i do the same, and many others here would also. if you're familiar with VB, you'll find MapBasic a doddle, just have handy the help file and a DEF file (if not included in your app) and it's not hard to figure stuff out.
within your VB code you can easily interact with MapInfo through .DO, .EVAL, and .RUNMENUCOMMAND commands, and this allows for more control over the environment. i learnt most of my stuff through having the MapBasic window open while doing stuff in MapInfo and figuring out what it did. that, and asking questions on this list. i don't know a great deal about MapX, however from a casual observation it seems to have less control available than MapInfo, but that's a very casual observation. it may actually cost less than the MapInfo Pro option if many users are going to be doing stuff with the product, though the runtime version may or may not alleviate some of that. others will have a more valid/useful opinion than mine, but everyone else on the planet is still asleep. ash -----Original Message----- From: Matt Bolton [mailto:m3it@;technologist.com] Sent: Tuesday, 22 October 2002 3:25 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: MI-L Mapbasic & MapX (Advice request) My job primarily involves writing VB apps to interact with Access databases, but has recently expanded to include dealing with MapInfo. I've learnt the very basics of MapInfo and now need to start automating it to make operation very simple for end users. This will mainly involve extracting data from databases and using this to generate thematic layers in Mapinfo. My research indicates that my options here are either: a). Learn and use MapBasic, or b). Purchase and learn to use the MapX control. Option b) would probably be easier for me, but will cost more due to MapInfo's licensing arrangements for this control. I am seeking advice on the best option to pursue, especially with respect to: 1. Whether both options would provide equivalent functionality or if one gives much more scope for automation. 2. The ease of learning of both options. 3. Recommendations of books or web sites for learning MapBasic. Thanks in advance, Matt -- Matt Bolton Mach 3 IT Mobile 0412 122 416 Email [EMAIL PROTECTED] --------------------------------------------------------------------- List hosting provided by Directions Magazine | www.directionsmag.com | To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Message number: 3675 --------------------------------------------------------------------- List hosting provided by Directions Magazine | www.directionsmag.com | To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Message number: 3676
