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GvSIG: First impression

TRANSLATION NOTES: Please read some comments at the end of this post.

Right now that I’m “forced” to join with gvSIG, here’s my first impression.

clip_image002Friendly.

As I have been printing the 371 pages manual, I have formed the impression that this tool was made for AutoCAD and ArcView users. I awaited the ArcView similarity with its simplicity “view, table, map” but with AutoCAD it’s totally different… starting for bearings and distances nomenclature using @ symbol in the style we all learned with R12 versions and although considered obsolete, are practical for surveying purposes. Of course building skills are minimal but seem nearly enough.

This should be learnt by Manifold, with its awkward way of “not wanting to look like ArcView” that is not wrong with its layouts handling placed below and sidebar in the right, at the backstage is merely confined to a pedagogic concept called “learning by association “… but do not tell them that their response is the same:

“…the framework design used by some tools is outdated”

Microstation has already left on one hand this craze that brought in not wanting to look like AutoCAD, while maintaining its own style it is nothing bad to make bars as Windows users do. Although long ago, it should be added a much more practical clip_image004nomenclature for bearings and distances’ entry in its keyin like AutoCAD’s style … for example.

Slow installation

Installation is definitely great, no prerequisites… as being on Java the only question is whether you want to install the suitable virtual machine for the installed version.

Of course, it takes its time but without hindrance. Once installed it’s ready to use … good question, Is it possible to install without Internet having the JVM ready?

Good manual

clip_image006Although it is not like the style I would have preferred, in which a quick book forms the first two chapters and then the rest expand the capabilities… is not bad manual didactic and especially it is in Spanish.

When Manifold’s were asked why they didn’t do a formal manual said that online help was the best way to keep up to date all the changes, at the time that avoided having to increase $25 per license in a printed manual that while it reached the mailbox already was outdated… in short, who will get them out from the topic… is not bad to be stubborn but J$ $% & # lin if we all be bogged down in making manuals for each tool to be implemented.

Having a good tool is great, it is manifold, but its support as cave’s fashion is half crazy… it’s a joy that there are forums. I hope egeomates from this application that I admire so much remember that we remain being “clients” and to a “customer who paid for its license,” you can not tell ironies like: “please do not waste your support tokens … we do not expect to come here with questions that are in the readme … ” ah, I forgot they do not speak Spanish so it is little gain by ripping my clothes being in front of such a select audience.

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In short, I think Manifold is one of the best commercial GIS software solutions, at a great price … if I were Oracle I would buy it.

…and I like gvSIG, we’ll see how many time lasts my romance.

TRANSLATION NOTES:

(*) Medio tirado del pelo: This is used when some idea or action is rather crazy so your idea is half pulled on hair

One comment

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