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====== 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.

==== Is my new software covered by any kind of warranty? ====

Yes. Every Map Suite component and add-in (excluding spatial data products) comes with a one-year Software Assurance Plan that entitles the licensee to free upgrades for the duration of the first year, as well as five Customer Portal support tickets. Each support ticket enables you to interact with ThinkGeo's professional support staff to solve a problem, have a question answered, or help with an aspect of your ThinkGeo product. Additional support tickets or annual Software Assurance Plan extensions can be purchased at any time in the ThinkGeo Online Store.

==== How can I extend my software warranty? ====

If you are a Map Suite user, you can purchase extended Software Assurance Plans (sold in one-year increments) for your Map Suite products in the ThinkGeo Online Store. Each additional year of coverage includes free upgrades as new product versions arrive, plus five free Customer Portal support tickets. Please note that every Map Suite product has its own Software Assurance Plan, so please make sure to select the right item from the store when purchasing. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the ThinkGeo sales team or call 1-866-847-7510.

==== What if I'm only using an evaluation version? Can I still get support? ====

Certainly. Even if you are evaluating one of ThinkGeo's Map Suite GIS components or dataset plugins prior to a purchase, pre-sales support is offered on our discussion forums, or you can receive one-on-one support by opening a ticket through our Customer Portal. If you sign up for a free ThinkGeo account you'll even receive five pre-sales support tickets for free. You can also access ThinkGeo's self-help resources, including product documentation, sample code, Quick Start guides and FAQs on the official ThinkGeo Wiki anytime, day or night.

==== I purchased a ThinkGeo product and need support. What do I do? ====

As a licensed ThinkGeo product user, you have a wealth of support options at your disposal! If you're having trouble with your product, or simply have questions, a great place to start is our Support Center. There you'll find:

Discussion Forums, where you can get knowledgeable answers from ThinkGeo and other users like you
ThinkGeo Wiki, the ultimate reference for all things Map Suite, including hundreds of code samples and product guides
Product Documentation, including a complete API reference guide and class diagrams for our Map Suite components
Quick Start Guides, specially-written tutorials for Map Suite that will have you building powerful mapping applications in no time
FAQs, providing commonly asked, product-specific questions and answers
If you still have questions, or simply need one-on-one support with a ThinkGeo expert, please open a support ticket at our Customer Portal. The ThinkGeo Customer Portal is your gateway to professional, individual and expedient service with your ThinkGeo solution. Five free Customer Portal support tickets are included with each year of your product's Software Assurance Plan, plus you can buy additional tickets at any time in the ThinkGeo Online Store. If you have any questions about how to use the Customer Portal, feel free to call a ThinkGeo support representative at 1-866-847-7510.

==== What is the ThinkGeo Customer Portal? ====

The Customer Portal is ThinkGeo's centralized support site, providing each of our customers with a means to receive prompt, individualized attention to any issue or question they may have regarding their ThinkGeo product. Each time you open a new issue at the Customer Portal, you'll need a support ticket. All Map Suite Software Assurance Plans include a number of free support tickets, with additional tickets available for purchase individually or in packs of five from the ThinkGeo Online Store.

When you open a new support ticket at the ThinkGeo Customer Portal, your ticket will be reviewed and responded to as soon as possible by a member of our professional support staff. You'll receive updates by email whenever a response is posted to your ticket. When your issue is resolved, you'll have the opportunity to provide feedback on the service you've received before closing out your ticket.

==== How do I access the Customer Portal? ====

The ThinkGeo Customer Portal can be accessed at any time by visiting the following Web address: http://helpdesk.thinkgeo.com.

==== What are support tickets? ====

Support tickets allow you to contact our professional support staff to ask questions, get help with your ThinkGeo product or solve problems you may be having. Each time you have an issue or a question you need supported, you'll need to have an available support ticket on your account in order to proceed. All Map Suite Software Assurance Plans include a number of free support tickets, with additional tickets available for purchase individually or in packs of five from the ThinkGeo Online Store.

==== When can I expect a response from ThinkGeo on my support ticket? ====

Usually, you can expect a response from a member of our support staff within 1-2 business days. ThinkGeo's support staff is on call from 9 am to 5 pm Central Time, Monday through Friday.

The time in which you will receive a response depends upon the number of support tickets in the queue ahead of you, as well as the priority of your support ticket. Tickets marked with a higher priority will be reviewed first.

==== What if the issue I report is caused by a defect in the software? ====

Any tme a support incident you create is found to be a caused by a bug or defect in the ThinkGeo software, the support ticket will never be counted against you. In other words, if you have three support tickets and use one to report an issue that turns out to be a bug in our software, the ticket will not be counted and you will still have all three tickets available at the close of your incident.

==== What if I want to talk to a support representative by phone? ====

A friendly support representative will be happy to assist you with your support issue over the phone. The support representative will be able to help you set up a Customer Portal account and log all of the important information about your support ticket into so it can be worked in a timely manner. To reach a support representative, feel free to contact us by e-mail or call 1-866-847-7510.
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