SmartToolz v2.00 Public Release

You have arrived at CSi’s XYZ Example Tool Page (kinda redundant- isn’t it).

The XYZ Example Tool is being presented to do a few things:

1. Demonstrate if functionality follows concept.
2. Determine if there is value in an applications results.
3. Identify potential opportunities in extending the example tool into a final product.

Clearly, the primary reasons for creating this tool are to discover different ways to make better use of data in MapInfo (or other data products), as well as the purely capitalistic curiosity of determining the feasibility of finishing the development of such a tool. Most importantly, it is a Proof of Concept.

Example Discovery

Below are examples of output that can be generated using the XYZ tool. I wanted to start with something simple so I chose comparisons of Population and Housing Units. Population is our Y axis and Housing Units our X. As you can see the results are somewhat anticipated. As population density increases so does our number of housing units for each block group. Of course, there are the usual outliers in the data (maybe that is of interest).

Initial Output of the XYZ Example Tool

However, things really get interesting when we add the ‘Z’ value. This is done by simply taking the output map (yes, it is a map) and performing a thematic process to our third value. In this example the value is the “Percentage of People That Drive Alone” which is simply (Drv_Alone/Pop100) ED: I know – I know all people (ages 0-65+) can’t drive so the number is FUDGE – I did say it was an example – let’s just say its a “per capita” like thing.

Still, what it does illustrate is that as population/housing density increase so does the percentage of solo commuters for a given area. Strange – we would kind of hope the reverse would be true but apparently not. (at least in this area). Notice too, how only most of those blue specs are found in the lower density areas – hmmm.

The final output (with thematic Z and lots o’ window dressing)

legend to the right (if you can’t see it)

So what does this tell me, I can see the data better, understand the correlation that each value has to one another. The variables are easy to understand and it allows for a more advanced level of detail without a having to trust a heavy handed trending algorithm. In other words, the data and the results are PURE (at least as pure as the original numbers are).

So the question is if you believe the tool supports a need then it must have value. The reason I like this tool (beside having written it) is it allows for a deeper understanding of the data without a deeper understanding of the software – this is an important point when differentiating between tools and applications for data analysis.

I’m a Believer!

For your own copy of XYZ Example Tool – simply CLICK HERE to download a copy (it’s relatively small). I have included the block group sample data used in this chart with the ZIP file as well . Bear in mind this is a FREE UTILITY in its current format and there will be NO UPDATES unless there is some monstrous programming flaw in it. Otherwise, feel free to pass it around to friends, family, people on the street (remember-its FREE for non-commercial use only, not to be taken internally.) NOTE: This utility was developed and tested only with MI Professional 4.02/32-Bit – it should work on both 16/32 platforms though. Ports to 3.X possible but doubtful.

ED: for those that simply scrolled all the way down here just to download this utility and not to read a little about it – shame on you!

I’m a Follower!

Ok – so maybe I’m pushing it! Still, if you think this utility has potential as a useful tool in your MapInfo Suite and you are willing to pay some big bucks ($35.00 US) for a final version complete with Formula Support in the X/Y/Z, Integrated Thematic Support, Enhanced Interface (like error control), Cool Headings like above, possibly Hot-Linking Support, documentation, and best of all some support then cast your vote by dropping me a line at xyz@mapONE.com (the first 100 responders get a whole $10.00 off and advanced pre-release copies too -ooooh!)

For those with more ambitious appetites, this is also available for customization or as an MBO component. (100% Pure MapBasic – Cross Platform Compatible too!)

Where can I find out more…

If this is the first time you have ever been to this site, you might try clicking below to see a little more about who CSi is and what mapONE is here for. There is always additional related (albeit slowly added) information available.

For those that have been here before and are aghast at my lack of attention to this site in the last few months – remember this is not my full-time job! Besides, just as the next level of content was about to be added, I was asked by MapInfo to speak on “Rediscovering the Secrets of Mapping – A Prelude to Spatial Analysis using MapInfo” at the MapInfo User Conference in April (shameless plug!). And since the subject ties in so closely on the subject content of mapONE – well, needless to say “the site will be updated AFTER the conference.”-this posting is really just a primer.

ED: who says a website can’t lead to a little fame ‘n fortune.

stuff (stùf) noun
1. The material out of which something is made or formed; substance.
2. The essential substance or elements; essence: “We are such stuff/As dreams are made on” (Shakespeare).
3. Informal. a. Unspecified material: Put that stuff over there. b. Household or personal articles considered as a group. c. Worthless objects.

- The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language,
Third Edition copyright © 1992 by Houghton Mifflin Company.

We had to put this in, only because it is a valid description. In the scope of this website though, stuff will be concerned with a collection of things that are not categorized elsewhere on this site. So without further delay…

When I first started this website, I had grandiose ideas of making it interactive, filled with all kinds of appealing eye-candy. When I discovered that it would be a nearly full-time effort stacked on my already full-time effort of data visualization research and tool design, I had second thoughts. Instead, I chose to construct and write about “breaking down” barriers of understanding that tend to hinder our effective use of technology. This way I would be able to continue my research while supporting the content of this site. As I have stated earlier in this site, this is an ongoing effort.

With today’s computers, programs, and associated techno-babble; it has become increasingly difficult to discover anything new or truly innovative while simultaneously keeping up with state-of-the-art. For these reasons, I wanted to take you the viewer of this site through a series of readings that allow you to possibly rediscover some of these wondrous tools we have with us today. Now I certainly don’t claim to have all the answers, in fact I am constantly seeking them. Rather, through these writing I find myself rediscovering some things which I myself and hopefully others for lack of a better term “take for granted”. I do admit that I am writing from what I am cognizant of – as it relates to the WHY something is. While it may not be 100% correct, I do believe that I am representing it the best way I see fit.

As for my chosen method of writing, I clearly prefer a more conversational format than the more self-indulgent business speak that populates most of the commercial sites. While some may consider this highly opinionated, it does satisfy my goals and ambition in business, in knowledge and in my life.

I’ve chosen some rather abstract titles for my areas in this site because understanding is a very abstract thing in itself. Most of my personal and business life is a collection of abstract information which is pooled together on a moments notice for me to draw on. I am sure that we all have a great deal of this abstract information in our own life’s that we use as needed. I hope that sufficiently explains the titling method.

There also may appear to be moments of lost direction in my writing (trust me when I say “I will bring it back into view soon”). This is to not to say it is always deliberate, at times there appears to be opportunities to move beyond the immediate boundaries of “the article structure” to grasp concepts not originally intended but potentially relevant to the subject. I liken it to a more “scenic” theme of writing.

Lastly, there will be links to programs, files and research links that I have done related to GIS and User Interface Design which I have developed over the past eight years. Most of these will be released in a somewhat ongoing basis as I perform a much needed reorganization of my files on my hard drives, server, and tapes (who knows what I’ll find) over the next six months. Remember, this isn’t my full-time job.

My full-time job is that of a freelance software designer/consultant with an interest and focus on User Interface of Data Visualization Tools of which “desktop mapping” was my first major focus. Actually, like any REAL software designer/consultant, I work on anything from databases building to niche end-user applications to pay the rent (of course, it has to be interesting to get my attention – I am not a grunt coder!). Anyway, I hope you like this site, find it informative and if you have a truly interesting project – drop me a line!

Ramblings and Such to be moved

Here are some of my RANTS on one of MapInfo’s popular discussion boards – I have reposted some of them here for review – for myself and others!

MAPINFO-L From: “R.H. Jannini” <rhjiv@mapONE.com> on 12/07/98 12:55 PM GMT Recipients: mapinfo-l@sni.net Subject: MI Map Basic Copyrighting (Long Idealistic Viewpoint) Fellow L’ers - <stepping onto the soapbox> One must wonder if the real crime of copyright infringement and “look and feel” is the “profiteering” of one’s ideas or simply the theft.  As a software designer, I personally know that “ideas” tend to grow on trees, they constantly pop up in places where the ground is fertile and rich. Very rarely do most of these “ideas” ever grow, simply because there are too damn many of them.  Each “idea” is (or at least should be) carefully gone over and examined of any deficiencies prior to any additional cultivation.  Even then, one can never be guaranteed that they would have all the resources to properly cultivate and grow those ideas into a full crop. My analogy to farming is very deliberate – much like a farmer, the growth of an “idea” always comes from understanding of the markets soil, technological atmosphere, and always hard work. As a “farmer”, I can tell you that “growing” ideas is an arduous task with more downsides than most people would care for.  I can also tell you that there is no greater satisfaction than to see an idea come to fruition – whether or not the world at-large sees it at all. Perhaps, the single largest “hurt” that remains of copyright infringement or “idea theft” is the time and energy that is lost by the originator. Particularly for the smaller farmers – time to develop, test, and re-develop can take months with little and sometimes no revenues to support their effort.  Nights and weekends are usually the most capitalized of personal resources that these farmers have – all to disappear into the ether when they discover that they were only the FIRST to produce their “unique” solution.  Insult is added to injury when these “second-generation” products are too similar, too unique, too un-”like-those-other-guys”-thinking. Compensation of these “original” ideas is never heard of – as doing so would enforce the validity of the originators claims.  Maybe there are organizations out there willing to compensate individual farmers for tenacity and hard work – but certainly not unsolicited work.  No, I am afraid that until an organization understands and publicly states that they either support third-party development or they don’t – they will be a lot of confusion and dissention in their community of farmers.  Companies that stay “gray” on these issues, cherry-pick and then clone the best ideas only serve to confuse and frustrate the farmers. My own frustration has lead me to “slow down” and even stop public releases of certain tools and concepts – instead over the past few years I reserve showing “technologies” to my clientele who are more interested in the solution and how they can use it internally.  If a tool is “released” it HAS to be complete, unique, built on a “Non-Proprietary” environment, and have some proprietary level of knowledge.  Ideally, the product will work on two or more competitive products and support collaboration with other integrators, and developers. One similar note, when an idea is “borrowed”, very rarely does the “borrower” see or understand the complexity of the solution – its purpose.   While much of the solution is revealed in its interface through the use of dialogs and apparent procedures, the underlying code is rarely understood – even if they have access to this prized code.  So much like a copy of the original in a Xerox, the copy is never as clear.  Under closer than usual scrutiny we lose the details, parts are blurred – but from a distance it appears complete. When I hear people talk about “copyright infringement”, “look and feel”, and “theft of concept” I hear the words “rape”, “duplicity” and “thievery” – strong words to be sure – but more importantly personal words – legalese does much to cover up the personal emotions in those former terms and helps us to understand the “business” aspect of the issues. The victim is most always the “originator” – the individual or organization that had the vision, inspiration and the tenacity to flesh out some loosely gathered concepts into what we “consumers” see as a product – a tangible item.  Generally, when we see these “products” we rarely appreciate the work behind it. At times we see “ideas” brought to market that introduce us to a concept or approach that is new and refreshing – it allows us to work and think intuitively and grasp information in a way we have never seen before.  These “ideas” are generally the most prized of crops and can start whole new category of solutions for the marketplace. More times than not we see “re-engineered ideas”, perhaps an adaptation or some hybrid of two ideas that go well together.  These “re-engineered” products sometimes come from individuals or companies that see a better way to do something already done.  Ideally, those that re-engineer are the original or “prevailing” founder of the product.  I’m all for “re-engineered” and improved products – after all look at the power and versatility of our simple spreadsheet today. As consumers, we are compelled by the need to have something to get the job done, the right tool for the job – better, faster, new-and-improved are all familiar terms we use to recycle old “ideas” into new ones. As for protection, while copyrights and software patents to allow those “farmers” the opportunity to “lay claim” to their rights – it ultimately comes down to the enforcement of those rights – and many lawyers will tell you that it is a long and expensive road to copyright/patent litigation – with any luck an understanding judge will support some injunctive relief to keep a competitive product from infringing your product or concept in the marketplace – this would at least bring the parties to the table for some negotiation, perhaps even mediation. Recently, I completed longer-term assignment with a company and in closing up our relationship – I made particular effort to enforce the protection my ideas, concepts and product prototypes.  As is the standard in these matters, much of the deliberation was around these reservation of rights which fortunately I had originally reserved as a contingency of my acceptance for the position.  Interesting to point out how suddenly these intangible concepts, ideas and prototypes are handled and much more “valued” when they are documented. Still, there is an underlying concern that these “rights” will be treated frivolously and disregarded within the confines of corporate meetings and personalities discussing their next “great” product idea. Lastly one final thought, one premise any “farmer” worth their salt has, is that “notion” that their hard work perhaps even insight will be valued. This value translates to revenue (that undeniable capitalistic term) and support which will fund and further perpetuate more “ideas” that people value and use. Idealistic to be sure, but many farmers share in that fanciful flight – for all the most ever wish to do, is seek validation of their thoughts and concepts, do something positive, and to affect a change. <stepping down from the soapbox> R.H. Jannini IV CONSULTEK Services, Inc. (CSi) http://www.mapone.com/

This is one of my RANTS about form following function – also a little PLUG about one of my earlier developed tools! MAPINFO-L From: “RH Jannini” <rhjiv@ on 07/24/98 12:17 PM GMT Recipients: “MapInfo-L”<MapInfo-l@csn.net> Subject: RE: MI tool manager. An interesting point – and one shared by anyone who has tried to enhance the MapInfo Interface AND maintain compatibility with the myriad of potential configurations possible with other third party tools. As a developer who has worked in this area for the past 7 years I can tell you that the Menu Bar is the true Achilles heel.  As you may already know MapInfo doesn’t provide us (developers) a way to better interact with the existing menu system and the designers at MapInfo know this is a limitation of the architecture. While the Tool Manager gets us closer to how we may want to randomly integrate applications into a MapInfo user system, it how ever is nothing more than a tool launching/loading facility akin to KGM’s MapBasic prepped menus and my own SmartStart StartUp Manager.  In any case the issue falls on what happens once the application is loaded. Currently, developers have the following approaches available to them: 1)Design a new menu title for each application – this provides a single place to load and unload your menu title – problem is many tools can created the ridiculous double (triple) line menu bar. 2)Integrate your menu into MapInfo’s own (logically placed aside a similar function group).  The simplest is to attach to the bottom of a particular menu title – the more complex is to integrate it adjacent to a particular function within a menu title.  While the latter is ideal – there is a risk of having it blown away should another developer decide to do the same for their application. 3)Hang everything off of a common menu title like MapInfo’s tools menu.  You will want to enforce a hierarchical menu structure to keep it clean.  Added spacers won’t disappear when the MBX exits though. Usually though some applications require a fuller menu structure and/or want more visual isolation to frame their solution.  Some users dislike horizontal menu movements. 4)Isolate all your functions/features to an independent toolbar.  This provides the visual isolation and the management capability most developers require.  Make use of custom icons and/or seldom used MapInfo icons with lots of ToolTips for each tool.  Iconic representations sometimes barely reflect the actual function. 5)Design solutions as functions that carry out a single task which usually have little or no interface. These load and unload themselves from within a menu or tool button thus requiring minimal interface building. Over the years have approached MapInfo many times to discuss the area of effective tool integration with little luck.  At best all we have is some known/unknown work-around.  Most of the approaches mentioned above are used in a pilot product I call SmartToolz (http://www.mapone.com/smrtoolz.htm). This framework touches on a common interface to allow developers to hang an application onto MapInfo.  While it seems to have similar features that Tool Manager has – it tries to provide an added set of features such as functions/scripting as an integral part of the authoring environment. Anyway, if developers intend to provide individual solutions to the majority of MapInfo users there needs to be a certain level of cooperative development techniques and structures implemented.  I personally hope that some of the caveats discussed above help a developer to determine the best approach for them and the users. Anyway, that’s my two cents worth (though it feels like ten). Regards R. H. Jannini http://www.mapone.com/ > —–Original Message—– > From: owner-MapInfo-l@lists.sni.net > [mailto:owner-mapinfo-l@lists.sni.net] > Sent: Friday, July 24, 1998 5:50 AM > To: MAPINFO-L@csn.net > Subject: MI tool manager. > > > Hi All. > The tool manager is an exciting news to MapInfo. > Can anybody point to a manual on how apps should be > written to conform with the tool manager. > I have a general idea – a main sub that only sets up > menus etc – but there may be other pitfalls such as > how to end the app without messing up the tool manager > drop down menu (as one of my apps did) > > Regards Mats.E

Here is a reprint for a column that I did for Directions Magazine Columns The Elusive Compatibility of Data By: R.H. Jannini IV Imagine a world where all of your geographic data is compatible with other geographic data. You might think that I am dreaming, but that was the original idea behind the Spatial Data Transfer System (SDTS) standard that was put into place a few years ago. SDTS was designed as a data interchange format to allow GIS users to exchange geographic information between product platforms. The down side of SDTS is that you must first convert your data to SDTS format before anyone can de-convert it to their GIS platform and even then the target GIS must have the capability to do so. This approach is hardly the shortest distance between two points; it is a lot like having to go from Washington, DC to Boston via Chicago. This standard may be fine for archival purposes but it is, to say the least, time consuming. Additionally, SDTS is large because it stored in the bloated but universal ASCII format. Think of it as the DXF^3 of GIS. SDTS format could be a boon to our OEM friends since earlier GIS packages didn’t? have this data format. This is because the only way you could access SDTS would be by using the latest, greatest version of a company GIS package. Let’s all say the word UPGRADE. I guess SDTS could have been a stand-alone tool, but generally SDTS isn’t available that way. In fact, only the most entrenched government GIS suppliers actively participate in the SDTS program, which by the way is mandated by the federal government for its agencies that use mapping software. Nonetheless, SDTS hasn’t caught on, even in government circles. Even our own Census Bureau is still in its BETA release of TIGER SDTS data format. Heck, the federal government even provides a C++ library which costs all of zero dollars could it be any easier? On another front, there is an organization that is working to bring a fresh approach to this enlightened state of data exchange. It is known as the Open GIS Consortium. The consortium was formed to address these very same issues of technology interchange but in a assigned architecture. What is unfortunate is that while the consortium membership list is extensive, its compliant product list is not. It seems that organizations are sitting on the sidelines, monitoring what may happen rather than actively promoting the initiative (if I am mistaken, it isn’t apparent on the consortium Web site). With all this interest in an environment that will allow for the unencumbered exchange of information, why hasn’t it happened? There must be a simple explanation. The OEM state that they love the idea of data interchange and everyone seems to agree that the world would be a better place with interchangeable data. Still, we seem to be stuck with proprietary data. Proprietary data formats are, after all, how companies protect their intellectual investments as well as endear their users to their platforms. Of course, proprietary data formats are not created for that sole purpose (at least I hope not). They are optimized, compressed, and structured in a way that best suits the style of the program intended usage. For instance, applications that provide for user editing capabilities have their records added with extra placeholders to allow for node movement. Applications that do not provide these capabilities are smaller and more restrictive in their use. Whatever the reason, whether it is editing/processing optimization or simply market domination, these proprietary formats are the single largest reason why we do not have any real data interchange. We do, however, have open export formats, which for some unexplained reason always seem to come up short in the translations. It is my hope that with the advent of recently-passed federal legislation (the Digital Millennium Copyright Act), it is now possible for the GIS OEM to peek under the sheets of their counterparts data formats. Perhaps they will even create tools and applications which can directly read each other native (proprietary) formats the ultimate in data importing. It would be yet another opportunity to allow OEM to let us all say the word UPGRADE. The Digital Millennium Copyright Act opens the door for platform compatibility, but it is not an open season on software copyrights. In an article posted in the Geeklawyers Web site (see link below), Sarah W. Salter, a professor at the New England School of Law, wrote: Reverse engineering is permitted solely to provide “interoperability” – defined as intended to allow software to read or be read by other software. Thus reverse engineering to diagnose and design protection against viruses, for example, is subject to criminal prosecution as well as civil damages.> -Sarah W. Salter The message couldn’t be clearer, the legal barriers have been lowered, so let the move toward compatibility begin! With any luck, our OEM friends will now release products and technologies to meet our needs, that Holy Grail of data compatibility. Best of all, our OEM friends can finally capitalize on all that secretive backroom reverse-engineering that was done under the guise of competitive analysis and other terms commonly used when sneaking a peek under the copyright restricted sheets of their competitors. Actually, I don’t really care what they do, I just wish they would do something – something that makes our data translations easier and more effective. Clearly, with the technical and legal barriers removed, it would be hard to understand why any organization wouldn’t participate towards this goal. Links: New Copyright Act Sets Rules for ISPs, Webcasters, Other Professionals and Users. By Prof. Sarah W. Salter Open GIS Consortium Safe Software (FME) SDTS C++ Library Spatial Data Transfer System (SDTS) Author: R.H. Jannini IV Email: rhjiv@mapONE.com URL: http://www.mapone.com/ R.H. Jannini IV is an independent data visualization consultant who has focused on GIS for over 12 years. He currently lives in Pittsburgh and is continually on the prowl, looking for new technology to express our need to understand all the data we have collected. Mr. Jannini has been involved in State and County level GIS program implementation, maintains a Web site known as mapONE, continues to do research in user interface and data architecture and is an avid business solution architect.

Tools and stuff (also being moved)

Conceptual Tools

This is where all tools should start, usually some limited functionality is developed around the concept that a tool might provide some solution to a problem, or a new perspective on a common task. This is the feasibility phase, this is where the rubber initially meets the road, where concept begins to take shape. It is also our testing area for potential product releases. All tools listed here are in the Not-Ready-For-Primetime category and are released in a somewhat suitable for “user consumption” format. In other words, there is usually little or no help files or documentation, bare-bones user interface, focused functionality and no fancy-schmancy installer, and let’s not leave out NO SUPPORT (though feedback is always appreciated).

So what can you do with these tools, well – you can use them for free. Of course, they can only be used for non-commercial purposes, can’t be bundled with software, modified, tormented or victimized for commercial purpose or gain without a note from us (really – we are their legal guardian). Otherwise, explore and experiment to your hearts content.

If you are really interested, you can write us at concepts@mapONE.com to find out what improvements we have done to any of our concept tools (they are always further along than our Samplers). Most tools can me adapted for cross-platform compatibility (we still support the Mac), if a tool tickles your fancy, email us and we would be happy to tell you if it is possible – heck-just try it!

Currently Available Tools are:

XYZ Tool

Make a chart from a map – imagine the possibilities. Our XYZ tool allows you to create a standard 2D scatter chart that is actually a map. That’s right, Zoom in, Buffer or Thematic by value the Z field – imagine the fun when you are able to perform some of your favorite mapping functions to a graph, impress friends and clients as you interact with your chart.

NOTICE: CSi supports MBO development to further
the proliferation of the “Cooperative MapBasic Development Initiative”
- a concept still in its infancy -

Released Tools

Yes, we do sell tools in released commercial formats when we are not working on a client’s project or working on a concept. In fact, a great deal of our research to create tools is funded by these very same clients. Currently, a number of tools that are listed in the MapInfo Application Directory are undergoing retrofitting to MapInfo V4x Environment while some are being dropped. V4x provides a huge benefit to developers and users with many much awaited enhancements incorporated. We primarily develop for V402 for maximum compatibility in the v4 platform for Windows.

All released software comes with Help File, Examples when useful, Digital Documentation, Fancy-Schmancy Installer and a very reasonable amount of Phone Support. All software come with free Internet updates as they come available for a full revision. Best of all, our tools are inexpensive usually under $100.00 US sometimes more- sometimes less; but always valuable. (we like to think so!)

Our current array of fine products include:

dokLAUNCH for MapInfo Professional V4.01

This is our grand-daddy of tools here at CSi. With dokLAUNCH, you can attach ANY launch-able windows file to ANY MapInfo object. Once an object has an attached file, simply selecting it with our launch tool activates the contents with a choice of Native Application, Windows QuickView, or the enhanced INSO’s QuickView Plus. Graphics have the optional added support of being displayed within MapInfo with our SmartFrame Technology (SmartFrame does picture display right!). Launch a Spreadsheet, a Video, ACAD drawing, practically anything you got!

Excuse for Pending Status: Just got the help file left to finish on this one, and though it is currently being used by our v3 customers and a few ambitious newer customers – we can’t call it finished today.

PICTUREz (say PIC-TURES) for MapInfo Professional V2

Actually, this should be the grand-daddy as it was the predecessor to dokLAUNCH. It is being re-introduced and actively being rebuilt though on top of the dokLAUNCH interface. What does it do? Well- everything dokLAUNCH does but just with PICTURES (hence, its name). That’s right, point and click picture support in MapInfo (internally with SmartFrame or externally with any Native App or QuickView). We also support Video Clip attachments too (merging our VDOz product, cuz’ videos are pictures).

This release will obviously fall real quickly behind dokLAUNCH’s release.

CHANGEz for MapInfo Professional V2 (large video clip ~275K zip)

CHANGEz allows you to view any data variable over TIME (the real 4th dimension) using historical, trended, or computed data. CHANGEz automates and records the thematic changes of objects as they past through the MapInfo Environment in an efficient manner. The result is an animated video clip of activity of your data though time. Use it to notice trends that individual monthly reports can’t possible show. Great for Network Load Analysis, Fast Food Chain Sales, Traffic Control, Utility Companies, anywhere data is being generated and monitored.

This tool will be publicly announced and demonstrated at MapWorld ‘97!!!

SmartToolz v2.00

Finally, our SmartToolz has made it to public release, if you are looking for a way to manage the expansion of MapInfo function be sure to check this page out!

Freeware Tools

There are times when developing you come across some under utilized functionality of an application. In order to understand the potential of the functionality or to acquaint yourself with a concept – a tool is developed. With any luck, it will work the first time out of the box and when its done – you would look at and say “Piece of cake!”. Then as most things happen, something more pressing pops up and it disappears into the vast abyss of your hard drive. Well, as I do some much needed cleanup on the ol’ network drives – these little things pop back up. So I figure why not share some of the more complete ones with the general public.

ColorSupport

After a series of discussions on the MAPINFO-L, I wrote this add-in that changes your registry settings in MapInfo to support TrueColor..

rMouse

Enhances the RIGHT mouse click function to include a number of commonly accessed functions. Reduces the total mouse mileage for a lot of function. Your mileage may vary.

ClickInfo

Ever wonder what that was you just clicked on? Wonder no more – this simple utility constantly updates you on the contents of the first six fields of information every time you select an object. Even keeps count of all items selected from an active layer. All information is displayed in the Statusbar.

knowledge (nòl´îj) noun
1. The state or fact of knowing.
2. Familiarity, awareness, or understanding gained through experience or study.
3. The sum or range of what has been perceived, discovered, or learned.
4. Learning; erudition: teachers of great knowledge.
5. Specific information about something.
6. Carnal knowledge.
[Middle English knowlech : knowen, to know. See KNOW + -leche, n. suff.]

Many have sought knowledge for many reasons. The more we begin to know, the less we feel we know unless of course we are fortunate to be observed by someone who knows less than us. Still much can be said for the experience of Knowledge which is probably best summarized with these notable quotables:

“There can be no knowledge without emotion. We may be aware of a truth, yet until we have felt its force, it is not ours. To the cognition of the brain must be added the experience of the soul.”

“If you want to know the taste of a pear, you must change the pear by eating it yourself. . . . If you want to know the theory and methods of revolution, you must take part in revolution. All genuine knowledge originates in direct experience.”

“Can the knowledge deriving from reason even begin to compare with knowledge perceptible by sense? No doubt the number of people crass enough to reply exclusively on the former and scorn the latter are sufficient in themselves to explain the disfavor into which everything deriving from the senses has gradually fallen. But when the most scholarly of men have taught me that light is a vibration, or offered me any other fruits of their labors of reasoning, they will not have rendered me an account of what is important to me about light, of what my eyes have begun to teach me about it, of what makes me different from a blind man-things which are the stuff of miracles, not subject matter for reasoning.”

We also see Knowledge as an intangible yet somewhat somber reflection of our own perception of the term:

“Knowledge is a polite word for dead but not buried imagination.”

“All human knowledge takes the form of interpretation.”

“We have not the reverent feeling for the rainbow that a savage has, because we know how it is made. We have lost as much as we gained by prying into that matter.”

or in this nearly Orwellian statement which sums up todays information age:

“Knowledge is and will be produced in order to be sold, it is and will be consumed in order to be valorized in a new production: in both cases, the goal is exchange. Knowledge ceases to be an end in itself, it loses its use-value.”

In closing we just want to say…

“and that’s all I have to say about that…”

Educational Links go here…

All artwork submitted to us for 3D interpretation in production and/or quotation will be assumed to be in compliance with all applicable laws under copyright, trademark, patent and/or other intellectual property protection which has been properly assigned with the rights to use said marks and the burden of any copyright infringement is borne solely by the requesting client.  If you are authorized to use a trademark or service mark of a company, be prepared to produce proper assignment of copyright if asked.

If you believe that your work has been copied in a way that constitutes copyright infringement, or your intellectual property rights have been otherwise violated, please provide Trinity3 Design the following information:

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Send the above information via email to copyright notice of right or FAX us at 412.246.7220

If you are seeking permission to use Trinity3 Design trademarks, logos, service marks, trade dress, slogans, screen shots, copyrighted designs, or other brand features, please contact us via email at copyright permission requests.

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We work aggressively with our clients to help build and develop their product line, however we feel that creativity using our resources should never be lost.  In support of this Trinity3 Design continues develop and  align itself to brand specific business entities that benefit from our core services.

Below is a list of our growing brands and affiliate sites:

our brand of distintive awards and corporate art

our upscale brand of limited edition, museum display, and commissioned work

collaboration of highend display cases and custom fabrication

- more currently in development -

]]> http://www.trinity3design.com/?feed=rss2&p=12 0 http://www.trinity3design.com/?p=7 http://www.trinity3design.com/?p=7#comments Sun, 05 Apr 2009 12:40:42 +0000 admin http://www.trinity3design.com/?p=7 Trinity3 Design is a WORK-IN-PROGRESS. Why? – because we feel that true innovation can only come from organizations and the individuals that are willing to question procedure, try new things and welcome a challenge.

Trinity3 Design is a multi-discipline design group with a purpose; design products that not only work but dazzle the imagination. As such, we strive to support the entire product development process from concept to previsualization to cost feasibility to prototyping to manufacturing.

In all of our projects, Trinity3 strives to understand the needs of the client, their marketplace and their goals. Trinity3 is more than a design studio but a valued partner that supports a common vision.

Where Trinity3 strives to be different from other prototype and product design service house is in its second tier. By packaging its services around the needs of the client – providing everything from turnkey product rollout to specific departmental support. Trinity3 provides the same level of commitment, design and vision.

To preserve these values, Trinity3 maintains itself as a small design group that prefers to build a close relationship with a select group of clients and their goals.

If you or your company are interested in inquiring more about our services and current availability, feel free to contact us to discuss your needs.

When your needs turn to glass as a medium, Trinity3 Design is available to help you realize your vision. Whether it is large scale architectural glass projects, or custom one-of-a-kind awards or presentations, you can be confident that we have access to the latest technologies available to get the job done.

Some of the technologies we use which leverage State-of-the-art Machining:

• CAD/CAM Design

• High Velocity Sand Carving

• Bent Glass/Slumping Molds and Furnaces

• 3 and 6 Axis Milling Machines

• Waterjet Cutting

• Lamination

• Nd:YAG Sub-Surface Laser Etching

• CO2 Laser Surface Engraving and Cutting

Like most companies, Trinity3 is ever-evolving into new areas of development. However, we currently provide a number of innovative and customizable solutions.