XMAP 7 Editor and ArcMap

[WestportRiver]

I currently use XMAP 6 Pro and a PN-40 for forestry and natural resources assessment work, plus some freeware GIS that uses shapefiles (fGIS). I am considering upgrading to XMAP Editor or another program. I would like to hear from XMAP Editor users on how they have been satisfied with the product. Comments on any or all of the following would be helpful, or simply your take on pros and cons.

1. Does Editor work well with GIS layers downloaded from public GIS servers (e.g. countours, water bodies, wetlands, and other data commonly available on state GIS websites)?

2. Do you have any trouble interchanging data with users of ESRI products (import and export), and if so is this a major limitation?

3. I have found that XMAP Pro the maps can only be saved in low resolution (PDF or JPG). Does Editor have a higher resolution map save option for creating crisp, professional quality maps?

4. Are dates available for the donwloaded aerial imagery (they are not for TOPO USA and XMAP Pro)?

5. Can the database files associated with polygons be exported in a format that can be opended in Excel?

6. In general, for professional uses such as forestry or natural resources assessment of properties ranging from 50 acres to a few thoudsand acres, is this an acceptable alternative to ArcMap?

[foxtrot_xray]

I currently use XMAP 6 Pro and a PN-40 for forestry and natural resources assessment work, plus some freeware GIS that uses shapefiles (fGIS). I am considering upgrading to XMAP Editor or another program. I would like to hear from XMAP Editor users on how they have been satisfied with the product. Comments on any or all of the following would be helpful, or simply your take on pros and cons.

1. Does Editor work well with GIS layers downloaded from public GIS servers (e.g. countours, water bodies, wetlands, and other data commonly available on state GIS websites)?

2. Do you have any trouble interchanging data with users of ESRI products (import and export), and if so is this a major limitation?

3. I have found that XMAP Pro the maps can only be saved in low resolution (PDF or JPG). Does Editor have a higher resolution map save option for creating crisp, professional quality maps?

4. Are dates available for the donwloaded aerial imagery (they are not for TOPO USA and XMAP Pro)?

5. Can the database files associated with polygons be exported in a format that can be opended in Excel?

6. In general, for professional uses such as forestry or natural resources assessment of properties ranging from 50 acres to a few thoudsand acres, is this an acceptable alternative to ArcMap?

I'm not a professional user of XMap (meaning that I use it, but not in a professional manner) but I can give some insights that I've come across -
1. I believe it of course depends on what format you get the layer. However, once you get it into Xmap, Editor has a lot more functions for managing and displaying the data - like categorization and custom properties/fields that you can use functions in to set display and other text for layer items. These don't exist in Pro.

2. Can't comment, since I don't know anyone personally to trade with.

3. Not too sure what you're meaning here by 'saving'. If I import a GeoTiff that's high resolution (10cm, for example) the image stays at 10cm after import? Unless you're meaning printing of said maps?

4. No - this isn't an Xmap or client program limitation, it's on NetLink side. However, if I recall, the last official note by DeLorme stated that all Imagery of the US was dated 2009 or later.

5. Not sure about this one. It *obviously* can, if you know SQL and want to export the data that way. I'm assuming at the moment you're meaning through Xmap.

6. I don't see why not. My last heavy usage of Xmap was loading in the entire Wales area of OS OpenData in Shapefiles. At that amount of data, yes, it got slow. However, that was far, far larger than a couple thousand acres.

--Mike.

[KevinBE]

1. Does Editor work well with GIS layers downloaded from public GIS servers (e.g. countours, water bodies, wetlands, and other data commonly available on state GIS websites)?

Yes, XMap GIS Editor and Enterprise can import common GIS file types. Here is the list:

Arc/Info Interchange File (.E00)
ASC Text File (.ASC)
AutoCAD DWF File (.DWF)
AutoCAD DWG File (.DWG)
AutoCAD DXF File (.DXF)
CSV Text File (.CSV)
Census Shapefile Set (.SHP)
DeLorme 1999-2009 Draw File (.AN1)
DeLorme Interchange File (.OPENSPACE)
ESRI Shapefile (.SHP)
FoxPro and dBase File (.DBF)
Microsoft Access Database (.MDB)
Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet (.XLS)
Microsoft Excel 2007 Spreadsheet (.XLSX)
Microsoft Interchange File (.MIF)
TAB Text File (.TAB)
Text File (.TXT)


2. Do you have any trouble interchanging data with users of ESRI products (import and export), and if so is this a major limitation?

No, there shouldn't be an issue. As stated above, XMap Editor and Enterprise support SHP and E00 import. You can also connect to an ESRI ArcSDE database if you install the SDK. XMap Editor and Enterprise export the following formats:

AutoCAD Data Exchange file (.DXF)
AutoCAD Draw file (.DWG)
DeLorme XMap Transfer file (.OPENSPACE)
ESRI Shapefile (.SHP)
GPX file (.GPX)
OGC KML file (.KML)
Text files (.TXT)


3. I have found that XMAP Pro the maps can only be saved in low resolution (PDF or JPG). Does Editor have a higher resolution map save option for creating crisp, professional quality maps?

All versions of XMap can print to a document writer. Go to Print>Setup and choose a document writer to save in other formats. Windows has one built in and you can also use PDF printers. Whatever your computer has, XMap can use. You can also use Windows to install large-format printer drivers, such as for an HP DesignJet. If you set that as your printer and pick a large paper size, you will have a greater range of Photo Zoom scales.

4. Are dates available for the donwloaded aerial imagery (they are not for TOPO USA and XMAP Pro)?

Currently, dates are not available, though that may change with subsequent NetLink updates. Our Color DOQQ database is from the USDA's NAIP. You can read about the data here:

http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/apfoapp?are ... &topic=nai


5. Can the database files associated with polygons be exported in a format that can be opended in Excel?

You can copy and paste the attributes table to Excel, or you can export to a shapefile, which will create a DBF that will be usable in Excel.

6. In general, for professional uses such as forestry or natural resources assessment of properties ranging from 50 acres to a few thoudsand acres, is this an acceptable alternative to ArcMap?

XMap Editor is a great program for forestry and natural resources. It can create, query, classify, symbolize and export GIS layers, just like ArcMap. It is not as feature rich as a GIS, but for practical purposes, I think it should suit your needs. The advantage XMap has is that it comes with a searchable, routable, integrated mapping system. You may want to read the following to learn more:

http://www.delorme.com/xmap/naturalreso ... fault.aspx

I would also recommend calling Pro Sales at 1.800.293.2389 to discuss the uses of the product.