Introduction:

The MapperWrapper is a set of client-side tools to draw on MapPlace maps.  The tools allow you to draw lines, polygons, symbols and text on any number of ‘redline’ layers.  You will also be able to select the display attributes for these objects and delete objects.  The map file (*.MWF) that contains the new ‘redline’ layers can be saved on your computer for later use and distribution.

The ability to add features to an existing MapPlace map has been available for several years through the Mapping Tools option.  However the markup capability relied on interaction between the MapGuide server and the client’s viewer.  This capability is important when one wishes to include markups in a corporate database.   Using the redline functions in this new version of the MapperWrapper, map additions remain on the client’s computer with no interaction with the MapGuide server.  The client’s markups remain confidential and place no additional load on the server.

The Mapper Wrapper feature 'wraps' a simple set of controls in JavaScript that reside in the right side panel of the MapPlace map. The Mapper Tools give the end-user the ability to:

This initial version of the MapperWrapper has a limited number of symbols and patterns included.  Later versions will have the capability to select from a wider range of symbols and patterns.

MapperWrapper Installation and Startup:

1. Create a new directory on your computer.
2. Copy the MapperWrapper.exe file into the new directory.
3. Double click on the file name to extract the contained files into the directory.
4. The MapGuide Map File (*.mwf) must be named "BaseMap.mwf" and be present in the new directory.
5. To start mapping launch the MapperWrapper.htm file in your browser. You must be connected to the Internet.
6. When you save your work it can have any desired name and be placed in any directory.
7. To reuse an earlier map you must rename it to BaseMap.mwf and place it in a directory where all the MapperWrapper files are present.

Layer Control:

To keep track of the colour and style of features you create it is good practice to construct a Legend layer. Simply make a new layer called Legend or something similar, give it a priority of 100 so it will always be the top layer. The first feature you add should be a very large white filled polygon to act as background. Then as you create new map features add each one with a descriptive label to this layer for later reference.

Symbol Control:

The Symbol Control is used to add point data or symbols to the new Active Layer.  Once the Symbol Label is entered, adjust the height, rotation angle and type. The Symbol Height will default to an appropriate size for the zoom scale.  If zoom is adjusted, reset the default and/or enter a value in metres.  The Rotation Angle will rotate clockwise.  Select the Symbol Code Name from the drop down list; additional symbols can be added on request.  Click on the Add Symbol, then the location on the map with the hand cursor, and the symbol should appear.  Subsequent symbols with the same label and settings can be added by activating Add Symbol and left clicking the map.  Enter a new Symbol Label to change labels, or the fields to change the symbol attributes.

Line Control:

The Line Control is used to add linework to the new Active Layer.  Once the Polyline Name is entered, adjust the line colour, thickness and style. Click on the link to Colours to see the 256 colours available.  Click Add PolyLine and cursor is changed to a polyline tool.  Left-click the map for the start of the line, and draw (digitize) the line with subsequent clicks and a double click to complete the line.  The line should appear.

Polygon Control:

The Polygon Control is used to add solid or hatched polygons to the new Active Layer.  Once the Polygone Name is entered, adjust the edge colour, thickness and style, and the fill colour and style. Click on the link to Colours to see the 256 colours available.  Click Add Polygon and the map cursor is changed to a polygon tool.  Left-click the map for the start of the polygon, and draw (digitize) the outline with subsequent clicks and a double click to complete and close the polygon.  The polygon should appear.

Text Control:

The Text Control is used to add text, such as labels, to the map.  Enter the text name, colour, height, angle and style.  Click the Add TEXT button then position the hand cursor on the map at the starting point for the text and left click.

Erase Control:

Save Control:

Grid Control:

The Grid Control is used to add a UTM or Latidtude/Longitude grid, with or without labels. Mark the grid position with lines or tick marks; set the label size in meters; and choose the colour for the lines and labels.  The Get Grid Estimate will provide an approximate grid for the scale of the map.  The spacing and lines can then be rounded off. Use the Build and Clear grid buttons to experiment with different grid overlays.  There is occasionally a rounding off issue associated with labels.

Sample Maps:

The first map was created with some of the examples above.  In the Page Setup (right-click the map) the scale was specified at 1:25,000, the print was sent to Adobe PDF and the Graphic Select or Snapshot tool was used to capture the image.  The size and appearance of the legend can be controlled by double-clicking or right-clicking the layer label to expand or collapse the legend details.  The second map is a screen capture of the map with the Grid Overlay.

Example of annotated map (click on image to enlarge)

Example of map with grid overlay (click on image to enlarge)

UnPlugger Control:

UnPlugger is used to create a map that can be used without an active Internet connection. An example would be a project map, embedded with a limited number of data themes, such as LandSat, topography, hydrology, roads, MINFILE and geology.  The resulting map may be used with the MapperWrapper Tools or opened in an Internet browser with the MapGuide viewer installed.

Zoom into the area of interest and turn on all required layers. Only those layers which have been turned on will be available for viewing when disconnected from the Internet. Certain functions requiring Internet access will not be available, such as reports and Zoom Goto, when working off-line. These functions and all other layers will be available when the Internet connection is restored. Only the map area that is within the map window will be available for viewing. To cover a large area at a given scale several 'UnPlugged' maps may be produced.

When the desired area is exposed in the map window and all required layers have been turned on 'Lock Down' the map's characteristics. When satisfied that the map contains all the required features and covers the required area, click on the 'Create Map' button. It will appear in a new window and can then be saved to a local directory. The generation of a new map will take several minutes so please wait until the map has appeared before interacting with the new window.

NOTE: The UnPlugger is not included with the off-line version of MapperWrapper as it needs to be linked to the Internet to build the maps. However you can view maps off-line that were created with the UnPlugger Tool. The UnPlugger Tools is associated with a map with over 400 layers. Users are cautioned to create simple maps for efficiencies.  There will be a delay as the server reads and writes the XML version of the map.

UnPlugger Save Control:

This window should be used only for saving the associated UnPlugged map to a local storage device. Each map should be saved with a unique file name or the earlier map of the same name will be overwritten. Once saved, the map may be used with the MapperWrapper Tools to create user layers and data or may simply be opened with a browser that has the MapGuide viewer installed. To work with the MapperWrapper Tools the map must be renamed to BaseMap.mwf and sit in the same directory as the MapperWrapper Tools.

To save the map, enter a location and file name, and click Save It!. The directory must exist. The save will be confirmed with 'Map Has been Saved!'  See MapperWrapper Installation and Startup above on how to view the map off-line.

Back to MapperWrapper Details.