In MapServer the .MAP file is a workspace or project of layers that will be available. This is the base that iShare then performs queries against via the MapSource (XML) file.
This is a brief overview of how to create a .map file and also to test it to ensure that it is correctly configured.
The .MAP file is a text file that describes a variety of items or objects. Each object has a keyword to open it and a corresponding END to close it.
Comments are used with a #.
| Object | Description | Mandatory |
|---|---|---|
| MAP | This is the all encompassing object | Yes |
| QUERYMAP | This is required if you wish to perform a Zoom to Polygon for My Area | Yes |
| OUTPUTFORMAT | Defines the output image type. This is optional UNLESS you are using ANTIALIASING / TRANSPARENCY – also for image quality we normally suggest this is implemented. It will increase the size of the output image but there is a trade off between quality and size.
More information can be found at the MapServer website: http://www.mapserver.org/mapfile/outputformat.html | No |
| WEB | Defines output paths required by iShare | Yes |
| LAYER | Most common object iShare use defining what data to show | Yes |
| LAYER -> CLASS | Allow classifications against datasets | No |
| LAYER -> CLASS -> STYLE | Define styles for features | No |
From version 5.2.0 you can edit your .map file directly from within Studio using the Map Editor .
For details of on how to configure your MapServer .MAP file please refer to the MapServer Mapfile documentation.