[mapserver-users] how can I make labels not cover symbols?

[William Kyngesburye]

Currently I have a point layer (cities), with a separate label layer  
for the same points.  The labels often cover other point markers in  
the same, and other, layers, though they never cover the point they  
are labelling (of course).

I was using pixmap symbols for the markers.  I thought maybe if I use  
truetype markers, they would participate or influence the label cache,  
but that doesn't appear to be the case.

Another thought was to draw truetype markers as an annotation layer,  
but this means adding a column in the table with the marker character,  
and would make it less flexible to change markers.

Yet another idea was to use an annotation layer, but be able to  
specify static text for the LABEL.  I don't see this option either.

If I didn't miss something, and it is indeed impossible without the  
extra marker char column for an annotation layer, would such a feature  
be possible (either adding symbols to the label cache and/or static  
label text)?

-----
William Kyngesburye <kyngchaos*at*kyngchaos*dot*com>
http://www.kyngchaos.com/

Theory of the Universe

There is a theory which states that if ever anyone discovers exactly  
what the universe is for and why it is here, it will instantly  
disappear and be replaced by something even more bizarrely  
inexplicable.  There is another theory which states that this has  
already happened.

-Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy 2nd season intro