MapInfo
Discovery is a software plug-in for MapInfo Pro. With Discovery, non-developers
can publish standard MapInfo maps to a web server via a simple menu interface.
A single copy of MapInfo, with the Discovery plug-in, can
provide interactive maps to dozens of departmental or workgroup users--without requiring
dozens of copies of MapInfo Pro.
MapXtreme is MapInfo's flagship web map server software system.
While both products can create interactive web maps, Discovery does not supplant
MapXtreme. Each product has unique strengths for specific circumstances.
MapXtreme is best used by experienced developers. Discovery is aimed at power users without a programming background.
MapXtreme applications typically require more than a few
hours of development.
Using Discovery, a MapInfo Pro user can publish a new map to the web in just a few
minutes, using a single Discovery menu option.
MapXtreme is fully customizable. MapXtreme
applications can conform to any look-and-feel and can perform nearly any spatial operation
and function. Discovery comes complete with a set of standard features including drill-down,
thematic mapping and layer control. It can be customized cosmetically, to include
company logos and internal links, but is not extensively customizable.
MapXtreme Windows includes server administrative software
(MapXbroker) to efficiently share its power to simultaneously support large numbers of
users. Discovery does not include the MapXbroker technology so cannot handle multiple users
as efficiently as MapXtreme.
MapXtreme is available in both Windows and 100%-pure Java
versions. Discovery only runs under Windows.
MapXtreme costs more. Discovery can be licensed for approximately 40% of the cost of MapXtreme.
Web applications often use specialty maps, such as detailed
street maps or zip code maps. There are special discounted license costs for map data used with Discovery. The
cost savings can be substantial, but vary by type of map. Please contact SGSI for details.
To simplify the development process, MapXtreme includes code
templates for series of common interactive web applications ("Find the
nearest..." etc). The visual map catalog is not included with MapXtreme.
Discovery includes a single full-featured application template, plus a visual web
map catalog sub-system.
Some MapInfo Pro users distribute maps by creating
Acrobat PDF files. (Requires purchase of Adobe Acrobat software or PDFWriter.)
PDF map files are not live-linked to the underlying map data
and must be re-generated and re-distributed when underlying data changes. Discovery maps are built on-the-fly based on the most current data on the server.
PDF maps allow interactive pan-and-zoom but not drill-down.
With Discovery you can use an "Info" tool button to drill-down to the
data records.
With PDF maps, the user can't turn display of layers
off/on. This makes it difficult to see the correct amount of detail at all zoom
levels. Discovery includes checkboxes to easily turn layers and labels off/on.
PDF files can be very large, especially if street maps or
raster maps are displayed. PDF format street maps of large areas--even a single
state--are impossibly large and can jam corporate email systems.
Discovery-based maps are distributed via email, too. These emails are tiny,
since they include the Discovery catalog url, not map data per se.
Many organizations now distribute maps by installing
MapInfo Pro on each desktop, then emailing MapInfo workspace files (*.wor). This is
still a realistic approach in certain circumstances.
Use multiple copies of MapInfo Pro if distributing maps to
fewer than 5 users provided that all share the same LAN. Discovery is more expensive, if fewer than roughly five users are involved.
Use multiple copies of MapInfo Pro if users will edit or
markup the maps: e.g, move lines, points & regions; create custom map layouts;
add annotation; print on various sizes of paper; position map labels carefully; and/or
edit the underlying data table values. Discovery is best if users primarily want to view the map and make quick draft-quality
prints. Because Discovery maps are displayed in a standard Internet Explorer browser
window, users have limited printer control and no ability to edit the underlying maps.
Use multiple copies of MapInfo Pro if some users need to
execute custom queries, geocode, or use many of the other extensive spatial analysis
features.
Discovery users need no mapping or GIS training at all, because Discovery maps use
only standard browser features. Discovery is ideal for empowering managers,
salespersons, and any non-technical users to "do it themselves."
Use multiple copies of MapInfo Pro for mobile users, e.g.,
laptops, without wireless LAN connections.
Use Discovery to supply interactive maps to distributed users who have access to
the web.
Interactive
map costs depend on the license price of all the components you need. Typically
these include:
a. The web map server: e.g., Discovery or MapXtreme);
b. Optional map layers: e.g., detailed zip codes, telecom rate centers,
and StreetPro street maps; and/or
c. Optional street address geocoding server: e.g., MapMarkerPlus.
The following is intended only as a ballpark example.
Besides any cost listed below, you will also need a licensed copy of MapInfo Pro
6.5 or 7.
Please call SGSI at 206-224-0800 for additional license
options.
Discovery; 1-cpu server; internal map data only.
$5,995
Discovery with 1-CPU
server license.
Number of permitted users: unlimited.
Number of permitted applications: unlimited.
Internet or intranet usage permitted.
One year Discovery Upgrade maintenance included.
Price does not include specialty licensed maps or street-level geocoding.
Users must already have MapInfo Pro 7.0 or license it separately at additional
cost.
