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From: "ofx" <ofx@maroon.tc.umn.edu>
Subject: Re: Smalltalk Geographic Visualization and Query (GIS)?
To: jeff_bitner@mail.amsinc.com
Message-ID: <16730.ofx@maroon.tc.umn.edu>
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Date: Mon, 9 Jan 1995 16:22:00 GMT
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On 5 Jan 1995 15:20:04 GMT, Jeff Bitner wrote:

>
>Has anybody heard or seen postings on this net about Smalltalk (ParcPlace) frameworks for geographic 
>visualization and query?
>


Object/FX has the kinds of Smalltalk frameworks that you're looking for.  We
offer an extensive set of reusable, adaptable frameworks for managing, 
analyzing, and viewing information in geographic contexts.  Actually, 
geographic is too limiting a term because our frameworks can also work with 
any "spatial" context such as network diagrams, floorplans, schematic 
layouts, etc.   Specific frameworks include: Map Viewing, Spatial Analysis, 
Image Viewing, Table Viewing, Map Editing, Data Import/Export, Symbol 
Editing, and others.  The maps can be a combination of vector objects and 
raster backgrounds.

These frameworks were designed to be embedded in other applications with a 
minimum amount of effort.  They operate on all the ParcPlace platforms 
(PC, Mac, UNIX) and are suitable for enterprise-wide client/server 
implementations.  We also offer a product that can integrate with non-
Smalltalk applications, as well as with applications written with other 
Smalltalks.

We designed the map and analysis interfaces to be easy to learn, and to not 
require GIS expertise.  However, the analysis capabilities still include the
kinds of queries you mentioned such as buffer searches, thematic maps, 
proximity calculations, and more.

The frameworks can be used to create map-centric applications, where map 
objects provide access to all of your disparate databases.  Or, they can be
used to add a map window as a small part of your applications.

I took the liberty of sending you some literature, if you need any 
additional information, please let me know.

By the way, most of us at Object/FX have come from a background of 
"full fledged GIS", so we understand your hesitancy in dealing with those 
types of products.

John Peterson
Object/FX Corporation
2515 Wabash Ave
St. Paul, MN 55114
612-644-6064 Ext 15
e-mail ofx@maroon.tc.umn.edu
