Thematic Maps in MapInfo

Technical No Responses »
Sep 032010

A simple one page factsheet on the most salient points for creating thematic maps in MapInfo.  In this post I have also copied the entire factsheet.

Click here to download the factsheet in PDF format (144 Kb): Maplnfo Thematic Maps

Creating Thematic Maps

The user can start to create a thematic map when at least one map window is open. The thematic map command is:

Map > Create Thematic Map…

The user will be prompted to identify the type of thematic map to be created, these are:

  • Ranges: creates a series of ranges from the minimum to maximum values in the selected column
  • Bar Charts: allows more than one variable to be displayed at a time. Use no more than four to six bars per chart
  • Pie Charts: allows more than one variable to be displayed at a time. Use no more than four to six segments per chart
  • Graduated: uses different sized symbols to represent different values
  • Dot Density: uses dots to represent the values associated with a geographic area
  • Individual: shows individual values by different symbols or shades
  • Grid: displays information as a surface based on the interpolation of data between individual points.

Once a thematic type has been chosen the user will be prompted to specify the table that is to be thematically mapped and the column (field) that contains the data values.

By scrolling to the bottom of the Field drop down menu, the user can create customised expressions, or join the table with information from another table.

The user can now allow Maplnfo to create the thematic map using default settings, by clicking OK on the remaining dialogues. The result will be the addition of a thematic layer to the map window, and the creation of a legend window to accompany the map.

Customising the Maps

It is possible to customise both the thematic maps and the legend by selecting different settings. This can either be carried out when the thematic map is initially created, or at a later stage by using:

Map > Modify Thematic Map…

It is not possible to detail all the methods available for customising maps and the user should refer to the User Guide and Reference for further information.

Customising the legend window is, however, common to all thematic maps. The user should select the Legend button from the Modify Thematic Map dialogue (Step 3 of 3, if thematic map is being created). This will present the user with the Customise Legend.

The legend title can be modified by typing into the relevant title and subtitle boxes. The fonts for the title can be changed by using the Font boxes. The range values for the thematic map can be modified by first selecting the range and then by editing the range title in the Edit selected range box.

  • Maplnfo calculates ranged maps based on values greater than or equal (>=) to one value and less than (<) another value. An integer range would display as 0 to 5 and 5 to 10, but this would actually mean that values of 0 to 4 and 5 to 9 are displayed in the ranges.  The legend range titles should be altered to reflect these mapped ranges.

If a range does not have any objects within it, the range may not be shown. If the user would like the range to be shown on the legend then they can select the Show this range button.

Some thematic map types allow a count of the number of objects in each range to be shown. This count will appear in brackets after the range title and can be selected by clicking on the Show Record Count button.

If more than one thematic map exists then the associated legends will all be shown in the one legend window. The user can scroll through the legend window to find the right legend.  However, the user may ‘turn-off’ legends for thematic maps be de-selecting the Show Legend for this Layer button.

  • Use the Map > Create Legend command to create custom legends

Workspaces

When a thematic map is created it will not be saved as part of the table from which it was created.  Instead a user will need to save the thematic map as a workspace, by using:

File > Save Workspace

MapInfo Workspace Workspaces contain information on all the tables and thematic analyses that were open when the workspace was saved, and are characterised by a *.wor file extension.

To open a workspace use either the command:

File > Open Workspace…; or

File > Open … (select *.wor file type)

  • A workspace file is simply a text file.  Programming can take advantage of this format, to automate workspace creation and editing.

Reference

Maplnfo Corporation, 1995, User’s Guide; Chapter 10, pp 120 – 141; Maplnfo Corporation, New York.

Maplnfo Corporation, 1995, Reference; pp 61 – 90; Maplnfo Corporation, New York.

Posted by mapbutton at 3:52 pm Tagged with: , , , , , ,

Editing Maps in MapInfo

Technical No Responses »
Sep 022010

A simple one page factsheet on the most salient points for editing maps in MapInfo.

Click here to download the factsheet in PDF format (38 Kb): Editing Maps in MapInfo

Posted by mapbutton at 12:00 pm Tagged with: , , , , ,

Geographical Analysis with MapInfo

Technical No Responses »
Sep 012010

I wrote a series of factsheets back in 1998 and have now got around to updating and releasing them again.  Here is the first overview of MapInfo concepts covering tables, maps and browsers, layouts, layers and geocoding.

Click here to download the factsheet in PDF format (108kb): Geographical Analysis Using Maplnfo

Posted by mapbutton at 4:21 pm Tagged with: , , , ,

Creating flow lines with GeoConcept and Manifold

Technical No Responses »
Aug 092010

Ever wondered how to create a flow arrow in GeoConcept? Or how to manipulate image files in Manifold? How about both? This post provides an insight into the generation of flow arrows in GeoConcept and how to display them in a Manifold map model.

Click here to download the factsheet in PDF format (460kb): Creating Flow Lines

Posted by mapbutton at 7:59 pm Tagged with: , , , , , , , ,

Feedback

Feedback No Responses »
Aug 052010

Whilst Andrew has a LinkedIn profile at http://uk.linkedin.com/in/mapbutton at which he would be happy to receive recommendations and make further contacts, this post allows for general feedback from our clients and colleagues on the service offer from Map Analysis Limited.

Please reply to this post to leave feedback.

Posted by admin at 3:42 pm

Geographic Visualisation

Technical 1 Response »
Jul 092010

What is geographic visualisation?

It is the presentation of data using location as a reference.  We define ourselves by where we are.  As Spike Milligan said when he emerged from the wardrobe, “Everybody has to be somewhere”!  Knowing where things occur can be an important tool to understand complex data.

So is it just colouring in a map?

Essentially yes but there are many methods available.  A lot of geographic visualisation is based on shading boundaries, like a map of population density.  You can also create pin maps to identify locations, chart maps for sales territories, drive time areas, and my favourite which are flow maps.

Alongside the geographic visualisation though we provide the supporting data, so the maps act as a guide to interpreting the underlying statistics.

What is a flow map?

It is a flow from one location to another, which can show both volume and direction.  We have used it to demonstrate the flow of people from place of residence to place of work using the 2001 census origin destination data.  However, it was most effective in demonstrating the flow of funds across England.

What was that about then?

The client needed a series of maps to show customer numbers at different locations.  Part of the activity involved franchising of services and the client was interested in assessing whether certain franchising activities could be consolidated.

We offered to map the flow of funding across the country and it showed that there was a clear hierarchy of franchising flows, which essentially resulted in sub-franchising activity.  It was a real eye-opener for the client who had spent a significant amount of time looking for this flow in the data.  It wasn’t until they could visualise the data that it became meaningful.

It all sounds interesting, but isn’t it expensive?

As with all graphic design work it takes time to create an aesthetically pleasing map that communicates the main message.  However, the use of advanced software tools, and many years experience, means that we create professional maps in minutes.  A single customised map can cost as little as £75, whilst prepared wall maps can retail at £30.

Posted by mapbutton at 9:00 am Tagged with: , , , , ,

Access and date handling

Technical No Responses »
Jul 072010

I have been developing an Access database application that has a resource planning module.  It builds a datasheet form ‘on-the-fly’ based on a user input of dates.  However, a function I had written to update information in the database would throw the odd error.

A quick google search confirmed what I had diagnosed.  Microsoft Access SQL assumes that all dates are in American format, not the good ole British I use, and so everytime I passed the SQL statement an argument in British date format, it would convert to American format with a subsequent knock-on impact.

Thanks to Allen Browne for his little SQL wrapper function that provides a useful solution to this problem, which can be found at International Dates in Access.  I hope that it will also be of use to other developers out there.

Posted by mapbutton at 11:23 am Tagged with: , , , ,

Manifold GIS

Top visuals No Responses »
Jul 072010

Manifold GIS screenshot

I just love this screenshot on deprivation analysis in Wolverhampton.  I can’t decide if it is the choice of colour, or just that it’s nice to get the context for how these maps are created within their GIS software, but there it is.

The screenshot shows the principal map window, with the arranged layers providing the overall map.  To the left is the layers pane (similar to ESRI’s ArcView), together with the views pane.  Behind the main window is an output window for scripting (top) and a layout window for print arrangment (bottom).

Posted by mapbutton at 9:00 am Tagged with: , , , ,

Which Geographic Information System?

General, Technical No Responses »
Jul 052010

At Map Analysis we have, over the years, worked with a number of GIS packages. If that has taught us anything it is that each package has its own strengths, and weaknesses.

In January 2009, we sought to visualise these benefits across the 4 platforms that we use; Manifold, Pitney Bowes MapInfo, Accession, and GeoConcept.  On a day to day basis though, we have found that Manifold allows us to deal with the majority of spatial analysis and cartographic needs we have.

Which GIS?

Over the last 18 months we have also increasingly realised the value of other products, including Adobe software for improved layout design, and web based products, such as PostgreGIS.  These provide further avenues for manipulating our initial analyses.

So, which Geographic Information System?  For breadth of functionality and price it has to be Manifold, for exchange with commercial and public sectors it has to be MapInfo or ESRI ArcView.  Logisitics and routing are Accession and GeoConcept strengths, whilst web deployment should consider the PostgreSQL and GIS approach.  However, the best answer is to talk to a professional in the field.  Choosing a GIS is not just about the functionality of the software, but the reason why you need a GIS in the first place, and the data it has to drive it.  So if you do nothing else, give us a call to talk through your needs.

Posted by mapbutton at 10:43 am Tagged with: , , , , , ,

Frameworks

Andrew's Briefs No Responses »
Jun 082010

Frequent and repeat business is a major objective in our operations.  The running costs of software and hardware to manage our (relatively low cost) data sources require a steady flow of work.

Fortunately we are represented on a number of frameworks, so if you know which frameworks we are on, you may be able to access us through them.

As a reminder to readers,  Andrew Button is on the following:

Posted by admin at 8:36 pm Tagged with: , , , ,
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