Displaying Vector Data on a Map

You can use the iVector tool along with the iMap tool to easily add vector data in a map display.

  1. Load some vector data representing global wind patterns:

    2. RESTORE, FILEPATH('globalwinds.dat', SUBDIR=['examples','data'])

    This command creates four variables — u, v, x, and y— that contain the vector data.

  2. Create a map display of the globe, using the Mollweide projection:

    3. IMAP, MAP_PROJECTION='Equirectangular', LIMIT=[-35, -90, 35, 90]

  3. Select Insert →  Map → Continents to display the continental outlines.
  4. Double-click on the continental outlines to display their property sheet. Set the Transparency value to zero and select a light grey fill color.
  5. Finally, launch iVector to create the vector display, coloring the wind vectors according to their magnitude:

    6. IVECTOR, u, v, x, y, /OVERPLOT, X_SUBSAMPLE=3

For additional information on creating vector displays, see the Working with Vectors and IVECTOR topics in the IDL Online Help.

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