MFworks Feature Set

MFworks is a raster based program which allows uses to analyse, visualize, and map data of various sorts. A raster program is one which uses pixels or cells as the basis of information rather than points, lines, and polygons. [ A more detailed explanation of Raster GIS is available ]

MFworks is capable of using data from a wide variety of sources such as images, digitized information, and other GIS/CAD packages. Users can combine these data types to perform a wide variety of analysis, measurement, and visualization techniques.

The section below is an overview of the types of features that MFworks provides. These features are available on all Editions of MFworks.

MFworks Overview

Map Operations, Arithmetic and Scripting Facilities

Extensive set of Map Algebra based Operations.

A wide range of Trigonometric, Boolean Logic, Summary Statistics, and general arithmetic functions.

File management (open, close, save, delete, edit info), import, and export control from the Scripting Window.

Operations accessed and initiated through Dialog Boxes or through simple Scripts.

6 decimal place floating point math support.

Automatic alignment features to help mosaic maps together (new in version 2.6).

Automatic cell resolution calculations (new in version 2.6).

File Transfer

Extensive file import facilities, including:

ArcView^® Shapefiles (.shp), MapInfo^® (.mif/.mid), text (X,Y,Z - comma or tab delimited), DXF (.dxf), SYLK, Raw Binary, PICT, MAP II, TIFF/GeoTIFF, SDTS, BMP, GIF, ArcInfo Ungenerate.

File export formats include:

PICT, TIFF, EPS, Raw Binary, BMP, GIF (3DMF now available for MacOS).

Color Management

24-bit color Control (allows for millions of colors).

Familiar color selection dialog box.

Advanced color sequencing.

Provides options for color gradations (color ramps) and grouping based on a variety of data criteria.

Colors may be edited in the Legend or on the map.

Multiple color models supported (CMY, RGB, HSL).

Pop-up color menus for commonly used choices.

Legend Management

Legend Editor allows you to format each map legend individually. Control the legend fields, font, color, size, spacing, suffix, prefix, notation format, and number of decimals, for each map.

Automatic area calculation as a default legend field.

(cells, cm², m², km², hectares).

Grouping of legend entries into blocks or slices.

Import and export options to transfer legend information.

Graphical representation of legend as bar chart.

Map Composition and Layout

True WYSIWYG Layout functions including:

Legend, north arrow, map scale, text annotation, neatline, coordinate grid, etc.

Direct printing to PostScript devices or to PostScript files.

Dynamic rescaling of map with automatic scale change.

Layout export facility will create a bitmap file suitable for use in a word processing, or desktop publishing documents.

Full support of clipboard 'cut and paste' technologies.

Nuts and Bolts

Extensive file import facilities, including:

ArcView^® Shapefiles (.shp), MapInfo^® (.mif/.mid), text (X,Y,Z - comma or tab delimited), DXF (.dxf), SYLK, Raw Binary, PICT, MAP II, TIFF/GeoTIFF, SDTS, BMP, GIF, ArcInfo Ungenerate.

File export formats include:

PICT, TIFF, EPS, Raw Binary, BMP, GIF (3DMF now available for MacOS).

Adaptive File Compression evaluates each map and selects one of several data compression schemes to encode the data with in order to save space.

Internally Paged Memory Management on the fly. Utilizes only enough memory to draw to the screen. Unseen portions of a map are not loaded into memory until required.

Educational pricing and special Student Edition available.

Self documenting history window shows the steps taken in the map creation process.

Project-style file management associates maps with a project and tracks their placement on a network or drive volumes.

Positively reviewed manuals help the new user, student, or teacher learn the application in easy, well documented steps.