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I have installed the spatial data import (MP2002) add-in to MP2004. I am able to plot some sample imports (e.g. Chicago parks, roads etc.), but the ones I really want to import cause an error:
Error in rendering shape
Error Number: -2147024809
Error Description: The parameter is incorrect

The shape file is of bus routes in Indianapolis that is used regularly in ESRI applications by the local United Way. I have another one of community development zones that gets a similar error.

1. Is there some special setting needed for shapefiles that can be imported into Mappoint
2. Is there a newer spatial spatial import add-in - mine says MP2002 when it loads.
3. Is there something I can do to this file to make it work

I could upload/email these shapefiles if someone smarter than me could figure out what is going wrong.

As you're finding that Spatial Data Importer developer sample code is not very robust. You might see a tool from Safe Software, they are GIS data import/export experts and their tool FME supports MapPoint.

I think Visimation was originally the contractor who put together that sample code for MS and if I remember right they have a better version for sale: http://www.visimation.com/mappoint.asp ? I don't see it on their web page though, maybe give them a call.

Note that if you're even only somewhat comfortable with GIS data formats and VBA, you can probably figure it out yourself given enough time. I would recommend converting the data first to mif/mid instead of shape. This way it is in plain text format so you can easily examine it with Notepad.

Then delve into the code and see exactly where it fails, both in the code and in the file it is importing.

If is likely there is a null value in the attributes or it is trying to render a feature (such as oval or rectangle?) for which there is no support. Then you'd have to code around it or modify your mif/mid files.

Anyway, good luck.

Eric

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I sent the file I wanted to import but couldn't and a sample file that came with the importer to a GIS expert. He determined that the files that are readily imported into MapPoint are Lat/Lon projections and the file I could not import was a different format. He used ArcGis projection utility to convert to the Lat/Lon framework and the file imported without a hitch.


I was reading the documentation on the importer to see if they specified the format - they didn't -- but they did say it was possible to alter the color or the thickness of the imported lines/shapes throgh the object model functions:

"Through the MapPoint object model functions you can also set the line color and size, shape fill color and even move the polygons and lines behind the MapPoint road network."

How do you get to those functions?

You have to open the code.. do you have VB 6?

Eric

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Yes -- at least a limited version. But I haven't invested much time in it. Thanks for your help.

Not FULLY supporting ESRI in MapPoint is a GROSS oversight on the part of Microsoft! Publishing and promoting a buggy COM import program, despite the disclaimers of it being unsupported adds insult to injury!

The ESRI data format IS the standard for GIS data. Here in Michigan, the state as well as the regional Metro Council provide GIS data in the ESRI format. The State supplies 80+ % of the baseline data most small government entities or buisinesses would want for FREE!

This is the equivelent of attorneys or CPAs having access to 80+ % of forms/analysis worksheets they need in WordPerfect/1-2-3 format and Microsoft saying; Sorry, Word/Excel doesn't import WordPerfect/1-2-3 files, you are out of luck. Obviously the product managers for Word and Excel were a lot brighter than those for MapPoint!

Our Township is creating a Strategic IT Plan for the next three years. Because MapPoint doesn't support the industry standard and readily available ESRI data format, it will not be considered as a GIS tool, nor will it be recommended as a tool for any developer or business that wants to do business within the Township.

Microsoft's loss is MapInfo's and ESRI's gain!

I would give a call to Visimation the orginal complier of the code for Spatial Data Import. They have an unadvertised software that will convert shapefiles into readible data points for MapPoint. The shapefile has to be in wgs84 format which may require you to have ArcView or MapInfo products already in house.