Any base map used with pointMapper must be in either the Macromedia swf format (preferred) or a non-progressive jpeg format.
Just want to link to or download a free image for your base map? Click here. Otherwise, here's a little more about how to create a base map.
Most of the time it's preferable for the map to use vectors (lines and polygons) for describing the image rather than pixels. This is because the vector data is compact and scales so there is no loss of quality when the image is magnified. The most straightforward way to generate a swf (vector) file is by publishing from Macromedia Flash, although Macromedia Freehand and Adobe Illustrator can also generate swf. But where does the map data come from?
If you are a GIS (Geographic Information Systems) user, your GIS software (e.g. ArcView or ArcMap) can export an Adobe Illustrator file. The ai file can be imported directly into Flash, or one of the other applications mentioned above, and then a swf file can be generated. If you are not a GIS user, there are maps in Adobe Illustrator and/or Macromedia Freehand format available for purchase at Creative Force, Map Resources, and at maps.com.
Sometimes an aerial photograph is actually preferable to a vector map. High quality aerial photographs can be purchased from Space Imaging or from the USGS. These images often come in tiff format, and must be converted to non-progressive jpeg.
Here are a few places to get free maps. Most of them are bit-maps, and low resolution. Be sure to read the redistribution rules for a source if you are going to use one of their maps as your basemap. Map Bureau accepts no responsibility for copyright violation. Some of these images are in gif format and will need to be converted to jpeg. Many computers have pre-installed simple imaging programs (e.g. our Windows 2000 computers have an application called Imaging for Windows by Kodak) which can do this. Digital cameras also come with software that can do the conversion. If you don't have image conversion software available to you, there are many shareware and possibly freeware programs available on the Internet.
| EXAMPLE | SOURCE | NOTES | FORMAT |
;) |
CIA - The World Fact Book 2002 | Reference maps of continents, regions, etc. | jpeg, gif |
;) |
CIA - The World Fact Book 2002 | Individual county maps are found using the "Select a Country" pulldown menu. | gif |
;) |
EarthSat MrSid Image Server | You can select from color aerial photos using the MrSid Image Server and then download your selection as a jpeg. | jpeg |
;) |
UT Library Online | Links to a wide variety of map images, including maps relevent to current events, reference maps, and historical maps. Most of the images are in the public domain. | jpeg, gif |
;) |
TerraServer | Both aerial photos and topos are available. You can create maps from an address and select a map size (small, medium, large). Down to 1 meter resolution is possible with the aerial photos. You can also get the latitude and longitude values for an address. | jpeg |
;) |
Acme Mapper | This site allows creation of aerial photos from the same source as Terraserver. You can create and save maps by entering UTM or latitude and longitude from a GPS, by entering a zip code or by selecting from a list of places. | jpeg |
;) |
American FactFinder | The maps are based on census bureau data. You can create maps by selecting a U.S. region, from an address, or by specifying latitude and longitude. | gif |
;) |
MAPTECH | Select Online Maps, Charts & Photos from the top bar. Topo maps, nautical charts, aeronautical charts, and aerial photos are available. | jpeg |
;) |
National Geographic Map Machine | Lots of maps including shaded relief maps and street maps of the U.S. are available. The trick to saving them is to create a "Printable Version" using the link to the right of the map, then right click the image and "Save As". | jpeg, gif |