go wrong

Map Maker and Arc GIS can play up from time to time.

The usual causes are:

  • You have tried to load a corrupt data set
  • You are trying to view or link to a very large data set / database
  • You are performing a complex operation on a very large data set

That said, both programs will throw inexplicable errors from time to time.   If you get repeated errors try:

  • Closing the program and starting it again
  • Restarting the Workstation / PC

If neither of these resolves your problem, and you cannot open the program, it may need reinstalling.

Otherwise you can try and

  • Simplify your project by reducing the number layers, the linked databases
  • Start the project again

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.

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.