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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 WebAPI Edition. If you still have questions after reading these, feel free to post them in our WebAPI Edition discussion forum. Our forums are monitored by our development staff in order to provide detailed and technical answers when you need them.

==== What is the WebAPI Edition? ====

The WebAPI Edition is a .NET component that makes it easy to build REST web services using ASP.NET Web API to render map tiles, query data and perform geometric/GIS functions.

The WebAPI Edition is typically utilized in conjunction with a JavaScript mapping client library, like Leaflet or OpenLayers, to allow users to pan, zoom and interact with the map in a variety of ways.

==== I already use Leaflet or OpenLayers, why do I need the Web API Edition? ====

Client side JavaScript libraries are great for consuming map tiles and rendering small amounts of data. However, if your mapping application needs to render its own map tiles, hook to internal databases, query data, or perform complex GIS/geometric functions, you are going to need a server piece to your application.

This is where ThinkGeo's Map Suite WebAPI Edition comes in! The WebAPI allows you to build your own web services to meet your exact application needs.

==== What is the difference between the Map Suite WebAPI Edition and the Map Suite Web & MVC Edition? ====

The Map Suite WebAPI Edition is designed so you can build REST based web services using WebAPI functionality provided within the .NET Framework. The WebAPI Edition also allows you to use any JavaScript mapping library.

The MVC & Web Edition is built to only work with the OpenLayers JavaScript mapping library.

Using Map Suite WebAPI Edition also offers you the following advantages:

Provides you with full control over your HTMTL, JavaScript and CSS
Works with any JavaScript mapping client (such as Leaflet, OpenLayers, or KendoUI)
Makes it easier to create modern response web apps that work on phones, tablets and computers
Offers the ability to use PhoneGap to wrap your web application so it looks like a native mobile app

==== Do I have control over how the map looks and fits into my application? ====

Yes, absolutely! In fact, with ThinkGeo's Map Suite WebAPI Edition, you have full control over every aspect of the HTML, CSS and JavaScript.

==== Can I use Map Suite WebAPI Edition to make an application for mobile devices? ====

Yes. ThinkGeo's Map Suite WebAPI Edition is actually the ideal Map Suite product to use if you are targeting mobile devices. WebAPI Edition lets you design web-based applications that can be accessed by any mobile device with an Internet connection, such as a phone or tablet.

Because the WebAPI architecture gives you total control over your application's presentation layer and user interface, you can develop customized touch-friendly interfaces targeted for mobile devices without Map Suite getting in your way.

==== What other software is required to work with ThinkGeo's Map Suite WebAPI Edition? ====

To create REST based web services with Map Suite WebAPI Edition, you will need a copy of Microsoft Visual Studio, or alternatively, Visual Studio Express for Web to build the code for your custom application.

Does ThinkGeo's Map Suite WebAPI Edition require any third party controls to be downloaded and installed on the client browser?
No. Map Suite WebAPI Edition is designed to work with JavaScript mapping libraries like Leaflet, OpenLayers and Kendo UI to handle all browser-side operations. Users will not need to download Flash, Silverlight, or any ActiveX controls.

==== What type of map data does ThinkGeo's Map Suite WebAPI Edition Support? ====

Map Suite WebAPI Edition lets you use virtually any map dataset of your choosing. If you have your own map data, you can utilize it or you can utilize our Map Suite World Map Kit, Google Maps* or Bing Maps, just to name a few options.

*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

==== What formats can my data be in? ====

Map Suite WebAPI Edition comes with native support for the most popular vector and raster file formats including Shapefile and TAB, and includes a free extension that enables support for more than a dozen more vector formats and more than 80 raster formats.

If you have spatial data or imagery, chances are you can use it with Map Suite. Check our wiki for the master list of data formats that Map Suite currently supports.

==== I've purchased ThinkGeo's Map Suite WebAPI Edition and I'm seeing an "Unlicensed for Runtime" watermark on the map after I deploy my application to IIS. How can I get rid of this watermark? ====
 

You are seeing this message because the Production Web Server license is not installed on your server. There are two kinds of licenses for Map Suite WebAPI Edition:

The Developer License is for a development environment. It allows you to develop your application within Visual Studio.
The Production Server License is for a production environment. It removes the "Unlicensed" watermark in runtime.
To install the Production Server License, you need to run the Server Preparation Tool that can be downloaded through the ThinkGeo Product Center.

If you do not see the Server Preparation Tool in the ThinkGeo Product Center, you likely have not purchased any Production Server Licenses. You can purchase a Production Server License from ThinkGeo's online store. If you have purchased a Production Server License but cannot find the Server Preparation Tool, or need other assistance regarding licensing, feel free to contact us and we'll be happy to help.
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