I've got the last build of Pepperwhite that I know existed, build 76, and I'm looking to upgrade the map data that I'm using with Pepperwhite. The latest Tiger data from the government is available and I believe that I'm able to import it into Pepperwhite format. Does anybody know how this is done? I've got the PWimport.exe utility but it doesn't seem to work. I'm pleased with the Pepperwhite product but need updated maps. ANY and ALL solutions welcome!

Is Pepperwhite officially gone now?

I think people have tried to contact them, and even offer to take over the business. Search more on this forum. I don't know that anyone found an answer yet.
Eric

Yeah, I searched the forum first before posting, there is scant information available. I guess I'm looking for advise from anyone that may know something about that map importer that Pepperwhite provided, it just doesn't seem to create the map files correctly from the updated Tiger data.

Hi David,

I have the same build. I too really like the Pepperwhite OCX and have a lot of time invested in it with several applications. Did you ever figure out how to create new / updated map files? I am still interested in giving this a shot. I don't beleive that the PWIMPORT utility was ever designed to read the TigerLine data directly but rather to import from other formats (ESRI etc.) That said, if we could figure out or understand the format of the pepperwhite map files, writing some code to recreate them with new map data should be do-able...

Have you made any progress on this or found a good alternative OCX map control?

Do you know if anyone's been able to contact Pepperwhite lately?

Eric

Originally Posted by AlecGagne

Have you made any progress on this or found a good alternative OCX map control?

I have made very limited progress and have not found an alternative to it. Ih honestly want to make the Pepperwhite solution work as it has been so incredibly rock solid for so many years and across so many different platforms. I would certainly like to keep this thread open as there appears to be some interest in this product still. I am hopeful that I will be able to announce a solution to our dilemma but nothing has panned out yet.

The PwImport will not do any sort of base conversion of Tiger data to the specialized Pepperwhite format, I'm still stuck there. The PwImport utility seems to properly import attributes from Tiger but not the raw map data, which I need.

Originally Posted by Eric Frost

Do you know if anyone's been able to contact Pepperwhite lately?Eric

Are you interested in updated maps or additional functionality?

No, I'm just curious, I've never worked with Pepperwhite. Have you found out what happened or a contact for whoever owns the assets of Pepperwhite?

Eric

I have made very limited progress and have not found an alternative to it.

I did find Tony Sammartino on the Linked-In network. No doubt that it is him as the profile references Pepperwhite. What I don't know is when that profile was created and/or if he ever looks at it, etc.

David, I feel the way you do! The control has been fast and rock solid and I don't need additional functionality I just need updated maps. That's why, like you, I am hesitant to abandon it. Even if Tony does not want to be in the business anymore, (I understand!), it would be wonderful if he released the information or the code that he uses to create the map files so that those of us that have and still use the control can extend the life of it!

FYI: I just started evaluating the BlueMarble GeoObjects Control a few hours ago. It's too soon to tell how it will work for me. So far I like what I see, and it seems like it might be more complete and feature rich than the Pepperwhite control. And it reads the Tiger/Line data files directly (+other formats) so when the Census releases updates you just go get them! However with that additional capability seems to come more complexity from a programming perspective. That's just my first impression after an hour or so of "playing" with it and like I said it is too soon to tell as I am really not yet familiar or confortable with the control. I'll let you know how it goes....

All that I will say at this point is that I was successful in reaching the principal of Pepperwhite and I await further response. I believe there is more desire for updated maps than from just me so anybody else that would like updated mapping data I would encourage you to add your voice to this thread. Hopefully there will be enough interest to make the work necessary worthy of the effort and time. I feel very blessed to have been able to open an initial contact with Pepperwhite regarding updated mapping data and await their response to my request, but that is my primary objective. If the opportunity arises I will ask about the assets and/or possible updates.

Seriously, I've had the Pepperwhite module loaded up on several thousand machines over the last decade and it has just never been an issue for me, having always served me without any issues, none, ever. The lack of updated maps has been my only issue.