FlexibleMap

A software tool for geometrical transformation, georeferencing, or correction of locational mismatches of digital maps.
—  For use with MapInfo^®  —
Version 2.3.4

FlexibleMap is a program for map transformation to be used in conjunction with the MapInfo® desktop mapping / GIS software. FlexibleMap 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.

Map transformation in this context can mean a variety of different graphical / geometrical operations. The purpose of these operations is to change the overall location of a map within a coordinate system, to transfer a map from one coordinate system into another, to georeference, or to reshape a map, to remove distortions etc.

Transformations only related to different map projections (reprojections) and/or geodetic datums are not covered by FlexibleMap, but can be done with MapInfo® directly.

A common task for the FlexibleMap program is to adapt one map to another map in such a way that the graphic features within both maps appear properly aligned. This congruence of map features is often lacking when overlaying various map layers from different sources and accuracy levels. Different transformation methods are provided for rectification of locational errors.

Another application context is the referencing or registration of "non-earth" maps in a geodetic or "earth-based" coordinate system that makes them positionally compatible with other MapInfo maps, e.g. maps which have been imported from other software systems (CAD programs etc.) or have been digitized with "tablet coordinates" and thus do not have a geodetic (earth-related) coordinate system.

The appropriate transformations are carried out by means of control points (reference points, registration points), drawn in corresponding map locations of two map layers. Therefore, the user does not need to calculate any transformation parameters or type in coordinate numbers.

The following modes of transformation are available:

• Affine transformation – This technique is used to transform maps as a whole, by applying translations, rotations, separate scalings for x and y axes, and also angular modifications. The transformation parameters are automatically computed from the control points.
  From version 7.5 on MapInfo's new Register Vector Tool also provides a means for affine transformations of vector maps, but only using exactly three control points and without the extended capabilities of FlexibleMap (numerous control points with calculation of the average error and the residuals, paired control points as arrow / line objects, batch processing, bounds control, parameter output, options for object rotation).
• Helmert transformation – Works in a way similar to the affine transformation, but uses only a single scaling factor for both axes und does not change angles. Thus the shape of map objects is perfectly preserved.
• Scale-preserving transformation – This transformation uses only translations and possibly a rotation, but does not apply changes in scale. It may be appropriate when the scale of a map to be transformed is correct and must be precisely maintained.
• "Rubbersheeting" – A curvilinear ("warping") transformation method based on Delaunay triangulation or interpolation of a moving average with an inverse distance function. It not only performs transformations of maps as a whole but can rather partially reshape maps with locally diverse but continuous intensity and direction. Rubbersheeting is similar to "morphing" techniques. In this mode up to 1000 shift vectors can be drawn as paired control points. From these the program computes the specific local shift for each node within the map.

Moreover, simple geometric operations like rotation, shifting, and scaling can be performed by direct specification of transformation parameters.

In some cases of locationally non-matching MapInfo® maps the problem is merely caused by a false definition of a map's coordinate system, although the coordinate values are correct. Then changing only the coordinate system definition may already provide a solution, for which FlexibleMap also offers support.

Plus version

The Plus version is able to carry out all of the above-mentioned transformations also in "batch processing". In this mode large data volumes (e.g. aggregated in 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 FlexibleMap 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 FlexibleMap 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:
   - 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.

Further information

For more detailed information you may download the Windows "help file" (flxmap_e.chm) of this program. After extraction of the ZIP archive file (flxmap_e.zip) it can be opened for browsing by double-clicking on the file name / icon in your Windows Explorer. This is the complete documentation of the software. An additional printed manual is not provided with this product.

Download help file   (File size: 51 KB)