At a recent Precisely Partner event, I was reminded that I'm not alone in being a long term user and supporter of MapInfo Pro. I thought the community might be interesting in the following list of 101 suggestions that I wrote in May 1999… yes, over 25 years ago! I do recall what version of Pro was current back then. While many of the suggestions have been implemented since, I wonder if any of those that have not still have merit these days? Any that you like personally?
If I were to write this list again today, the two product enhancements I would request would be:
- A better colour picker - I have a running joke that the mood lighting selector in my car has a better colour picker than Pro!
- Blend modes - while these can be tricky to master, they produce some fantastic cartographic output.
Anyway, back to my old list... enjoy and excuse the British spellings!
1. Quick zoom in/out (non-tool)
It is often inconvenient to have zoom in/out as tool modes. When using drawing tools (and in particular the trace facility), it would be convenient to zoom in or out as a single action without interrupting the object creation. Suggest a hot-keyed Quick Zoom in/out feature using a standard zoom factor and centred on the mapper window (or pointer location).
2. Hybrid zoom in/out tool
When navigating around a large map data set, it would be convenient to have a single tool which facilitated both zoom in and out. e.g. Button 1 to zoom in, button 2 to zoom out. Although this conflicts which current Windows UI recommendations, many paint packages (e.g. Corel Photo Paint) have implemented this very successfully.
3. Desensitise zoom out marquee
The zoom out marquee feature is quite handy once its operation is understood. However, quick computer users often find that a single click of the mouse while using the Zoom Out tool causes a massive zoom out factor due to a minute movement of the mouse between click down and up. This annoying action could be avoided if the marquee was desensitised to, say, work on a minimum of 3x3 pixel marquee.
4. Open table - default to current view
Return default setting of Open Table to add to Current View. Automatic option does not make an intelligent choice for tiled map data. Most users, in my experience, only work with one mapper at a time.
5. Previous View on toolbar
Icon and function are already defined for this. It is a very useful navigation function and deserves to be on the default toolbar.
6. Customisable toolbars
Most Windows applications (including many less complicated than Pro) allows user customisable toolbars. Simple implementation with MFC (if you use it) or other toolbar control libraries.
7. Ability to select, and copy, text from Info, Message, Ruler & Statistics windows
Self-explanatory. Currently text cannot be selected in any of these window - often frustrating.
8. Nudge facility on layout windows
Use of cursor keys to nudge selected objects on Layout Window by a small (user-definable) amount. Much easier than attempting very small drags. Very popular facility in DTP applications.
9. Major improvements to Find capability
Refinement of search by separate region table is often inappropriate and often all data required is in a single table (e.g. Place gazetteers containing place name, admin area, country, etc.). Facility to list other fields in find results dialog. Ability to search on non-indexed fields - even with performance hit (perhaps warned).
10. Fix major bug in spherical buffers
For a long time, Pro has taken a single sample point for converting buffer distance to equivalent degrees. This is not accurate for creating large buffers (several hundred miles) or buffers around large regions (worst errors around latitude rich countries like Chile). This bug has major implications in many industries including telecoms, aviation, marine and meteorology. With errors >20% observed this bug could have serious commercial or even life threatening consequences. This is, IMHO, the most serious long standing bug in the product.
11. Support encoded map data format
More an issue for MapX applications but support would be needed in Pro. For distributed applications, the TAB format cannot be sensibly used. Data companies will not licence their products for distributed applications (for small unit royalties) unless the data cannot be simply accessed by Pro. E.g. a $195 consumer product made with MapX may contain data valued at $2500 for a regular single user licence.
12. Allows comparison of map objects in MapBasic
Overload = operator or implement fast functions to compare map objects, with or without style comparison.
13. Support Information and Fatal message box types
… in addition to Alert type supported in "note" command.
14. Change window title
… without using MB window. Preserved window titles in workspaces using existing MB syntax.
15. Native Graticule Layer
Fine graticules (grids) often consume large amounts of disk space (try creating a 1 degree grid of the world). Consider a special Graticule Layer which is machine drawn (no TAB file associated) and has the ability to draw with user defined spacing, labelling, etc. Ability to label grid at map perimeter would be excellent.
16. Map coordinate to x/y pixel query function in MapBasic
As possible in MapX.
17. Native support for [Encapsulated] Postscript
Creating EPS through a driver is tedious to set-up and has mixed results. Native output of EPS and PS would give a better way of created map artwork and also provided better integration with Adobe Acrobat Distiller - the use of which is growing greatly. Support good quality preview raster images for EPS.
18. Native line and pattern style editing
Simple and portable way of designing and retaining line and pattern styles.
19. Fix bug in raster printed output
When printing, Pro does not seem to re-render (24bit) raster images properly - it dithers badly. Saving map image to file and printing from external package works fine.
20. Option to "Run MapBasic Program" on start-up dialog
Self explanatory.
21. User interface option to set FASTEDIT ON and UNDO OFF
Many operations with large record sets are impossibly long without using these options.
22. Support for GIF images from Save Window As…
… even if it involves a small extra licence fee.
23. MapBasic to compile to lowest version required
Developers often have to keep 2 or 3 version of MB on their machine in order to support clients with older versions of Pro. An option to choose the target version, or automatically compile to the lowest version required for the feature set used would be most welcome.
24. User defined coordinate expression
Different industries have different ways of expressing latitude/longitude coordinates. The additional format support in v5.5 doesn't help everyone! Support a user definable expression format as commonly used for dates. e.g. ddmmyyyy.
25. Add Objects>Convert to Points menu option
Converts objects to a series of points corresponding to node positions.
26. Add point support to Objects>Convert to Region and Objects>Convert to Polyline menu options
Select a series of points, make a region or polyline by joining the points in record order.
27. Invert Selection
Not easy to implement well in MapBasic. All competitor products can do this.
28. Unselect button & hot-key
A common action which deserves a dedicated toolbar button and hot key. Most users try to click on the map away from objects rather than use existing menu option.
29. Intelligent pre-selection of X & Y fields in Create Points dialog
If a table contains fields with names like, Latitude/Longitude, Lat/Lon, X/Y or Easting/Northing, these could be pre-selected.
30. Option to suspend/rebuild index(es)
Add/delete operations on large indexed tables is very slow (rebuilding or re-balancing index?). Provide option to suspend index and rebuild later. On table save, give option to rebuild index if necessary.
31. Support rich text objects or OLE embedded text in Layout Windows
Gives the ability to create mixed style, formatted text on layout windows. Current layout capabilities make it very difficult to use types of text commonly used with maps. E.g. multi-column street name index.
32. User define image colour depth in Save Window As…
Should not assume colour depth currently used by computer.
33. Define image size in pixels with Save Window As…
Far more desirable than expression in paper units.
34. Support notes and resolution setting in Save Window As…
When saving to file formats that support notes, resolution (DPI setting), etc., such as TIFF, allow the user to set these values.
35. Ability to change names in layer control
… to something perhaps more meaningful than the TAB file name. Save to workspace, etc.
36. Add 180 degree meridian support
My favourite wish. Pro's use in many trans-Pacific industries (telecoms, transportation, etc) is severely hindered by the lack of this capability. Even a set of lat/long projection options with a fixed 180 degree meridian (and not user defined) would be a good start.
37. Improve Show Line Direction display
… for all applicable object types.
38. Native tool to reverse line direction, or set [counter/anti-]clockwise.
MapBasic implementations are too slow for iterating through nodes of complex objects.
39. Smarter labelling
Next level of sophistication could involve simple rules based scheme. E.g. try to place label to left, if overlap try right, etc.
40. New type of centroid
The multiple use of centroids can cause problems, especially with v5.5 ability to set them. A new strictly-mathematical, non-settable property (maybe COG - Centre of Gravity) could be introduced to avoid problems with selecting, spatial tests, etc.
41. Function to test point in polygon from MapBasic
"Within" predicate is available in SQL but not when objects are variable resident. Check if other SQL spatial predicates are available as MB functions.
42. Projection Wizard
Wizard (MBX maybe) to collect coordinate system, datum, projection parameters from user and add to MAPINFOW.PRJ. Text editing is tedious and daunting for novice user.
43. Better feed of commands into MapBasic window
A useful features for users learning MB, but not all operations feed statements to the window. It is understood that some commands would need multiple lines, loops, etc.
44. Support INCLUDE and DEFINE statements in MapBasic Window
This would allow the use of rich defines (colours, function parameters, etc.) from MAPBASIC.DEF in the MapBasic window, and not there daunting numerical equivalents (which might promote bad programming practice for beginners).
45. Increase or lift restriction to number of bitmap symbols supported
Not enough for many application areas. E.g. weather.
46. Support for direction as well as rotation for symbols
Many applications use arrows pointing in a direction dictated by field value. Rotation is not direction-friendly due to it's zero origin. Also, direction would need to support projections when north is not "up", or even changes (e.g. polar stereographic)
47. Better support for Windows API functions from MapBasic
Ready-shipped and documented DEF file with function definitions for wealth of handy Windows API functions. E.g. Query registry.
48. Good search / replace feature
With dialog like "Update Field…" but including string wildcard matching (like MS Word).
49. Split polyline at selected node
Drawing a temporary polygon around part of polyline and then splitting is a real pain!
50. Split region by fully dissecting [poly]line
Self explanatory.
51. Support for node selection / query from MapBasic
Essential for developing effective node editing tools in MB.
52. Universal Translator - creation of Shapefile spatial indexes
One for Safe Software… anything more than a very simple shapefile needs a spatial index to work well in ESRI software. After UT/FME has done the hard work of the translation, it would be great to be able to finish the job by building the spatial index.
53. Support global orthographic projection
For a traditional spherical view of the globe. Also, ability to set view point.
54. Add a Closest Object capability which finds nearest object (in selection layer) to currently selected
Must do proximity tests properly (say down to node level). Endless applications in "Where's my nearest…". Too slow to implement well in MB.
55. Ship mapcheck.mbx with Pro, or integrate.
Even with improved object processing support, mapcheck is a useful, if not sometimes limited, tool.
56. Give warning is user draws a bad object
Option for immediate and real-time detection of bad objects: self-intersections, bow ties, etc.
57. Support for bitmaps on MapBasic dialogs
Self explanatory.
58. Support rotation (from field, plus optional offset) in Create Points dialog
Self explanatory.
59. Change feature order in cartographic legends
Generated order is not always in correct significance.
60. Better control of cartographic legend title alignment
Centring of titles does not always look very tidy for multi-layer maps.
61. Support for NULL in database
With greater integration with high-end database systems (inc. 8i), requirement to support for NULL is real. Please support before it becomes a serious deficiency.
62. Better browser windows
So many good grid controls around now. More Excel type features. Bright background highlight a la ArcView, maybe?
63. Set/Query of Snap mode from MapBasic
Self explanatory and an old favourite.
64. Support for multi-column listboxes in MapBasic dialogs
Self explanatory.
65. Node editing - non-XOR drawing mode
Although fast and convenient, XOR drawing of nodes hides problems like duplicate nodes and dangles. Add an option for positive-set drawing?
66. Pack table should not remove layer from mapper
Self explanatory
67. Better native support for meta-data
Options include automated history maintenance, use of user login name, etc. See proposal for Data Manager.
68. Better zoom layer defaults when opening raster images
When opening a raster image into a new mapper, it is most likely that the user will want to see it!
69. Progress bar windows without focus stop MapBasic execution
[Might be a local machine setting] When running a long MB program which uses progress bars (either directly or implicitly for "long" operations like commit), Pro suspends execution and flashes on application task bar waiting for some attention by window focus. Makes running lengthy jobs in background a pain. Progress bars can be turned off in MB but often they are useful to retain.
70. Support SQL outer joins
A powerful feature which (granted) may only be used by experienced/expert users. It is appreciated that this is difficult to implement well. Perhaps support with high-end databases?
71. Better support for SQL where clauses
Particularly on UPDATE and DELETE statements which currently only permit "…where rowid…".
72. Method to set the active coordinate system
In order to view or update fields with coordinates using the correct system (ie. not the default latitude/longitude). One active line of MapBasic(!), but should be an integrated feature.
73. Independent selectable state for labels
Accidentally selecting labels instead of objects is very irritating!
74. Support for simple name labels in Cosmetic Layer
Self explanatory.
75. Extend MapBasic "add map…" statement to add a layer relative to the position of another layer
Above, below, 'n' layers above, below, top, bottom, etc.
76. Fix problems with clashing symbols using animation layer
Incorrect screen updates occur when two symbols on animation layer collide. Not tested since v4.5. Video driver problem?
77. Add Pro and MapBasic support for Great Circles
Distance functions measure it but you cannot see one natively in MapInfo. User definable segment resolution for polyline.
78. Better support for WMF from Save Window As…
Still problems with object clipping?
79. Tool to show/highlight Nth section from multi-part polyline or Nth polygon from multi-polygon region
Spare polyline sections or polygons often accidentally created when editing. Sometimes need to be found and removed.
80. Support distance and area calculations on full set of supported datums
Not just spheres!
81. Add well featured native Data Manager
Including ability to see file location, edited state, meta data. Must be better than MBX Table Manager. A Data Manager could help consolidate native and external sources in a consistent manner.
82. Improve scale control, especially when printing
Print to scale has always been very difficult to control.
83. Support for dynamic secondary mapper which shows boxed viewing area of linked primary mapper
Self explanatory
84. Support for all native map object/feature types in high level DBs (e.g. 8i)
Automatic conversion will often be unsatisfactory.
85. Ability to add workspace references to Start>Documents menu and create desktop shortcuts
May assist greatly with intense project work.
86. Native object cleaning tools
Basic set of object cleaning tools, even if MapInfo wish to produce a separate data processing and topology management application. Ability to fix duplicate notes, dangles and digitising undershoots & overshoots, etc.
87. MapBasic line delete
Hard to believe that a programmers editor does not have this. Ctrl-Y?
88. MapBasic debugger
Even a simple one is better than nothing at all.
89. Choice of MI version to launch from MB
Often developers have multiple versions of MI installed, including perhaps a Beta copy. Choice of which to launch on Ctrl-U from MapBasic would be handy.
90. MapBasic function documentation and help in Pro
To assist users who wish to issue commands in the MapBasic window but do not have the MB product.
91. Support copyright message option in Save Windows As…
Self explanatory.
92. Native support for select by object style property
MB implementations can be slow.
93. Support construction guidelines in layout windows
A feature where by guidelines can be created by dragging out from border or in a Guidelines Set-up dialog. Common feature in DTP applications. Option to snap objects to guidelines.
94. Control of map object Z ordering
It is appreciated that there is a difficulty here due to the nature of spatial indexing, but this is a real problem. Consider an elevation data set with 29x1000ft region contours. To ensure that they are layered correctly, they currently have to be arranged as 27 separate layers - pretty difficult and tedious to manage.
95. Multi-media tutorial
Use up any remaining disk space with a nice multi-media tutorial.
96. Option to show mapper window full screen
Common option on many visual orientated applications. Escape to return to normal view.
97. Better support for non-geographic graphics
North arrows, scale bars, etc. MBX implementations do not integrate very well and are often forgotten.
98. HSV() function in MapBasic to compliment RGB()
Probably cannot be implemented a macro like RGB().
99. Size options for Pro windows
Set square, by ratio, etc.
100. Better method of disseminating updates & patches
Ref. Symantic's LiveUpdate system - excellent. Also provides a way of sending important messages and options in managing product registration.
101. Details of mapinfo-L within on-line help.
The forum is a great service to MapInfo users world-wide and should be promoted further by MapInfo.
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Warren Vick
Europa Technologies Ltd.
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