MalaysiaGIS.com

Source: Computimes, The New Straits Times

Map-Portal's founder Leng Chee Kong said Map Viewer is a freeware which can be downloaded at www.map-portal.net. With the program, users can access the Map-Portal, a vertical portal that hosts map-related data.

Through this portal, users can obtain information from the map on specific locations. Currently, the map covers major cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Georgetown, Ipoh and Johor Bahru.

"However, the coverage is not yet 100 per cent complete. It will take a few years to complete the map with added features and functionalities for each city. In the future, Singapore and other Southeast Asian countries will be featured," Leng said.

He added that Map Viewer uses vector-based graphics which produce smaller file size compared to raster-based graphics.

"And with the caching technique, it downloads between 10 to 15 times faster than other Web sites that offer map-based services," he said. "However, when it comes to geographical information systems presentation, raster images are more easy on the eyes than the vector type, but at the expense of storing a larger file in your hard disk drive."

Using Map Viewer, users can easily search for information using the built-in search engine and filtering engine. Leng however said some limitations of the Web-based map solution are difficult graphical manipulation, low interactivity and the usage of Java applets which is slower to download.

The Map Viewer is 250 kilobytes in size (including the installer program). It is written in C language and is based on the hypertext transfer protocol. In the near future, the company plans to support multiple protocols, including its own map-access protocol.

Map Viewer is suitable for applications relating to real estate, tourism, electronic commerce (e-commerce), job-search, global positioning system, teaching (geography-related subjects), town planning and Web-based map-oriented computer games.

"Companies can promote their products and services on Map Viewer. Franchise businesses or retailers may use the search engine to help customers locate their dealer network or outlets," Leng said.

He added that to enhance Map Viewer, the company is looking for potential business partners.

"By leveraging their expertise in a specific area, numerous applications and content can be introduced," he said.

Map Viewer is expected to be launched early next year. To download the program, a 486-based machine and 16-bit Microsoft Windows are needed.

The program supports Windows 3.1. Map-portal plans to develop Map Viewer on other operating platforms as well.