Modifying Map Data

The iMap tool allows you to make numerous modifications to maps. This section shows a simple exercise that guides you through a couple of easy modifications: adding available land features and changing map feature colors.

  1. To open an iMap window, type IMAP at the IDL command line. An empty iMap window appears.
  2. To open and view a global map, select Insert →  Map →  Continents from the iMap menu. A map of the world appears.
  3. Now add countries to the global map. Select Insert →  Map →  Countries (high res) from the iMap menu. The countries of the world appear on the map.

  4. imap_properties.gif
    Choose a part of the map that you want to fill with color. Right-click on that part and select Properties from the pop-up menu that appears. (This example changes the display properties of Australia.)
  5. The IDL iMap Visualization Browser appears. Change any properties you like. (This example changes the line thickness and fill color properties, as shown in the dialog to the right.)

    6. Changes are made to the map immediately, so you can see the results and change them to fit your needs. When you are finished with changes, close the IDL iMap Visualization Browser.
    imap_australia.gif

    Note
    For more on mapping, see Working with Maps.