Re: MI SVG support in MapInfo and Links

[Dany Bouchard]

Hi Jacques / All,   Here's some thoughts on this new existing technology...   Mapping represents a perfect implementation of SVG, where a map is by nature a vector layered representation of the earth. Naturally, the SVG specification allows the same layering concepts that are so crucial to any geographic information systems (GIS). Since maps corresponds to graphics that relates to our environment, there is a high need for maps to be informative and interactive. SVG allows to provide this interaction with very high quality output capability, complete color control and high-quality printing, directly on the web. I believe SVG will also enable more dynamic content, greater interactivity and richer design so that maps on the web are dramatically improved. Because of the complexity of geographic data (projections, coordinate systems, complex objects, etc.), I don't think SVG will replace common GIS formats all of a sudden. SVG should rather be seen as a new way to present quality geographic information to any user on the web, using svg maps on the client as a method.   Here's some characteristics of SVG and an overview of the potential for mapping on the web: Traditional GIS shapes such as regions, lines, points, text (rotated text) are all supported Color gradients for fills Stroke options (dash) for lines and polygon's boundaries Advanced graphics layering using opacity options Raster Images backgrounds Filter effects (Shadows, Spotlight, etc.) High quality output and printing (Scalable !) XML - Linking and embedding Advanced text on a path option (text following a river for example) Searchable text on the map Coordinate transformations Animation, etc.   As you may already know we have prepared a technology preview area (http://www.dbxgeomatics.com/svg.asp) that has quite a few maps to demo SVG and it's capabilities.   Right now this technology preview area is still password protected. If you would be interested in having access to it, please send mail to me and indicate your organisation and why you are interested in this technology. I will keep you informed on the developments !   If anybody wants to share ideas or just to chat about this please reply !   Until then cheers !   Dany Bouchard DBx Geomatics 38 de l'Orbite Hull, Qu�bec Canada J9A 3C7 T�l�phone/Telephone: 819.743.3870 T�l�copieur/Fax: 819.775.3264 Courrier �lectronique/Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Page Web/Web site: http://www.dbxgeomatics.com/home.asp   ----- Original Message ----- From: Jacques Gelinas To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, June 16, 2000 8:55 AM Subject: MI SVG support in MapInfo and Links For those of you interest in Scalable Vector Graphic technology here are a few interesting sites.   A detailed Moscow map can viewed using the Adobe SVG plugging for IE5 and NE4 at the following link http://www.adobe.com/svg/main.html     SVG mapping capabilities can also be viewed at DBXGeomatics http://www.dbxgeomatics.com/home.asp     Food for thought and open discussion.   Will MapInfo provide an svg export filter in the likes of those found in Adobe or Corel products? Generally speaking, can SVG eventually be an viable alternative to expensive corporate map servers?     Have a nice weekend, Bonne fin de semaine, (next time I'll add the Spanish version)   Jacques Gelinas   Geosphere Geomatique______________________ http://www3.sympatico.ca/geosphere 265 Chemin Freeman Hull (Quebec) J8Z 2B1 819-773-4239