Course Content - Introduction To MapInfo and Discover

GIS Basics

Vector and raster data
Spatial and attribute data
Layer concept and two important rules

Basics of MapInfo

MapInfo interface
Configuring MapInfo
Directory structure considerations
Data editing in a network environment
Investigate Main toolpad buttons

Selections and Searches

Graphical selection methods
Mapping and browsing selections

Layer Control

Layer control options
Style override, zoom layering
Cosmetic layer

Drawing Toolpad

Investigate setting object styles
Work with various object styles
Reshape and add node buttons

Raster Translucency

Workspaces

Labelling

Labelling via layer control
Saving labels to a permanent table

Projections

Review spherical versus Cartesian-based projections
Complete an exercise in altering the map window projection
Discuss non-earth to real-world projection conversions

Data Input

Creating a new table
Excel spreadsheets, Access databases and ASCII text file import
Importing an ArcView shapefile
MapInfo MID/MIF format
Read-only tables

Discover Scaled Output

Produce a tenement location map complete with grid and titleblock
Required clean-up processes
Additional map enhancements in the Layout window

Examine Additional Text Labelling Utilities

Legends Using Discover

Thematic Mapping

Complete thematic mapping exercises using ranges, pie graphs, bivariant maps, and dot density maps
Summarize key points and possible pitfalls when thematic mapping

Map Compilation Steps

Discuss scanning considerations of a field map
Register a scanned geological field map
Use heads-up digitizing to investigate the steps involved in the map compilation process
Utilize Discover’s DigData module to assist in attribute entry
Discuss other object editing modules in Discover

End of Course Review Exercise

Given detailed specifications, listed step-by-step, utilize your knowledge of MapInfo and Discover to produce a scaled A4 geological map, complete with text labels, geological legend, thematic mapping, grid and titleblock.