MapInfo Pro Viewer
MapInfo Pro v 17.0.2 reintroduces the MapInfo ProViewer, but in a new way. The previous version of the ProViewer was a standalone application with a different user interface. The new ProViewer ("Viewer") is based on the same program code as the full version of MapInfo Pro so the user interface is the same. In addition, you can save maps and layouts to pdf or image formats and open all the same file types as the full version. Be sure to read the blog posts in the MapInfo Pro Community for more info on the ways that MapInfo Pro can enable different types of users to get the value of geospatial analysis and visualization in an organization.
To run the Viewer version of MapInfo Pro, the user must create an online account, which can be done from MapInfo Pro by selecting the "Pro" tab and then clicking on "Services" or clicking the following link:
https://signup.pitneybowes.com/signup/mipro
Capabilities and Limitations
When running MapInfo Pro in Viewer mode, it is essential to be connected to your Pitney Bowes account upon start-up. Each MapInfo Pro account is assigned to a Viewer plan which can be launched from the Start Menu.
MapInfo Pro Viewer supports all languages supported by MapInfo Pro.
Features and Limitations
1. MapInfo Pro Viewer mode allows you to open and view any MapInfo Pro workspace
2. (.wor) file. In addition, MapInfo .tab files and other supported formats (such as geopackage, csv, excel, sql server, postgis, etc.) can be opened and viewed.
3. Limited analysis is allowed such as queries, selections, browsing data, turning map layers on/off.
4. Printing and exporting to pdf of Maps and Layouts are allowed.
5. Limited editing of Layout text and image frame is allowed before printing.
6. Editing of data is not supported (restricted).
7. Saving of any changes to the workspace is also not allowed in the Viewer plan.
8. Running a MapInfo Pro Add-in or other .mbx programs is not possible in the Viewer.
9. In Viewer mode, Bing basemaps and the Search capability are only allowed if the User has a Bing key which can be entered on the Backstage Licensing Tab.
Version 17 of MapInfo Pro introduced our new "Customer Experience Program" which anonymously tracks user activity. This information is used to identify most commonly used features and areas for improvement. If running MapInfo Pro in Viewer mode, the User cannot opt-out of the Customer Experience Program. The full version of MapInfo Pro gives the User the option to turn off the Customer Experience Program from Pro > Options > Application Preferences.
Styling in Viewer:
The Viewer uses a subdued gray theme, which is quite different from the MapInfo Pro color scheme.
If the User wants to keep the same style as MapInfo Pro, it can be changed in the styles\MapInfoProStyle.xml file under the MapInfo Pro installation folder, changing the
"OverrideDefaultStyle" key to "true".
Installation:
The same MapInfoPro.exe is used to install the normal licensed version of MapInfo Pro, the trial version and the Viewer version.
In the Viewer mode the SPATIAL Tab is hidden, along with some groups from the Map and Table Tabs. Other commands on the ribbon are hidden or disabled.
When running in Viewer mode MapInfo Pro uses different docking and ribbon state filenames to allow for separate window and ribbon customizations based on the plan name.
For example:
- MapInfoPro.RibbonState_Viewer.<language code>.xml
- MapInfoPro.DockingState_Viewer.xml
While installing MapInfo Pro, if the license key is entered, both the Viewer and the licensed Pro is installed, MapInfo Pro being the default mode.
There are two files installed in the same location as MapInfo Pro is installed.
- DefaultToFullPro.reg - Default to normal licensed mode.
- DefaultToSubscription.reg - Default to Viewer mode.
Double-click on either file to set the registry key value to have it as the default mode.
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Shweta Shukla
Knowledge Community Shared Account
Noida, India
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