Micha Pazner
The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
Map*Factory is an image based mapping package. It couples mapping capabilities with a powerful suite of analytical and modeling tools. Map*Factory can be used to create and view maps, and to mark and measure distances and areas. It also lends itself to more advanced uses including thematic mapping, terrain processing, spatial modeling, and image feature classification.
The interface allows new users to master the system quickly. The powerful map coloring and layout facilities permit fast and inexpensive map publishing and production. Paper maps and images can be entered using a scanner. Files can also be downloaded from the Internet. Applications vary from recreational mapping to professional multicriteria spatial decision making.
Map*Factory software is extremely well suited for teaching computer mapping and Geographic Information Systems. The package comes with a set of instructional manuals that are also available separately for adoption as course texts.
Map*Factory was written by K. Chris Kirby