[mapserver-users] Feature Suggestions?

[Dave McIlhagga]

I think that's a great idea Steve.  We all know you have plenty on your
plate already without having to support yet another application. :)

Perhaps the website references could make some of this clear, in
particular for new users as to where they should direct requests:

Support questions - mailing list.
Bugs & Requests for new features - bugzilla.


Just to clarify, there is an entry under "severity" in the bug entry
page for "enhancement".  I assume this would be the appropriate place
for any suggestions or requests for functionality from the user
community.

Dave




Stephen Lime wrote:
> 
> I'll address new features in later messages but wanted to comment on new
> suggestions etc...
> 
> I believe we've already got the mechanism in place to support those types
> of requests- Bugzilla. The name is misleading to a certain extent. Granted
> the main use for the software is for tracking bugs but it can also be used to
> request enhancements. Since it's already in place it seems logical to use it,
> I personally would rather spend time on development rather than with writing
> a similar application. I think the mailing list is the place to discuss potential
> enhancements and a corresponding entry via Bugzilla should be made.
> 
> For those that haven't played with the interface, visit:
> 
>   http://mapserver.gis.umn.edu/bugs
> 
> This is not the place for requests for support. I agree with Dave that it's too easy
> to loose good ideas amongst the support issues on the mailing list, so please use
> the bug/feature reporting system.
> 
> (Note that it covers MapServer documentation in addition to the software.)
> 
> Steve
> 
> Stephen Lime
> Internet Applications Analyst
> 
> Minnesota DNR
> 500 Lafayette Road
> St. Paul, MN 55155
> 651-297-2937
> 
> >>> Dave McIlhagga <mcilhagga at dmsolutions.ca> 06/18/01 10:52AM >>>
> I was just reading through Thorsten's last message regarding additions
> of new capabilities to MapServer and it got me thinking that there is no
> information readily available online regarding:
> 
> 1. Current developments for the next release of MapServer.
> 2. Wishlist or suggestions of new functionality.
> 
> I think the first item would go a long way to help users prepare for
> "what to expect" in upcoming releases.  A lot of this information is
> available if you follow the email messages etc.. but I think it would be
> really helpful to have all this information available in a single web
> page.  I figured if I'm having trouble keeping tabs on exactly what is
> being added for new versions, and we're heavily involved in the ongoing
> development of MapServer, then it must be really tough for organizations
> and users more removed from the core development activities.
> 
> The second item would give users some real input into the future
> directions and development of MapServer.  It would also give software
> development organizations like ours an opportunity to guage some of the
> needs and interest that exist in the user community.  This would also
> provide a great starting point for the UMN to determine future
> development priorities for the product.  Sometimes I think a lot of
> great ideas that are talked about on the mailing list end up falling
> through the cracks three months later simply because there is no easily
> accessible collection of suggestions and ideas.
> 
> I'd be interested to hear of the list's thoughts on these ideas and on
> how something like this might be implemented and not just make for good
> theory. :)
> 
> Dave
> --
> Dave McIlhagga
> President, DM Solutions Group
> 
> http://www.dmsolutions.ca
> ----------------------------
> Innovative Spatial Solutions
> ----------------------------
> 
> EMail : McIlhagga at DMSolutions.ca
> Phone : 613-565-5056
> Cell : 613-261-3913
> Fax : 707-222-1943
> Address : 116 Lisgar St.,
>           Suite 400,
>           Ottawa, Ontario
>           K2P 0C2

-- 
Dave McIlhagga
President, DM Solutions Group

http://www.dmsolutions.ca
----------------------------
Innovative Spatial Solutions
----------------------------

EMail : McIlhagga at DMSolutions.ca
Phone : 613-565-5056
Cell : 613-261-3913
Fax : 707-222-1943
Address : 116 Lisgar St.,
          Suite 400,
          Ottawa, Ontario
          K2P 0C2