Some Important Points To Note.


Order Of Loading Files
You should load in an image before you load in a map.
If you have saved a map file using this system, if you choose to load a mapfile it may automatically offer to reload your image.
Saving Mapfiles
The tool allows you to read in and save map files, so it's a good idea to save after every 2-3 annotations. If the system fouls up, you can then restart. It's also a good idea not to overwrite your original file!
The Absolute URL Path
After creating the first object in a new map, you will be asked to set the Absolute URL path. This should be in the form :-
http://server.net.address/directory_name/
The directory_name should include all directories - up to and including the last "/" - containing the files you wish to point to.
After this, when you are asked to annotate any new objects, the URL entry box will contain this string. Filenames need only be appended on.
Annotating Objects
You should annotate every object as it is completed. This is the default (which can be switched off, but is not recommended).
Obscured Objects
There is currently no way of checking for anyobscured objects. At the moment this is left to the user.
The easiest method of checking this is to switch on the Auto_Raise checkbutton. Having done this, just go through selecting any objects that appear to be obscured by others. This will raise them to a position above the obscuring object, so it will not be hidden from the imagemap mechanism.
Testing The URL
For NCSA Mosaic, It is possible to test url's one at a time using the same browser window. This is done by selecting a new object and invoking the test button.
For other browsers, each test must be executed one at a time,killing the browser with the "OK" button in the message window.
Image Format
Ideally you should use rppm's for image files.
You can do mare with an rppm than an xbm. If you can't make these, get a copy of the image in gif format. MapMarker will do a conversion for you.
If you don't have the photo widget, xbm's must be used. Although an xbm can be made from a gif, I'm not making any promises as to the usefulness of the result. Some cunning editing with something like xv may be required.

---

Gudge