FisheyeMap

A software tool for the selective enlargement of specific areas in digital maps.
—  For use with MapInfo^®  —

FisheyeMap is a program for map transformation to be used in conjunction with the MapInfo® desktop mapping / GIS software. FisheyeMap can be applied to regular MapInfo map tables containing vector graphics, whereas raster images, e.g. obtained from scanning paper maps, can not be treated with this tool.

This software tool produces a special (carto-)graphical effect that emphasizes the central area of a map by means of a local magnification, i.e. a locally enlarged scale. The magnifying effect decreases continuously with increasing distance from the central point. This projection technique – resembling the visual characteristics of photographs created with so-called "fisheye lenses" – is thus called "fisheye projection". Similar cartographic representation methods are known as "magnifying-glass projection" or "hyperboloid projection".

By using this effect, a selected map area of particular significance or a higher level of detail, e.g. a town centre with a dense street network, can be emphasized and be made more easily discernible – while also enabling the display of the cartographic context and the locational setting within the same map (view). The enlargement of the focussed map area inevitably causes a compression of the areas surrounding the zone of magnification. Although this implies a distortion of map objects, the topology and the connectedness of adjacent or netlike cartographic objects is preserved.

Moreover, this transformation technique may be employed to improve the visual attractiveness of a cartographic image by use of an unusual perspective (eye-catching effect).

The transformation effect and the increase in scale is recognizable especially well, if the original map features a rectangular coordinate grid. For such grid lines or other long, straight line objects it is required that these are based on a high number of nodes in fairly close intervals, so as to facilitate a smooth curvature resulting from the transformation.

Since the fish eye projection implies a distortion, the original version of a map (layer) to be used with this method must in any case be saved, so that the correct location of the map elements is preserved.

The usage of the program requires (besides selecting files) the input of only a few parameters:

• The coordinates of the center point, i.e. the point at which the scale is increased most.
• The scale enlargement factor at the center point (any value between 1.0 and 4.0).
• The radius of impact, where the increase of scale is about one tenth of the impact at the center point.

Plus version

The Plus version is able to carry out all of the above-mentioned transformations also in "batch processing". In this mode e.g. extensive MapInfo workspaces with dozens or hundreds of map layers / tables can be processed in a single run of the program without any in-between user interaction. This presupposes all map layers having the same native coordinate system. The process is recorded in a detailed log file.

There is also a German language version of this program.

System Requirements

The FisheyeMap software can only be used in conjunction with MapInfo Version 4.0 or higher. The required operating system is MS-Windows® 95/NT4 or a higher version.

Prices

19% V.A.T. may need to be added for customers from a EU member country not having a EU V.A.T. reg. number.

Ordering procedures

Orders are accepted preferably in written or printed form (e.g. via fax: +49 5232 6918956). They should specify the following details:

1. Number of FisheyeMap licenses (Standard or Plus version) to be purchased
2. Name of company / organization; for larger firms or institutions please do also name branch, department etc., for which the software is to be licensed.
3. Name of person in charge
4. Postal / fax / e-mail address and billing address if applicable
5. Your intended mode of payment:
   - MasterCard or VISA
     (Caution: Do NOT send your credit card data via e-mail.)
   - Direct (electronic / wire) bank transfer
   - Sending a cheque or "international money order"
6. Only if applicable: Your European Union V.A.T. registration number
7. Any specific requirements you might have pertaining to purchase procedures

Dispatch

The dispatch of the software will preferably be done via e-mail (ZIP file). You may request postal delivery of the program (additional shipping and handling charge of 5.50 EUR for European countries, 8.50 EUR for overseas countries / air mail).
The invoice will be sent by fax; other options are postal delivery or transmission in an e-mail-attached PDF file.