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.
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. | Yes | |
LAYER -> CLASS -> STYLE | Define styles for features. | No | |
LAYER -> CLASS -> LABEL | The Label class can allow for multiple columns to form an Expression for the label. | No | |
LAYER -> CLASS -> EXPRESSION | If you wish to use more complicated styles for say OS MasterMap layers then you can use the following which will colour according to the value of a field name using EXPRESSION. | No | |
LAYER -> FILTER | The Filter class allows you to split out data from your source map files. | 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.