Function

TAP4 Map Window

TAP5 HDMapper

Compatible files

Atlas Map .BNA files or USGS Digital Line Graph files. These files provide general shapes for drawing.

ESRI ShapeFiles, the industry standard for mapping files. ShapeFiles are used for a wide range of applications (try searching the Internet for "ShapeFiles"). In addition to the graphic shape used to draw features on the map, ShapeFiles include a database of associated information about those features. The specific information contained depends on the source of the ShapeFiles, but typical categories include population data, highway specifications, economic statistics – just about anything the creator of the ShapeFile needed to include. Using HDMapper, this information becomes a part of your TAP coverage map.

General Presentation

Major highways, counties, rivers, railroads (limited by availability of BNA format). Able to plot different features in different colors. Some control over layering of map information.

ShapeFiles of primary streets and other features are included with HDMapper. Highly detailed steet level files are available from commercial sources, including SoftWright LLC. Complete control over color, file, line style, etc. Drag and drop control over layer order.

Changing settings for coverage levels

Field strength levels are set before the map is plotted. To change the settings it is necessary to close the map, make the changes, then redraw the map. A maximum of five levels is available.

On-the-fly level settings from inside the HDMapper window. No limit on the number of levels that can be set.

Drawing Speed (after field strength study is completed)

*160,000 point tile study (40x40mi,  0.1mi steps)

*1GHz processor

324 seconds

18 seconds

Text

Ability to add user text to locations on the map; minimal control over text and label sizes when map view is changed (pan or zoom).

Ability to add user text and anchor text to a location on the map or to the window. When you pan to a new location on the map, text anchored to the map stays at the same location on the map. Text anchored to the window stays at the same location in the window.

Labels

Ability to add label from BNA file (such as county name); minimal control over label placement and size.

Ability to add label on a map feature for any of the data contained in the ShapeFile database (street names, population figures, field strength values)

Identifying map features

ID function to display information (BNA description) for locations clicked on the map. For multi-layer maps, all information at the location is displayed is displayed in the ID function.

ID function displays only the information for the selected layer, and displays the complete list of database values (highway name, population count, etc.) for the feature

Mouse Tips

No similar function

Ability to select a layer and set a particular category in the ShapeFile database to be the source of data for a "tip" or small label that follows the mouse pointer on the map. You can select a field strength coverage study and watch the field level as you move the mouse on the map.

View control

Click and zoom with a rectangle you draw on the map; pan the map with scroll bars on the edge.

Pan the map by dragging the mouse. Zoom to different areas on the map without clicking the Zoom button each time.