EVS-Islands

I use Marplot because I am used to it. It is consistently easy to use. That is in some areas. Any of you that visit this site frequently know that my maps are vector files. That means I create them by digitizing from a base image (Landsat). Marplot is easy to digitize from, but lousy to georectify the base image. Marplot only allows for 2-anchor points in georectifying. That ain't enough! I've used other digitizing platforms, but they had restrictions as to what images could be easily imported into their work areas. Then I discovered Global Mapper. The primary image I map from is Landsat mosaics. They are in a format called MrSID. It allows for the compression of a multi-gig file into usually about 250 MBs. If you sling images, you know that this is one hell of a big image. Now imagine having to place multiple images of comparable sizes into your digitizing software and you have problems. Global Mapper, on the other hand, allows for the importation of these MrSID formatted images easily and quickly. My base images are seamlessly matched and I can digitize right away. From load to digitize, maybe 30-seconds. Global Mapper is a full function mapping program (my idea of full function is what I produce for this web site). The problem is I am very used to working with Marplot and have all (50+) of my EVS map layers defined and working on that software. Also, I find altering digitized lines and area polygons easy to do. In other words, Marplot works for me. Now for the best part - Marplot is absolutely free. If you are in the business of mapping and you are experienced (many years of work) you will sneer at my choice and suggest that ArcGIS is the only software to use. However, it is expensive, complicated and intimidating. Marplot, on the other hand, is free, simple to use and relatively forgiving in what it requires of the end user. Most Marplot users do not load World Vector Shoreline files into their software. I did and the files work like champs! The maps that I am able to produce are precise, pleasant to look at and highly flexible. And, its FREE! (Thought I'd say it again.) Global Mapper will eventually become my primary digitizing and mapping tool. But for the time being, I love working between the two platforms. I know that is the secret. Find software that allows you to create what you desire and then just do it!

Posted by Mr Minton on Tuesday, April 04, 2006 at 4/04/2006 12:38:00 PM | Permalink