Chapter 8. Visualizing Mapping Data in a Desktop Program

For many people, the prospect of creating a map is very exciting. Viewing a graphical representation of the world, especially a familiar part of the world, can kick-start your imagination and resolve unanswered questions. Where would we be if we couldn't view a map while planning a vacation and reserving the hotel? What would gardeners do if they couldn't look up the planting zone index for their area? How would trade prosper without a clear picture of other countries and trade routes? The questions can go on and on. So can the maps!

This chapter will show you how to use the open source spatial data viewer OpenEV to look at the data we used in the previous chapter. If you follow along, you will be able to create a customized view of Itasca County in Minnesota, U.S.A. By the end of the chapter, you should be comfortable using the tool for basic viewing, color-theming a map, and creating a simple 3D view.