(Forwarded Information Moved to File: ~FWRD_1.txt)
Thanks to all who responded. I appreciate everyone's thoughts.
A couple of suggestions to modify MapInfo fill patterns was to edit
the bitmap resources in file Mires550.ddll. You would need to use a
development tool, like Microsoft Developer Studio 97.
Martin Higham wrote;
You would need a resource editor (such as in VC++) and then you should
edit the bitmap resources in the file MIRES550.DLL. However, note
that this is not a good solution because:
a) if you upgrade to a new version of MI, you would need to re-edit
the new MIRESxxx.DLL file.
b) the fill patterns are not stored with the data (just a reference to
the fill pattern), so all MI users who need to use this polygon data
would need the edited dll
c) you may be technically in breach of the software licence if you
edit MIRESxxx.DLL.
Also, at the MapWorld conference in Sydney last year I heard a rumour
that MI6 would include a new and very sophisticated style module which
would get around all of the problems and limitations that we currently
experience.
Unofficially: there is a way that you can modify these patterns. It is
not published by MapInfo Corp. and so is certainly subject to change
without notice. Please do not complain if and when it does.
Andrew Dressel wrote;
This is how I edited the fill patterns in MI Pro 5.0:
- Start Microsoft Developer Studio 97 - Select File>Open...
Files of type: Executable files (.exe;.dll;.ocx) Open as: Resources
File name: Mires500.dll
- Expand 'Bitmap' section
- Select any bitmap from 9 to 61
- Make changes
- Select File>Save
- Start MapInfo
- Select Options>Region Style...
Pattern
Check out your work
Pattern bitmaps are limited to 8x8 pixels.
A few people responded with third party software that would solve my
problem.
Kirsten Burrows wrote;
Hatch Patterns by Exa-Min creates transparent vector based shading,
suitable for plotting on top of raster images or MapInfo fill
patterns.
The product supports over 60 pattern definitions including the
international standard rock type symbols. Pattern density is under
control with plotted output exactly mirroring on-screen display.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me and
I'll do my best to help or put you in touch with a local reseller.
Tim Warren suggested;
Are you using Discover with MI? I've got an older version that
apparently supports custom bitmap fills, but maybe the new one has
some premade styles. Their website is http://www.encom.com.au/. If
you're using MI for mineral exploration, this is the add-on to have.
Cinda Graubard offered;
We resell two pieces of MapInfo add-on software which will generate
geological vector fills. And yes, they can be edited. If you would
like more information let me know. The software does quite a bit more
than just the vector fills, essentially customising MI for use in
exploration/geology. Depending on your other 'needs' I might recommend
one over the other. We also use both regularly and have done numerous
projects/products with the vector fills, and other features.
A couple of people suggested a MapBasic Utility to complete the task;
Jason Adam suggested;
You can do it with MapInfo. There are two programs you run to get
this result. One is specfill which fills your polygons with arrays of
symbols from the MapInfo symbol sets. The second is Symbols.mbx which
allows you to create your own symbols if the one you need for the fill
is not there. Please find them attached.
<<SPECFILL.MBX>> <<SPECFILL.TXT>> <<SYMBOL.MBX>>
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