Digital Base Mapping within HIAMS
July 2024
Historically, base maps were sent out to the clients on CD’s by the mapping authorities and the client would then eventually load the base map into HIAMS. As this was a laborious task, once the initial map set was created, there was a strong chance the map set was not regularly updated.
With the introduction of initiatives such as Ordnance Survey’s Public Sector Geospatial Agreement, most clients have access to base mapping at source via API’s. This ensures the latest map is delivered to your HIAMS web browser.
WDM are in the process of removing the legacy storing of base mapping within HIAMS, please contact your WDM account manager if you’d like help establishing connection with a mapping API.
Question: Vector or Raster maps - what’s best ?
Until recently, all HIAMS mapping consumed by an internet browser was in Raster format. Raster maps are digital images composed of coloured square pixels.
They are:
- ideal for data types such as aerial and satellite map images; and
- generated on the server, requiring less work from the end user's hardware
However:
- They can be pixelated or have a blurry appearance when zoomed in
- They don’t allow for dynamic styling and cannot be customized by the user
The source mapping providers API’s such as Ordnance Survey now supply maps in Vector format. The advantages include:
- Smaller file size, and therefore, lower disk space requirement
- Flexible and dynamic styling
- High-resolution display on all zoom levels
- Faster loading/generating time
- Smooth map interaction(pan and zoom) without rendering delays
Because the maps are rendered on the client device (pc, tablet, phone), it does use more memory and processing power on the device.
The screen shot compares the Vector (LHS) and Raster (RHS) at sub 1:1500
The HIAMS mapping application suite (WIP, WFE, RouteBuilder etc.) now supports vector mapping. One of the key advantages for WFE is now the ability to store the complete map stack for the authority off-line. Our American survey teams have been using WFE v 4.0.5 with complete state mapping.
WFE v4.4.0.5 is available for client user acceptance testing. Please contact your account manager to instigate this exciting development.
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