User Tools

Site Tools


map_suite_mobile_for_android_faq_general_questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some of the most common questions that we are asked about the Map Suite .NET GIS control for Android™. If you still have questions after reading these, feel free to post them in our discussion forums. Our forums are monitored by our development staff in order to provide detailed and technical answers when you need them.

Do I have control over how the map looks and fits into my Android app?

Yes, absolutely! ThinkGeo's Map Suite is a .NET control, so you can easily integrate it into your broader app just like any other user control.

We expose a large amount of APIs that allow you to customize every aspect of the map and the user interface so that they fit in with the look and feel of your app.

What other software is required to work with Map Suite for Android™?

ThinkGeo's Map Suite for Android™ requires Xamarin, a platform that enables you to develop Android apps using the Microsoft .NET Framework and the C# programming language. Through Xamarin, your app compiles to a native binary, providing blazing fast performance and a smooth user experience. You can develop your application using Microsoft Visual Studio or alternatively the Xamarin Studio IDE.

All of this means you can design professional-grade GIS software with Map Suite that run as a native app on Android™ devices without having to learn new languages, new controls or new tools!

Please note that a Xamarin development license is required at additional cost. For answers to common questions about Xamarin, see this FAQ.

What type of map data does Map Suite for Android™ support?

ThinkGeo's Map Suite lets you use many different types of vector-based map data. Data files can be loaded onto your Android™ device in numerous industry-standard formats, including ShapeFile, TAB and more. You can also consume WMS-compliant online mapping services or other base maps like Google Maps*, Bing Maps, MapBox, or OpenStreetMap. Raster imagery is supported in standard, web-compatible bitmap formats like PNG and JPEG.

*Use of Google Maps® within a Map Suite developer SDK requires a Google Maps API For Business license and is subject to Google's licensing terms. For more information, please visit: https://developers.google.com/maps/licensing

How big of a learning curve is there to using ThinkGeo's Map Suite?

Map Suite was designed to be easy to understand and easy to use. While mapping/GIS controls typically have a larger learning curve than other simpler controls like grids or charts, we feel Map Suite has taken the complexity out of mapping and allows you to develop your application in days or weeks instead of months or years.

Where do I go if I need help with Map Suite?

We have a very active Developer Community discussion forum, a large number of “How Do I?” sample applications with source code in C#, and we also offer professional services if you need to talk with a developer one-on-one.

map_suite_mobile_for_android_faq_general_questions.txt · Last modified: 2017/03/17 06:53 by marklee