Will, Snip>>>>>>>>>> With regards to the styling, yes thats a bummer too. There is a nifty additional optional file in ArcView 3.x called a *.AVL - a legend file - that defines a style setting or thematically driven setting that loads when you open the SHP file. In the newfangled Arc8 there is something called a Layer file - sort of the same idea - an umbrella with settings to sit over the data in the SHP. Neither of these can be used by non-ESRI tools as far as I know, but if you could read them and apply their contents in MapInfo that could be a fix to this annoying non-feature of the direct SHP. As an aside, SHPs are also approx 50% fatter than TAB (.MAP) with large complex spatial layers like topographic contours.
<<<<<<<<< I did manage to write some code that read an avl and loaded some basic style values into arrays for later use (i never got around to finishing the code that converted the blank objects to styled objects 'on the fly' in Mi but its 'doable')... If you or anyone else are still interested in this kind of thing give me a prod and i'll try and finish it off...As I recall, matching Region styling wasnt too bad (only one or two unmatched pattern fills) but lines styles was proving difficult with only line weighting and colouring really 'emulateable'(hence my abandnement of the idea), symbols were also problematic because of the need to get the fonts installed.... If anyone has a *.lyr file reader (or *.mxd !?!) then i for one would be keen to see it........ regards Russell Lawley geologist Brit.Geol.Surv www.bgs.ac.uk ********************************************************************* This e-mail message, and any files transmitted with it, are confidential and intended solely for the use of the addressee. If this message was not addressed to you, you have received it in error and any copying, distribution or other use of any part of it is strictly prohibited. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the sender and do not necessarily represent those of the British Geological Survey. The security of e-mail communication cannot be guaranteed and the BGS accepts no liability for claims arising as a result of the use of this medium to transmit from or to the BGS. The BGS cannot accept any responsibility for viruses, so please scan all attachments. http://www.bgs.ac.uk ********************************************************************* --------------------------------------------------------------------- List hosting provided by Directions Magazine | www.directionsmag.com | To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Message number: 7816
