List,
While answering a question on the list, I remembered a thought I had when I
first tried MapX. I would like to hear other people's opinions on the subject.
I have done a lot of Integrated Mapping with VB 4 through 6. I love it! You
get all of the benefits of MapBasic (which is a strong language with a few
flaws) plus all of the benefits of Visual Basic - full IDE, debugging,
strong language, etc. I even write map processing tools and utilities in VB
using Integrated Mapping instead of MB. It's faster and easier and i can
create more powerful and user friendly applications.
When Mapinfo came out with MapX, I was ecstatic. Until I actually tried to
use it that is. It is about as intuitive as quantum mechanics, the object
model appears to be designed by 1000 monkeys at 1000 typewriters and it was
missing a lot of key functionality that MapBasic had for years (like
spatial SQL).
Why didn't Mapinfo just take MapInfo Pro, strip out the user interface,
keep the MapBasic scripting engine, add some key functionality (such as a
Printer DC interface) and turn it into an OCX? I realize it would have
taken a little bit of work, but it would have had the following key advantages:
- A single code base for both products which would save MapInfo a
lot of money.
- When features were added to Mapinfo Pro, they would be quickly
available in the new tool.
- An already established developer base in MapBasic developers.
When MapX was developed, COM was the "Sexy" thing to do whether it was the
right thing or not. I can't blame Mapinfo too much as I found myself in
this trap a couple times as well.
Is it too late for Mapinfo to switch gears and do this? They would sell
more copies of the new tool as there are many more MB developers than there
are MapX developers.
What do you think?
Brad Mathews
CTO, Cypress Technology Solutions, Inc.
www.CypressSolutions.com
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