MITOrtho Package
Frequently Asked Questions


 
 
  • How do the MITOrthoTools work?
      • The MITOrthoTools extract the parameters needed from the user's mapping window, construct a customized URL from these parameters, then send the request to the MITOrthoserver picked by the user. The URL constructed is actually the same URL that would be used in browser to extract the same image. The MITOrthoServer processes the request and returns an appropriate geotiff image that is then displayed in the mapping window.

      In ArcView and MapInfo, the networking part is performed by a local java application (MITOrtho.class). This application takes the URL and sends it through a URLConnection to the MITOrthoServer specified. The connection is also used to return the image. In Geomedia, the java application is not needed since Geomedia can directly handle URLs and URLConnections.

  • How do the MITOrthoServers work?
      • The MITOrthoServers are smart servers that provide customized snippets of digital orthophotos using just-in-time geoprocessing and interoperable web-based components. The servers retrieve the parameters from the URL and accordingly extract subsets of images falling in the request extent. The images are mosaicked, converted to geotiff (or other formats as requested) then sent back to the requesting client.
  • I downloaded the ArcView extension, but now I can't find it!
      • By default, some browsers set the default filename for the downloaded file to MITOrtho.exe. Make sure you change that to MITOrtho.avx if it happens. Otherwise, ArcView will not recognize the file as being a valid AV extension.
  • How do I know where the ArcView extension directories are located?
      • The ArcView extension directories are directories where ArcView looks for all available extensions (Check your $AVEXT and $USEREXT environment variables). Start by placing the extension in c:\temp or c:\windows\temp. If this doesn't work, check the $USEREXT environment variable. This can be done by running the following script in an ArcView script window
          s = System.getEnvVar("USEREXT")
          msgbox.info(s,"")
  • How do I install a network copy of the ArcView MITOrthoTools?
      • For a network copy, your system administrator has to place the extension in the $AVEXT directory. The ini file will need to be modified to reflect the network location of the JRE and the class files. The temp directory can point to a local drive.
  • I downloaded everything and it still does not work!
      • If you used the ini file, double check the location and spelling of the different components. Make sure the file locations you specify don't contain any extra blank spaces.  Also check your network connection. If you're behind a firewall, the package might not work.
  • I already downloaded a previous version of the tools. Which files do I need to download to upgrade?
      • You only need to download the class files and the extension (for ArcView) or the application (for MapInfo). You don't need to download the JRE again.
  • How can I add my own servers to the list, and how can I change the order of the servers listed?
      • To add your own servers, you need to edit the MITOrthoPC.ini or MITOrthoUnix.ini (depending on your platform). Follow the instructions in that file to add the servers you want. The order in which the servers appear in this file is the same as the one you get while using the tool in your GIS package. To change that order, just rearrange the servers in the ini file the way you want them to be displayed.
  • I downloaded everything. The ArcView extension works but I get a blank image back!
      • In ArcView, you need to load at least one other layer before the images returned will make sense. This sets a default projection, coordinate system, and map extent for the current view. The extension uses these to determine the extent of each image requested. Note that the coordinate system of the loaded layers must match that of the imagery.
  • Do the MITOrthoTools work behind a firewall?
      • In some cases, the MITOrthoTools may not work behind a firewall, as some firewalls do not allow remote applications (such as our Java application) to connect to the client using input and output data streams. If you're behind a firewall and you're tesing these tools, please drop us an email if they give you any problem. But please note that we do not promise any solutions since these tools are currently available as is without support. 
  • I need to use the ini file. How do I modify it? Any instructions?
      • The ini file is very simple to use. Just make sure the location and the spelling of the different components are correct. Follow the instructions provided in the file you downloaded.
  • Which MapInfo version do the MITOrthoTools need to properly run?
      • The tools only work with MapInfo 5.0 since they were developed using MapBasic 5.0.  You should also probably check that your version properly displays GeoTIFF images. If not, you need to download a patch from the MapInfo web site. 
  • Where should I put my MapInfo mbx application and ini file?
      • You can put these files anywhere you want as long as they stay together in the same location. We recommend that you place them in the MapBasic tools directory (probably the "TOOLS" subdirectory of the MapInfo installation directory, e.g., C:\Program Files\MapInfo\Professional\TOOLS).
  • I'm getting the incorrect images back while using the MapInfo MITOrthoTools!
      • You need to set the mapper's projection and coordinate system to that of the image server. Refer to the "How to Use" instructions on how to do that.
  • Which Geomedia version do the MITOrthoTools need to properly run?
  • I'm using Geomedia and am getting an automation error!
      • The package hasn't been tested on the 3.0 version.
  • The MITOrthoInstall script for Geomedia is giving me a "command not known error"!
      • This script assumes that the Geomedia program directory is in your path. If it's not, add it to the PATH environment variable.
  • How do I set the coordinate system in Geomedia?
      • Go to View/GeoWorkspace Coordinate System/Projection Space and the pick the projection algorithm that you need. You should also remember to set the projection parameters (includes State setting if you're using the State plane projection).
  • I can't find the answer to my question here. What should I do?
      • If your question doesn't appear here and the answers above were not relevant to your problem, drop us an email and we'll do our best to answer your question. Please note however at this stage the tools are provided without formal support.