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README.DOC
(readme.doc)
MAPIT - Your Graphics Notepad on the World
MAPIT is a user-extensible world map of the detail normally found
only in mainframe databases. Scientist or salesman, MAPIT enables
you to investigate, analyze, organize, record, track, reproduce, and
communicate your graphical and textual data and concepts in pictures
as well as words. A powerful vector-based reference tool, MAPIT
contains a wealth of information and is just plain fun to use.
Create private databases to distribute your own graphic and textual
data to co-workers and friends with lines and figures inserted to
within 200 feet ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD. Seven scalable Stroked Text
faces, map or screen relative, and Hidden Text collapsing to small
markers support your text needs.
The World Database, which includes coastlines, lakes, rivers, canals,
reefs, saltflats, national boundaries, and US state and Canadian
provincial borders, supports zooms of 750 or more without degradation.
Also included are 6,000 international cities as well as 20,000 US
cities with 1990 census population figures.
Quick Start:
MAPIT, as a compute and disk-intensive application requires, an IBM
386SX (or more powerful) compatible computer, 512KB RAM, an EGA or
VGA display, and a MOUSE.
Install a Mouse.
MAPIT REQUIRES A MOUSE. Unless you have a mouse physically
attached to your computer AND have installed its driver, you
will be unable to operate MAPIT and will have to reboot your
computer if you try.
Install the mouse driver by issuing the following command
at the command prompt.
> "path"\MOUSE
where "path" is the path to the directory containing the mouse
driver.
Place this command in your AUTOEXEC.BAT so MOUSE is always
available.
The shareware version of MAPIT is distributed as a two disk set. Both
disks must be loaded onto your hard drive before beginning.
Prepare MAPIT Directory. (Optional)
You probably want to create a directory on your hard drive to
hold MAPIT's programs and data.
> mkdir MAPIT
> cd MAPIT
Load the Data.
From the destination directory of your hard drive and with
MAPIT Disk 1 in your floppy drive, issue one of the following
two commands.
> A:install (Assumes floppy drive A:)
or
> X:install X: (Uses floppy drive X:)
The install program will copy MAPIT to your hard drive,
prepare the data files, and, unless you Control-C when given
the opportunity at the end, will execute MAPIT for you.
Running MAPIT.
MAPIT will run this shareware package by entering
> MAPIT DEMO
Ing general, MAPIT is started from the command line by entering
> MAPIT data_file_name
where
data_file_name - the name of any .mp3 format data file,
eg: demo.mp3
MAPIT looks for three other files at startup time.
std.fnt - The standard font file. Without it, stroked
text doesn't work.
std.fig - The standard figures file. Normally this file
is user-created by EDITFIG and contains the
user's custom figures. Without it, figures
won't be displayed.
extended.mp3 - The user's private database. If none
exists, a zero length file is created.
Adding lines, figures, and text expands it.
Using the Mouse
Some, may at first be confused by the two distinct ways the
mouse is used.
DRAGGING - Some selections (eg. Zoom by Corners) require
depressing the left button to establish the starting corner or
position and, WITH THE BUTTON STILL DEPRESSED, dragging the
cursor to the second corner or position to be measured BEFORE
RELEASING THE BUTTON. If you press and release at the same
point when a drag is required, nothing happens.
POINT & CLICK - Other activities, notably those requiring
one-at-a-time point selections, look for the depression and
release of the left mouse button without any intervening
movement. Sometimes use of the RIGHT mouse button is required
to signal the end of multiple point entry.
Tuning Your System.
MAPIT requires a properly tuned high performance computer. The
most significant performance boost you can give is by using disk
cache software such as SMARTDRV which comes with DOS 5 and WINDOWS.
There are other good disk caches out there, too.
The disk cache must be of adequate size, at least 500K, if it is
to be of any use. With a disk cache, you can reduce the buffers=
statement in your CONFIG.SYS to a low as 3, some say.
MAPIT's .mp3 data files are LARGE, but they are efficiently
designed and already compact. Data compaction drivers such as
STACKER will NOT gain you appreciable space and will SLOW your
disk system (to about one half). Do NOT place MAPIT's data files
on compacted drives without first verify performance loss versus
space savings for your hardware/software combination.
MAPIT is designed to display graphics adequately without a math
coprocessor. Stroked text, however, which can be oriented at any
angle, is compute intensive and will respond positively to the
addition of a math chip.
MAPIT Explained:
MAPIT is a professional-level mapping application which includes a
detailed database of the world and programs to interact with and
supplement that database. You have the shareware version of MAPIT,
a truncated version designed to give you the feel of MAPIT's full
capabilities in an affordable format.
Registered versions of MAPIT come in a range of mapping detail to
fit a variety of users' mapping needs, hard disk limitations, and
pocketbooks. The full MAPIT requires upwards of 30 MB of disk
storage and is shipped on multiple 1.44 MB 3.5" floppies.
The different detail options of MAPIT's database can most easily
be explained in terms of zoom factor. The initial MAPIT display
including the whole earth is defined as zoom factor 1 (shown in
the lower left corner of the screen). Zooming in to half that
distance changes the zoom factor to 2. Zooming in on the US so it
fills the whole screen, for instance, requires a zoom factor of
approximately 5.
The world database included with shareware MAPIT holds resolution
to a zoom factor of approximately 6. Zoom much closer than that
and you begin to notice the jaggies - a decided compromise in
object detail. The one area of the globe which has been supplied
as an example of full detail is the island of Cuba, just south of
the United States off the coast of Florida. You should be able
to zoom in to a factor of 750 or so before lack of detail becomes
an issue. At Cuba's latitude, this means the entire screen width
covers a distance of 31 miles (as opposed to 24,857 miles at zoom
factor 1). As noted above, to provide this level of detail every-
where in the world requires a significant amount of disk space.
Not everyone needs or wants to devote resources to supporting the
maximum available detail world-wide. MAPIT's Base World Data level
supports a global zoom level of 24 and requires more than 3 MB of disk
space. Those wanting maximum detail are free to order from the six
Detail packages, divided roughly by continent. See REGISTER.DOC
for particulars.
Included Programs:
MAPIT
The central display program for working with the voluminous
MAPIT database. Detailed instructions are beyond the scope of
this file. Turing the system with the MAPIT Demo is the best way
of learning its capabilities.
> copy MAPITDEM.MP3 EXTENDED.MP3
> MAPIT DEMO
The copy step should have been done by the install batch file,
but the preceding example shows that EXTENDED.MP3 can be reloaded
fresh with the MAPIT Instructional Demo if need be. Run MAPIT
with the shareware database DEMO.MP3 and follow the instructions
in Hidden Text 1 (Press Left Mouse button in triangle 1).
MAPIT's binary .mp3 data files can be combined together with the
binary copy command:
> copy /b FILE_1.MP3+FILE_2.MP3... BIG.MP3
or
> copy /b FILE*.MP3 BIG.MP3
FIGEDIT
The figure creation/editing program. This program operates on
files ending in the extension .FIG. It is in rather rough shape,
without documentation, and offered with an apology. Fool around
with it and you'll figure out how to make and store figures.
The menu items along the top row are really there - just click
on them to make them reappear.
There is a limit of 100 entities per figure (the count is on
the bottom status line) with no way to delete bad entities!
The key is to KEEP FIGURES SIMPLE. Detail which looks good at
full screen is clutter at 10%. Here's where artistic talent is
invaluable.
.FIG files can be concatinated with the binary copy just as
.MP3 files.
MP1TOMP3
A conversion utility designed to convert straight text files
containing strings of latitutde/longitude pairs as might be
generated from a CAD system or digitizer into .MP3 file format.
.MP3 files appear to be about 1/3 the size of their .MP1 counter-
parts.
Usage:
MP1TOMP3 data_file [/options]
where
data_file - the name of a .mp1 file to be converted
to .mp3 format. A .mp3 file of the same
name is created.
options:
/id - Region Id stored in the region header.
/layer - Layer assignment stored in entity header.
Defaults to layer 0.
/minzoom - Min zoom factor stored in entity header.
Defaults to 0.
/maxzoom - Max zoom factor stored in entity header.
Defaults to 0.
The .mp1 file format is a simple ASCII listing of latitudes and
longitudes representing strings of connected points. String
termination is marked by separator records.
.MP1 File Format: variable length ASCII records:
(latitude and longitude with comments)
Data Records
field
1 latitude floating point number
2 blank field separator
3 longitude floating point number
[4] optional begining with a blank
comment
5 line feed end of record (LF - 10)
Separator Records
field
[1] optional blanks[s]
2 line feed end of record (LF - 10)
Known Bugs:
Deadlines dictate that MAPIT be shipped with known bugs.
There are large cities and capitals missing from the DEMO.MP3
database. These problems will be addressed in the full database.
The MAPIT command EDIT/Copy works slowly. Don't use with a large
database, or you may grow old waiting. It also misses copying
Hidden Text whose triangle markers are not visible.
EDIT/Assign to Layer also works VERY slowly and incorrectly.
It changes the layers of objects other than those which you select.
Avoid this command.
Enhancements:
Many obvious and some not-so-obvious enhancements are in
planning. Register your copy of MAPIT and let me know what
YOU'D like to see. The best ideas come from users. This is
your chance to influence the direction of product growth.
Pretty Pictures:
Those who have need for colorful output and pretty pictures can
run MAPIT within a Windows DOS shell, capture a screen with
the Print Screen key, switch back to Windows, and Shift/Insert
the image into the Paint program. There use the Invert Option
to change all the ugly black to white and fill the oceans with
lovely blue. Turn off the Grid while in MAPIT to make area
fills easier.
Contents of Disks:
The shareware distribution disks contain the following files:
MAPIT Disk 1:
readme.doc general information and instructions
register.doc shareware registration form
vendor.doc distributor information & product description
install.bat installation batch file
installx.bat auxillary installation batch file
demo_a.mp3 demo database, part 1
mapitdem.mp3 Mapit demo instruction database
mapit.exe main program
*mp1tomp3.exe ASCII to .mp3 data converter
std.fig example figure file
std.fnt stroked font file
* distributed with BBS version.
MAPIT Disk 2:
demo_b.mp3 demo database, part 2
figedit.exe figures creation program
Legal Considerations:
Copyright:
The collection of software described in this file and contained on
this disk is the Shareware Version of MAPIT (the Software) and is
Copyright 1992 John B. Allison.
Ownership:
You have purchased or otherwise obtained media containing a copy of
the Shareware Version of MAPIT. The Software contained on the media
and all rights pertaining thereto remain the sole property of
John B. Allison. By continuing to use the Software, you indicate
your acceptance of the terms and conditions outlined below.
Shareware License:
You are permitted to use the Software for an evaluation period of
THREE WEEKS. After the evaluation period, you must either remove all
copies of the Software from your computer system(s) and refrain from
all additional use, or register your copy of the Software with
Allison Software
166 Shady Lane
Apollo, PA 15613 USA
(412) 727-2198
CompuServe 72600,1200
(See the file REGISTER.DOC on the distribution disk for registration
instructions.)
Shareware Distribution:
You may give copies of the Software IN ITS UNMODIFIED ENTIRETY to
friends or to other parties.
You may distribute copies of the Software IN ITS UNMODIFIED ENTIRETY
on a commercial basis for a fee not to exceed SIX DOLLARS per diskette,
or you may post the Software on electronic bulletin boards if you package
the Software so that each diskette must be downloaded IN ITS UNMODIFIED
ENTIRETY.
If you post it, you must compress or otherwise package the Software
in either a combined file named "MAPIT10.ext" or as two separate files
named "MAPIT10A.ext" and "MAPIT10B.ext" where ".ext" reflects the type
of compression or packaging used.
You may not list the Software in advertisements, catalogs, or other
literature as "FREE SOFTWARE". Shareware is "Try-Before-You-Buy"
software, not free.
Liability:
SINCE YOU ARE NOT PAYING ANY MONEY FOR THIS TRIAL USE VERSION, YOU
RECEIVE IT ENTIRELY "AS IS", AND WE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR
ANY DAMAGES OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER.
ASP Member:
This program is produced by a member of the Association of Shareware
Professionals (ASP). ASP wants to make sure that the shareware
principle works for you. If you are unable to resolve a shareware-
related problem with an ASP member by contacting the member directly,
ASP may be able to help. The ASP Ombudsman can help you resolve a
dispute or problem with an ASP member, but does not provide technical
support for members' products. Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at
545 Grover Road, Muskegon, MI 49442-9427 or send a Compuserve message
via CompuServe Mail to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536
REGISTER.DOC
(register.doc)
MAPIT Registration Form
Please provide me
- a registered version of MAPIT with Base World Data
and any Detail Packages I've marked below
- a MAPIT Users Manual
- 3 month's free product support via phone/mail/CompuServe
- the next program update FREE OF CHARGE!
Check all that apply:
X MAPIT executables and Base World Data $ 39 $ 39
Detail Data:
_ North America Detail (northern islands &
Greenland packaged with Australia) $ 30 ____
_ Africa Detail $ 30 ____
_ Asia Detail $ 40 ____
_ Australia, Pacific Islands, Antarctica,
Greenland, and northern islands Detail $ 30 ____
- Central and Sourth America Detail $ 30 ____
_ Europe and Middle East Discount $ 40 ____
-------------------------------------------------------------
SUBTOTAL _____
Discounts:
_ Three Detail Discount $(20) ____
or
_ Six Detail Discount $(40) ____
_ ADDITIONAL INTRODUCTORY Six Detail Discount
for orders received before Nov 30, 1992 $(60) ____
Charges:
_ Purchase Order WITHOUT accompanying payment $ 20 ____
_ US/Canadian/Mexican Shipping & Handling $ 10 ____
or
_ Foreign Shipping & Handling $ 20 ____
-------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL _____
Pennsylvania resident's 6% sales tax. _____
=============
GRANDTOTAL $ ______ (US)
Payment must be in US FUNDS
by check drawn on a US BANK made payable to "Allison Software",
by International money order, or
by MasterCard or VISA
__ __ __
|__| Check Enclosed |__| VISA |__| MasterCard
Name on card (printed): _____________________________________
Card # _________________________________ Exp. date _________
Signature: ________________________________________
Ship to:
Please Note: MAPIT data is shipped ONLY on 3 1/2" HD (1.44MB) diskettes
in DOS 5 BACKUP format. You will need this level of DOS to RESTORE.
Send payment with order to: Or Email this form via CompuServe Mail
(credit card orders only) to:
Allison Software
166 Shady Lane John B. Allison 72600,1200
Apollo, PA 15613 USA
Thank you for your business.
Where did you obtain your shareware copy?
What application will you use MAPIT for?
What improvements or extensions would you like to see in MAPIT?
VENDOR.DOC
(vendor.doc)
MAPIT
Allison Software
166 Shady Lane
Apollo, PA 15613, USA
(412) 727-2198
CompuServe 72600,1200
Member, Association of Shareware Professionals.
Product Description:
MAPIT - a detailed, user-extensible world map/graphics notepad.
Pushing the envelope of affordable technology, MAPIT brings to your PC
an integrated world-wide mapping application using data which, up to
this time, existed only in large mainframe-resident databases.
Whether you are a secretary, scientist, salesman, or sea captain, MAPIT
enables you to investigate, analyze, organize, record, track, reproduce,
and communicate your graphical and textual data and concepts in pictures
as well as in words. A powerful vector-based reference tool, MAPIT
contains a wealth of information and is just plain fun to use.
MAPIT enhances communication. The large database is supplemented by
a private database to which you can add your own graphics and textual
information for easy and efficient distribution to others. If your
problem can be stated in terms of location - what is the current
position (of my trucks, supertankers, sales force), where were they
yesterday, what is their status at this moment? What are the locations
of those stores and who is in charge in each one? How far has that
disease, the new species, or the competition spread? What resources
do I have allocated at that site at this moment, how can I improve the
logistics? - MAPIT can help you visualize, analyze, and record the answer
to within 200 feet - ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD!
You can zoom to virtually any detail (the current world data supports
zoom factors of 750) and can insert colored lines to delineate your
own features to within 200 feet. You can create and enter figures
in multiple locations at any magnification with adjustable visibility.
MAPIT supports two types of text: scalable stroked text in 7 faces
(including Italic and Old English) fixed in size to either the map
or to the screen and hidden text - up to 2400 hardware characters
collapsed to a small marker expandable with the click of the mouse.
Almost 6000 international cities are displayed, ordered by population.
Click on the marker, and the city's size pops up. 20,000 US cities
with their 1990 populations are similarly available. The underlying
geographic database consists of over 5 million points organized by
coastlines, lakes, rivers, canals, reefs, saltflats, national boundaries,
and US and Canadian state and provincial boundaries. Believe me,
places you never even imagined are to be found in this database.
The map is displayed in Mercator projection, the choice of navigators.
(Detail is insufficient for coastal piloting.) Great circle distances
can be calculated between any two points and the results shown in
statute miles, nautical miles, or kilometers.
So if you are looking for more than just a pretty picture - or perhaps
need many different pretty pictures, let MAPIT be the end of your
graphical quest. MAPIT, your electronic notepad on the world.
System Requirements:
System requirements are an IBM 386SX (or more powerful) compatible
running DOS 5 (for data RESTORE compatibility of the extended data sets),
512KB RAM, an EGA or VGA display, and a mouse. Hard disk requirements
vary based upon data options, but are considerable, ranging from 3 to
30 MB. The shareware version requires under 1 MB. Registration ranges
from $39 (+ S&H) upward depending upon options.
Registrants receive the most recent version, more detailed data
(as ordered), a printed manual, a full-use license, and mail/phone
product support. VISA and MasterCard are accepted. ASP Member.
Legal Considerations:
THIS IS A TWO-DISK SET. BOTH ARE NEEDED FOR PROPER OPERATION.
Full legal considerations are covered in the file README.DOC.
MAPIT (the Software) is Copyright 1992 John B. Allison
You may distribute copies of the Software IN ITS UNMODIFIED ENTIRETY
on a commercial basis for a fee not to exceed SIX DOLLARS per diskette,
or you may post the Software on electronic bulletin boards if you package
the Software so that each diskette must be downloaded IN ITS UNMODIFIED
ENTIRETY.
If you post it, you must compress or otherwise package the Software
in either a combined file named "MAPIT10.ext" or as two separate files
named "MAPIT10A.ext" and "MAPIT10B.ext" where ".ext" reflects the type
of compression or packaging used.
You may not list the Software in advertisements, catalogs, or other
literature as "FREE SOFTWARE". Shareware is "Try-Before-You-Buy"
software, not free.
Please Help Us Serve You Better:
Please send us a copy of any reviews or articles you print regarding
this product. Thank you for supporting the shareware marketing concept.
Directory of PC-SIG Library Disk #3317
Volume in drive A has no label
Directory of A:\
README DOC 15575 9-11-92 12:57p
REGISTER DOC 2559 9-11-92 11:41a
VENDOR DOC 5225 9-11-92 2:11p
INSTALL BAT 1360 9-11-92 12:05p
INSTALLX BAT 605 9-10-92 7:06p
DEMO_A MP3 183196 9-11-92 2:19p
MAPITDEM MP3 22675 9-11-92 11:18a
MAPIT EXE 87003 9-11-92 8:20a
STD FIG 1510 9-10-92 5:35p
STD FNT 33090 1-10-92 9:00a
GO BAT 36 11-12-92 6:38p
SHOW EXE 2040 9-12-88 10:48a
12 file(s) 354874 bytes
1024 bytes free