WORLDMAP DEMO

Databases & stats packages

Software must be able to exchange data. For example, point data (e.g. using latitude-longitude coordinates) compiled in a database should be convertable into gridcell data for analysis of diversity among areas using WORLDMAP. Similarly, gridcell scores from WORLDMAP should be exportable for analysis against non-biological information in statistical packages, or indeed for display in commercial cartographic packages.

WORLDMAP is based on the same database - analytical tools - map graphics model as many commercial geographic information systems (GISs). Three main kinds of data exchange are supported:

Data import/export - from the database module
Screen scores import/export - from the map graphics module
Image export - from the map graphics module

Data import/export from the database module

Data import
Currently, data can be imported in a range of formats (see the WORLDMAP Help file for details). These formats include can be exported by several common databases, such as PARADOX. Other formats can be added by arrangement. Formats include:

comma-delimited text
quote- and comma-delimited text (by cell code, or by lat/long)
The Nature Conservancy (USA) - example of a tailored long/lat text format
DMAP

Data export
Data can be exported in a range of formats (see the WORLDMAP Help file for details). Other formats can be added by arrangement. Formats include:

data matrix
comma-delimited text
quote- and comma-delimited text
Cornell condensed format (read by CANOCO, DECORANA, TWINSPAN)
DMAP

Data summary reports
Data can be summarised in a variety of text formats:

data matrix
list taxa with classification codes
list of localities by taxa
list of taxa by localities

Manual data entry
Data can be entered manually using the point-and-press data editor (see the WORLDMAP Help file for details):

Screen scores import/export from the map graphics module

Screen scores import
An ASCII text format allows (see the WORLDMAP Help file for details, other formats can be added by arrangement):

externally generated quantitative measures to be displayed (this has been used to import quantitative environmental information in order to be overlayed and compared with internally generated diversity scores)
transfer of scores between copies of the program running side by side on the screen simultaneously
scores can be imported by cell number or coordinates.

Screen scores export
The same ASCII text format allows:

export of calculated scores for analysis by statistics packages, such as STATISTICA
export of calculated scores for display by cartographic software
transfer of scores between copies of the program running side by side on the screen simultaneously

Image export from the map graphics module

Maps can be saved as (device-independent) bitmap files (.BMP, see the WORLDMAP Help file for details). This allows them to be manipulated in most bitmap graphics packages (such as PaintShopPro) to add features, add labels, re-colour, crop, save in different formats etc. Such images can then be inserted into word-processor documents, or into web pages.

Much higher resolution can often be obtained (giving near-vector-quality images) by using the Print option (see the WORLDMAP Help file for details). This sends the instructions for drawing the image components direct to the printer driver software. Consequently the apparent resolution of the final image is controlled by the printer driver and printer, and their resolution is often effectively much higher than the screen display that is used to generate bitmaps.

The Print option can produce encapsulated PostScript images by using a Print-to-file option with a suitable Windows printer driver. These images can be edited using vector graphics packages (such as CorelDraw, Adobe Illustrator) to add features, add labels, re-colour, crop, save in different formats etc. Such images can then be printed in large format for high resolution posters etc.