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Some of the most popular digital map data datasets available through Kingswood MapMechanics have been significantly enhanced in their latest releases, gaining additional attributes and extra detail. Rural settlement “sprawl”, for instance, is introduced for the first time in AA map data, and height data is offered free with NAVTECH vector map data.
These refinements come in addition to more fundamental structural updates in the latest versions. The 2004 release of AA map data, for instance, now includes brand new roads such as the M6 Birmingham relief toll road and M8 developments in the Glasgow area, previously shown as “under construction”. |
Kingswood MapMechanics itself adds further features to many of the map data packages it supplies. NAVTECH street-level map data, for instance, can include ITIS average road speeds that vary with time of day, and AA data can have 2001 Census population figures applied to local authority boundaries.
The result is a range of unique map data products that can be configured even more precisely than in the past to the specific requirements of individual users.
The population sprawl added to AA 1:200,000 and 1:500,000 vector map data makes it possible to pick out quite small settlements (any with over 3,000 population) and represent them as building outlines (as already seen in typical printed versions of the maps). Because these datasets are scaleable, GIS software such as GeoConcept can be used to represent the sprawl proportionately on maps at any scale. Previously this capability was available only with larger settlements (those with populations of over 10,000).
The overall look of AA raster map data has also been brightened and enhanced. While the maps retain their familiar look, the symbology is clearer and it is easier to differentiate visually between adjacent features.
The data now also includes 2001 population counts, along with features such as contours, unitary authorities and average off-peak driving speeds for different classes of road.
New to the NAVTECH range of vector road mapping, derived from NAVTECH’s constantly-updated navigational map database, is the provision of a free of charge contour layer which will be made available in the next NAVTECH 2004 release. Whilst not as detailed or precise as specialist terrain datasets (which are already available from Kingswood MapMechanics), these contours are ideal for adding a graphical representation of the terrain to map displays – giving users a much better real-world feel for the geography of the routes they are viewing.
NAVTECH data can also be supplied with average road speeds applied to different segments of roads for different times of day. This information is derived from historic data gathered in real time by ITIS, the traffic information specialist, from 50,000 vehicles in regular use on British roads.
Kingswood MapMechanics distributes and supports the full range of AA digital map data, which also includes street mapping at 1:10,000 and 1:50,000. The company also offers a range of European and world map datasets such as ConceptStreets, GISData and Mapflow Irish data. Lately it has also added mapping for North and South America.
Taking account of the increasingly wide range of applications for digital map data, Kingswood MapMechanics offers an unusually extensive range of licensing options for its data products, including terms specifically for desktop mapping systems, Internet use and automatic vehicle location and tracking systems. |
