Foundation and Mapserver MAP file manag e tool

[Tyler Mitchell]

> I think what Bart was talking about originally was 
> a purpose built visual tool for authoring 
> mapserver maps, and not necessarily a full fledged 
> GIS system.  This is a big missing component when 
> working with mapserver ...
> MapFiles as text files work if the mapfiles are 
> simple enough, but it can get unwieldy quickly.  
> Batch processing of mapfiles comes to mind, 
> as well as re-use of certain map components 

I am 100% on board with this idea, particularly the batch processing concepts.  The other tools that have been discussed could be more 'bridge-ware' than anything else - helping to bridge other GIS/mapping apps to MapServer via some export routine.  This is good and needed (e.g. to bring ArcMap users into the fold), but these have a slightly different focus.  

When I get my head above water (ever?) - I'd like to see some of us work together on this.

Tyler