Do you like these labels better than the pushpin names?

The macro could be modified to open you map first.

Also, you can copy/paste layers pretty easily between different maps. The one exception being Shapes like Freeform and those Textboxes. They can only be copy/pasted individually from map to map.

I'll concentrate on making a "generic" version of this tool to put in the MapForums Plus downloads section.

If your project moves forward with MapPoint, you might also consider getting approval for some consulting dollars if you want help modifying or tweaking that macro further or other help

Eric

At this point the pushpins are the better choice following reasons. The labels (textboxes) that the macro brings in are clear and easy to see. However, on a map with other features, they cover data points. It is interesting though, that when I scroll over where I know the data point is located, the information pops up. The problem is users won't know there is information behind the text box. A no fill text box option would fix this. Also, we should be able to control font size, and text box size.

Opening a map of my choosing would be ideal.

What did you mean by copy and paste layers between maps? If the macro opens a new map, can I copy and paste from my existing map the county shading and data points?

Thanks again for all you time and effort. I am learning alot.

Unfortunately, I don't think controlling the font or size of the text box is an option. Someone correct me if I am wrong.

Opening a map of my choosing would be ideal.

Should be an easy modification to the macro - maybe when the macro starts it would pop up a dialog to ask the user to point to an existing ptm file.

What did you mean by copy and paste layers between maps? If the macro opens a new map, can I copy and paste from my existing map the county shading and data points?

Yes! actually anything on the Legend pane can be copy/pasted to another map. Things that don't show up on the Legend pane i.e. Freeforms and TextBoxes can be copy/pasted to other maps, but would have to be done indvidually... not practical if you have tens or hundreds (or thousands) of textboxes.

Eric

Thanks for the very helpful information.

I will be taking my small work group through an intro to MapPoint tomorrow, since I am the one who now has experience using it (as limited as it is). All these tips will help us, as our management seems keen on being able to use this within our organization.

This screenshot is being posted for an "Automating MapPoint with Excel VBA - Tutorial 7" installment in an upcoming MP2K Update newsletter to be published shortly. The tutorial is based on the work originally done in this thread.

Eric