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Dear All,<br>
<br>
Thank you for your responses and suggested links.<br>
<br>
I have downloaded a few map files, as suggested (but so far I am not
sure how to access their content). <br>
<br>
Questions:<br>
1) Is there a specific directory where the map data should be stored?<br>
2) Is there a Perl equivalent to the PHP Recipe set? My knowledge of
PHP is somewhat limited. I plan to use Perl + MySQL (as I have some
experience in the area).<br>
<br>
Status so far: mapserver is installed and seems to respond when evoked
through apache. The next step involves:<br>
<br>
(1) establishing basic set instructions the server responds to (i.e.
those four or five commands one uses most of the time), and perhaps
more importantly, <br>
(2) understand how these instructions may reach the server. I would
also appreciate any indications as to the basic syntax of imparting
commands via (a) the webbrowser and (2) via command line.<br>
<br>
I look forward to your feedback and comments.<br>
<br>
Regards,<br>
<br>
Bernard<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
Tyler Mitchell wrote:
<blockquote cite="mid200501161310.41454.tylermitchell@shaw.ca"
type="cite">
<blockquote type="cite">
<pre wrap="">Having absolutely no experience with GIS, I was encouraged to read about
mapserver's connectivity with MySQL and Perl, and have just installed the
latest source code, and look forward to testing the server.
</pre>
</blockquote>
<pre wrap=""><!---->
Welcome aboard. I'm not a MySQL user and have barely used Perl MapScript, but
this would be a more advanced solution for a beginner.
</pre>
<blockquote type="cite">
<pre wrap="">Is there a simple guide available that does not assume any GIS background?
I still need some basic questions answered, such as:
1) Is map data (i.e. maps of countries) freely available? Is that a
separate download?
</pre>
</blockquote>
<pre wrap=""><!---->
You will probably find a lot of options. You should probably start with
trying to find some "shape files" - that is a common GIS file format.
</pre>
<blockquote type="cite">
<pre wrap="">2) Is the impression that Mapserver uses MySQL to store data correct? What
type of information is stored on MySQL, and why was there no reference to
MySQL accounts during compilation?
</pre>
</blockquote>
<pre wrap=""><!---->
MySQL is only one option, and you will have to do some special compile/set up
steps to get it working. I can't speak to the specifics myself though.
</pre>
<blockquote type="cite">
<pre wrap="">3) MapScript: is there documentation for it? Has it been downloaded with
the server source package?
</pre>
</blockquote>
<pre wrap=""><!---->
Yes it is part of the source package in mapserverxxx/mapscript/perl has the
perl stuff in it.
</pre>
<blockquote type="cite">
<pre wrap="">Any pointers as to how to get up to speed with Mapserver would be most
appreciated.
</pre>
</blockquote>
<pre wrap=""><!---->
I'm writing a book - hope it will help :) Otherwise, keep in touch with the
list and we'll get you running. If you can use IRC/chat go to
irc.freenode.net and join #mapserver. Usually some helpful folks there.
Tyler
</pre>
</blockquote>
<br>
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