shp2psc: Shapefile to MAPresso geometry format
In order to speed up the download process of geometry files, MAPresso uses a compact polygon boundary format (.psc). The Java application shp2pscconverts ArcInfo polygon shapefiles to this format.
Prepare your shapefile
The necessary files for shapefile xxx are:
- xxx.shp
- xxx.dbf
In the later process you have to identify an ID and a name variable.
The ID variable in the dbf file must be numeric and the values must be greater than 0; ID=0 are holes in the polygons (as lakes).
All thematic data provided to MAPresso has to be in the order of this ID variable.
If there is no numeric ID variable, you have to enter one as a column in the dbf file (use e.g. a spreadsheet program).
Start shp2psc, select the shapefile and identify ID and name.
The program writes the following files:
- xxx.psc
- xxx.nam
- xxx.txt (all variables of the .dbf file)
- xxx.vnm (dito)
- index.html
Put a MAPresso.jar file into the same directory
If in the same directory there is a MAPresso.jar you should be able to start the map by opening index.html in your browser. The files can be a starting point for customizing your map (e.g. define the data units and variable types in xxx.vnm and add or change the parameters in index.html using a text editor).
It is not a very sophisticated application. Please mail problems.
Mac OS X: Unstuff and start the downloaded Application.
Other operating systems: start the downloaded file shp2psc.jar with the command:
java -jar shp2psc.jar
Some debugging output is written to the Java console.
You want filterting and circle cartograms?
Send me your shapefile, I'll try to send you the corresponding xxx.fil file.This allows you to use the Dorling cartogram option and the generalization tool.
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ArcInfo Shapefiles
dbf-file: ID and names
Problems
Shapefiles of Type "Polygon ZM"
You have to convert this shapefile type to the regular shapefile (type "Polygon"), using ArcMap commands described in http://forums.esri.com/Thread.asp?c=93&f=1730&t=296920 by Paul Cook:
Locate the following tool -
ArcToolbox > Conversion Tools > To Shapefile > Feature Class To Shapefile (multiple)
Launch the tool and add your Polygon ZM shapefiles to the input features.
Select an 'Output Folder'
Click on the 'Environments...' button at the bottom of the dialog box. To the right of the 'OK' button.
Click on the 'General Settings' text.
You should see two fields marked 'Output has Z Values' and 'Output has M Values'.
Set both fields to 'Disabled'.
Click 'OK' to exit the Environments Settings then click 'OK' to run the tools.
You should now have copies of your original shapefiles, without Z & M values in your new folder.