The tutorial is designed to introduce you to some of MapViewer's basic features. After you have completed the tutorial, you should be able to begin creating your own maps. We strongly encourage completing the tutorial before proceeding with MapViewer 8, even if you have used previous versions of the program.
If you find you still have questions after you have completed the tutorial, you should consider reviewing the material in MapViewer's extensive online help file. However, if you still have questions, do not hesitate to contact Golden Software’s technical support. We are happy to answer your questions before they become problems.
The following is an overview of lessons included in the tutorial.
Lesson 1 - Data Files shows you how to create and format a data file to use in mapping.
Lesson 2 - Boundary Files explains boundary files used to create a map.
Lesson 3 - Creating a Thematic Map shows you how to create a thematic map.
Lesson 4 - Editing Map Properties shows you how to change thematic map properties.
Lesson 5 - Adding Map Accessories describes some of the MapViewer features such as legends.
Lesson 6 - Using Layers to Create Two Thematic Maps in One Map Window shows you how to add another thematic map layer to a single map.
Lesson 7 - Changing the Projection shows you how to change the map projection.
Lesson 8 - Saving and Exporting the Map explains how to save and export maps.
Advanced Tutorial Lesson 1 - Boundary Editing
Advanced Tutorial Lesson 2 - Querying
Advanced Tutorial Lesson 3 - Downloading Online Maps
The lessons should be completed in order; however, they do not need to be completed in one session.
The MapViewer 8 documentation includes a getting started guide and this online help file. Basic information about each command and feature are included in the online help file. The online help file also includes advanced information such as creating multiple layer maps with multiple thematic elements. Other sources of MapViewer information include our support forum, FAQs, and technical support.
If you prefer printed documentation, you can purchase the full PDF user's guide that includes all documentation for the program. The PDF guide can be printed by the user, if desired. The guide can be purchased at www.goldensoftware.com. You can also print pages and books from the online help. See Printing the Online Help topic for more information
Various font styles are used throughout the MapViewer documentation. Bold text indicates tab or menu commands, dialog names, and page names. Italic text indicates items within a dialog such as group box names, options, and field names. For example, the Import File dialog contains a Look in list. Bold and italic text may occasionally be used for emphasis. Often, hyperlinks replace the Bold text for commands and dialogs. Click the hyperlink to see the help page for the command or dialog.
Also, menu commands appear as Draw | Shape | Text. This means, "click on the Draw tab at the top of the ribbon bar, then click on Text within the Shape section." The first word is always the tab name, and the second word is the ribbon section. If applicable, the next word is a command group. The final word is the command. The Draw | Image | Filters | Spatial is an example of a command contained in a command group.
If you are using the demo version of MapViewer, you will not be able to complete some of the steps due to disabled features. When this is a factor it is noted in the text and you are directed to proceed to the next step that can be accomplished with the demo.
See Also
Tutorial Lesson 1: Data Files