Track: Cartography and Map Production
Understanding Maplex, A New Paradigm for Map Production
Jonathan PickusMap production methods involving labeling have relied, to a large extent, on manual-based cartographic techniques. Avoiding conflicts with various feature symbols while clearly delineating names and feature codes can be a laborious and technically demanding task. The map feature labeling tools supplied by many GIS software vendors were mainly layer dependent and did not perform conflict resolution between label and feature placements. Maplex software, a product of Esri (UK) Ltd., uses a different approach that places point, line, and area referenced text automatically, based on rules adjusted by the user. The Las Vegas Valley Water District is using Maplex to produce water facility maps that could not be automated due to the large number of map features that require labeling. Maplex automatically compiles complex water facility maps and associated annotation with little need for manual intervention. The District anticipates large cost savings in map production as a result of the use of this technology. Lessons learned include how best to use Maplex for complex mapping requirements and automating the integration of Maplex with ArcInfo.
Jonathan Pickus
Las Vegas Valley Water District
1001 South Valley View Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89153
USA
Telephone:
Fax: