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We are moving dangerously close to the old adage " To ASSUME makes an 'ASS
out of U and ME."
Assumption 1:
"MapInfo is described in the GIS world as a low end program compared to
other GIS programs e.g. Arc Info. Unlike the higher end systems it is not
being used to manage data for engineering, layout or legal mapping."
Bunk. 50% of our clients come from these markets/usage.
Huge presence in telecom, utilities, Emergency 911 services, district and
judicial services,
site selection, demographics, psycho-graphics, territory redistricting,
route optimum-ization, as well as
the traditional trade marketing & strategic intelligence.
Assumption 2:
2) "The off the shelf MapInfo program does not have an offset tool to enable
layout of property lines."
This sounds like a an AutoCAD comparison. If these files exist in another
GIS, they can be
imported into MapInfo Professional (now v.6.5). If the cadastral
coordinates are translated into a long/lat format,
these boundaries can be constructed. Of the three assumptions, this holds
the most weight.
MapInfo has better applications for 'large scale' mapping, rather than a
'small scale' properties/land plots as
with a CAD program. (geographers please forgive my scale inversion for
layman clarity)
It doesn't mean you can employ it for this, it just means you can do a lot
more with it for
all scale comparisons and analysis.
Assumption 3:
3) "Skills required to learn and use the MapInfo system are similar to using
word processing systems such as MS Word. There is no significant training
required to enable use of the system as would be required for layout for
engineering or legal tie in."
This theory is the easiest to debunk. Give a new user MSWord, a blank page
opens up.
If they can use a keyboard, they begin typing a document immediately. About
all they have to master is 'print' and 'save'
to create output.
Give a new user MapInfo/ArcView/Maptitude etc. (windows-based), the user is
presented with a empty program, waiting for data and user input.
The new user will have to construct a map based on the available GIS data
purchased by your organization.
They will need at least a basic understanding of points/lines/polygons,
workspaces and tables, importing existing database files, organizing data
layers, and
knowledge on how best to communicate the spatial display of quantitative &
qualitative information. This type of output takes user knowledge and time.
As a test, give a copy of MapInfo Professional to your Human Resources
Consultant, and request a 'simple map' of where he/she lives.
My bet is he/she will e-mail a Word document full of questions, starting
with "Where's the button to make a map again?"
Just because its windows-based, doesn't mean its easy. Look at the
job-market availability. You need someone to make
Word documents, you hire a temp. You need a map, you're looking into
consultants, program development or staff training.
Recommendation:
Fire your Human Resources Consultant.
-----Original Message-----
From: GIS Clerk [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
Sent: Friday, June 15, 2001 10:19 AM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: MI-L mapinfo skills
my job is to maintain a casastral base using MapInfo.
in the context of a wage/job comparison, i received the following comments
from a human resources consultant and would appreciate feedback:
2) "The off the shelf MapInfo program does not have anoffset tool to enable
layout of property lines."
3) "Skills required to learn and use the MapINfo system are similar to using
word processing systems such as MS Word. There is no significant training
required to enable use of the system as would be required for layout for
engineering or legal tie in."
thanks
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