[Mapserver-west] The question

[Dean C. Mikkelsen]

Here is my problem/question.

4 pts   (x1,y1),(x2,y2),(x3,y3),(x4,y4)

They form a square and are stored in a database - say Oracle.

The points are lat/long, based on WGS84. For me, the preference is all
data points should be stored in geodetic co-ordinates on a datum, never
stored as projected co-ordinates (a map projection). The projection
calculation and drawing should be done as the data is displayed. This
allows for the same dataset to be easily displayed, say in an Albers or
UTM, without having to go through a projection to geodetic to a
projection where errors may occur. The less transforms the better.

I want to call the table and then display the co-ordinates with the
lines connecting them for the square. Do I have to build a shape file
first and then the MAP file?

I do like the fact that different projections can be used on output
(defined in the MAP file) and I'd like this to be determined by the user
for the dataset they are viewing.

Dean

-----Original Message-----
From: Tyler Mitchell [mailto:tylermitchell at shaw.ca] 
Sent: April 19, 2005 10:58 PM
To: mapserver-west at lists.maptools.org
Cc: Dean C. Mikkelsen
Subject: Re: [Mapserver-west] Greetings & Intro

Hi Dean,
Congrats and thank you - for pushing the EPSG data model.  It has sure
saved 
me from a lot of grief.

> My one question, though, I know I've probably missed it, but where are
> the functions that create shape files from the data - such as
databases.
> I'd like to build them on the fly and then build the MAP file. Hence
> make a dynamic system.

I'm not exactly sure what you mean, but I'm guessing you have some point

coordinates that you want to use as a layer in your map file??  Tell us
more 
about what kind of work-flow/system you are thinking about.

Tyler