DeLorme Unveils XMap 6.2 - Now with Shapefile Support in XMap Professional
Purchase any version of the XMap 6.2 software suite by April 10th and receive a 20% discount.
 DeLorme is pleased to announce the release of the latest version of the three-tiered XMap 6 GIS suite. XMap 6.2 offers functional improvements and performance upgrades for every level of XMap.
A significant component of this upgrade is the expansion of ESRI shapefile support to users of XMap Professional. This base edition of XMap now delivers entry-level GIS functionality by offering direct access to readily available shapefile data as well as common aerial imagery formats.
XMap Professional users can now:
- Download and import shapefiles from GIS data archives
- Customize the symbology of point, line, and polygon layers
- Access all of the available attributes for each map project
- Search for specific records using XMap's Attribute Search function
- Turn specific layers on or off to create custom maps
- Transfer GIS layers and aerial imagery to DeLorme's Earthmate PN-Series handheld GPS receivers
XMap at Work
FiberNext Optimizes Data Collection with XMap 6 Technology
One of the circumstantial benefits of conducting an XMap training program is that it provides a first-hand opportunity for DeLorme to learn how the technology is used to address a very specific set of challenges. All DeLorme training programs focus on the particular goals and objectives of the individuals being trained, so every session is unique and every class is a learning experience, not only for those in attendance but also for the instructor.
 Such was the case recently during a training program for employees of FiberNext, a fiber optic solutions provider headquartered in Bow, New Hampshire. Longtime users of XMap and Earthmate GPS technology, FiberNext had recently upgraded to XMap 6 and had hired some additional staff. Recognizing the need for training, they contacted DeLorme to arrange a class. During this two-day session, the process of efficient data collection was discussed and a strategy was developed to optimize the use of XMap for this purpose.
One of the tasks for which FiberNext employs XMap is field data collection and, specifically, the establishment of a spatial inventory of the existing utility infrastructure. XMap is ideal for this application because it combines powerful GPS navigation functionality and location intelligence with straightforward database management capability.
XMap Q&A - What is the difference between Street Atlas USA and XMap?
By way of clarifying the distinctions between these two DeLorme software offerings, the list below describes the features and functions available to XMap users that are not included in the Street Atlas family of products.
Before beginning, it is important to define the role that each of the products has been designed to serve. Street Atlas USA is a packaged consumer mapping application whose primary functions are route planning and GPS navigation; simple map annotation; and map printing. This product is ideally suited for the casual map user.
 XMap, which originally evolved from the Street Atlas platform and which includes all of the features of the consumer-level mapping products, was designed to facilitate the import, display, analysis, and management of third-party or user data. It offers tools for importing and editing existing spatial data layers, customizing the visual characteristics of this data, viewing imagery and other raster layers, and much more. In short, Street Atlas is great for viewing DeLorme map datasets, but if you want add your own map data, XMap is a better choice.
Add Your XMap Map to the Map Gallery and Win a PN-40
 DeLorme is seeking submissions from XMap users for an online map gallery that will showcase interesting and creative uses for the software. This is your opportunity to share your work with the XMap community at large and maybe even win an Earthmate PN-40 GPS receiver for your trouble.
Maps can be submitted in any one of a number of formats:
- A screenshot captured using your computer's Print Screen function
- An image file saved using XMap's Print tab
- A MapShare site created using the MapShare button on XMap's toolbar
- An XMap Web site URL
In each case, an accompanying paragraph should clearly describe the content of the map and any specific steps that were followed to create it.
The final date for submission is June 30, 2009; however, maps will be posted to the gallery as soon as they have been submitted and reviewed by DeLorme staff. Shortly after the deadline, a random drawing will be conducted among those who submitted an entry and the winner will receive an Earthmate PN-40.
If you have any questions or you would like to submit your map for consideration, email mapgallery@delorme.com
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Where on Eartha
An interesting geographical peculiarity that was pointed out by several respondents to February’s Where on Eartha Challenge, is the fact ships must sail in a southeasterly direction to travel from the Atlantic to the Pacific Oceans. The cause of this quirk is, of course, the orientation of the Panama Canal, which was clearly visible in last month’s image and whose country and capital share the same name.
Panama City, Panama, was the response submitted by almost everyone who entered last month’s challenge. The first randomly selected email belongs to Jay Yearwood, the GIS Manager from the City of Appleton, WI. Jay will be receiving a copy of XMap 6 Professional with XMap USA Topographic Data and a USB GPS receiver.
Our next stop takes us to another city that sits adjacent to a body of water. This time, as a tip of the hat to those who claimed that Panama City was too easy, no additional clues will be given. If you want to include your name in the drawing for a copy of XMap with an Earthmate USB GPS receiver, take a guess at the name of the city and its country and send your response to contest@delorme.com. Entries must be received no later than April 12, 2009.
XMap 6 Training at AWEA - Students Attend for Free
Planning to attend the Windpower 2009 conference in Chicago? Why not use the opportunity to hone your XMap skills by attending a training class during the morning after the event?
This training session will be conducted at the McCormick Place Convention Center from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm on Friday May 8th and will focus primarily on the application of XMap for wind energy management. Specific topics will include:
- Basic functions of XMap
- Optimizing XMap for efficient file and data management
- Identifying sources of applicable data
- Using GPS with XMap
- Managing your GIS data
- Printing high-quality maps
The class size will be limited to 50 attendees at a cost of $100 per person. Full time students can attend the class for free. Space will be allotted on a first-come, first-served basis. Those who plan to attend are encouraged to bring a laptop; sample files will be distributed at the beginning of the class.
If you are interested in attending, please email training@delorme.com. Closer to the date of the class, additional information and a registration form will be sent to all prospective attendees.
XMap 7 Survey
Follow-up
Thanks to all who participated in the XMap 7 survey last month. Your input will help us design and develop the next generation of XMap in the coming months.
It was especially fascinating to read your ideas and suggestions in the open-ended section of the survey and it was gratifying to learn that many of the feature enhancements that DeLorme software engineers have been discussing are also important to you.
Perhaps one of the most interesting and unexpected findings from the survey was the high number of responses that were submitted by users of DeLorme’s consumer mapping applications such as Street Atlas USA or Topo USA. After reading through the comments from this group, it became apparent that many of the suggested enhancements are part of the current XMap feature list.
For this reason, we decided to include an article in this month’s newsletter that outlines the key differences between DeLorme’s consumer and professional mapping software. Hopefully this will provide some insight into why XMap is a better choice to professional mapping applications.
Follow XMap on Twitter
In a clear case of “everyone else is doing it, why shouldn’t we?” the XMap team at DeLorme is now on Twitter. If you want to be the first to learn about the latest XMap happenings, product releases, and events, you can follow along at http://twitter.com/XMap_Team.
DeLorme Attends the ESRI Business Partners Conference
DeLorme is pleased to announce its attendance at the 2009 ESRI Business Partner Conference in Palm Springs, CA. DeLorme is currently working with ESRI to provide access to DeLorme digital map data from within ArcGIS applications. DeLorme software developers are also creating an extension for ESRI GIS software that will enable the transfer of ESRI-generated raster map views to the DeLorme’s Earthmate PN-40 GPS and the download of field-collected GPS data in shapefile format.
We Want to Meet You!
Visit us in these upcoming events:
GITA Geospatial Infrastructure Solutions Conference
Tampa, FL
April 19-22, 2009
Be sure to attend DeLorme's Solutions Spotlight presentation from 9:50 - 10:20 am on Tuesday, 4/21, during which we will demonstrate XMap's data deployment functionality.
Windpower 2009 Conference & Exhibition
May 4-7, 2009
Chicago, IL
Don't forget to sign up for the post-conference training class (see above). If you are interested, email training@delorme.com.
Stop by the DeLorme booth at any of these events and enter to win a drawing for a DeLorme product.
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