Avenza PDF is not the Answer

Recently, a local firm asked that I review a solution they were using for electronic distribution of printed maps. The intent of the solution was to provide folks with a map for personal use, and personal data collection, on their personal device.

Providing me with a typical County land ownership map PDF, and some basic instructions, I set about the task at hand. The instructions indicated that the associated app should be downloaded prior to attempting to download or open the PDF file provided; in true testing form, I did exactly the opposite.

Downloading the map first, I immediately attempted to open it. The default app provided on the device (Samsung S2) was insufficient to open the file and immediately crashed. It did work on the second attempt but was too sluggish to be of any use. The Adobe Reader app also allowed me to open the PDF, and it was not quite as slow, but still just as little painful to manipulate. I also tried it on my Nexus7, with similar results. The best results came when I downloaded the file to my PC and opened in Adobe Reader. Speed and performance were no issue, and I discovered that Adobe Reader now provides some basic geospatial tools; as well, of course, the ability to print all or part(s) of the map.

The intended app for this map is Avenza PDF Maps Mobile App, and after installing it, and locating the file on my device, it opened slowly on the first attempt; likely, from whatever processing/caching is going on in preparation for first viewing, since each subsequent opening was fairly quick. There were no problems opening the map though, in spite of the instructions specifying that the app should be downloaded before the PDF; perhaps, it acts differently on different devices.

Functionality and performance is good with the app and map; both work as intended, without frustration, and even when lacking a mobile network connection. The app provides all the features one would expect from a decent mobile mapping application. It has tools to find coordinates, addresses, and other place names on the map; one can also plot points into layers, plot photos, record GPS Tracks, measure distances and areas, and even open whatever view you have in Google Maps.

There are a few deficiencies though, and as a method for distributing maps for personal use, it fails. The app does not provide for the ability to switch to a satellite or terrain view, with the existing map data intact. I was very surprised that the app lacked this basic capability that every other map app contains.

The PDF can be distributed to anyone, anywhere, anytime, without any other restriction than a general agreement to not do so. The Avenza app is not required. The map can opened with Adobe Reader, manipulated, and printed at its originally specified resolution.

The map data is old. As my first Geo-Mentor told me, printed map data is outdated as soon as you print it; often times, even before you print. Using static map data as this map/app does, it might be of little use after as little as year, depending upon the area. With ever increasing need for, and reliance on the most up-to-date map data, this sort of map would be much better suited to a custom app and associated web service.

The map data and associated view are strictly for one county. This is pet peeve of mine. If a person were to suddenly find themselves in another county, they would have to either 1) switch view to Google Maps view, or 2) pull up another PDF map. Any map should provide basic information for surrounding areas to provide for a seamless frame of reference. This should include surrounding county boundaries, major roads, and cities; similar to the format that DeLorme uses in their topographic state maps, when displaying a state outside of the purchased maps boundaries.

While the map and associated app are generally good, it would be better provided via custom app and/or web service, which would address all of these problems easily. Distribution and printing could be restricted. The most recent data would always be available, and folks could switch between map, satellite, and terrain view.

Problem Steps Recorder

I made an interesting little discovery today. Within Windows 7, there is a hidden application called “Problem Steps Recorder,” which enables a local user to record issues they are experiencing in any application they are accessing.

This application provides a MHT file (within a ZIP file) that contains all of the steps and information recorded in a session, helping a user to describe a problem. Passwords or other text typed are not recorded, excepting function and shortcut keys used.

The file displays the recorded problem steps in a screen shot for every click, function, or shortcut key, and logging related to the same, all with time/date stamps. You can even review the steps in a slide show.

The application does not seem to exist anywhere that I can find. You can create a shortcut to it by right-clicking your desktop, select New, select Shortcut, and in the “Type the location…” box simply put “PSR.”

Accessing & Using the Application

1. Click Start
2. In the box that says “Search Programs and Files,” type PSR and press <ENTER>
3. The small tool bar shown above will appear
4. Prepare your desktop to be recorded
5. If you have Dual Screens, you will want to turn one of them off.
6. Right-Click Desktop
7. Select Screen Resolution
8. Change the Multiple-Displays drop down to “Show Only Desktop X”
9. X being the Desktop you want to use for display.
10. Note: some things may fly off screen while in this mode. You can use the “Identify” button to figure out which screen is which.
11. Make sure you do this on the screen you are keeping, or you may not be able to get back to this setting.
12. Click “Apply” (you want this window to stay open, so you can come back to it)
13. A message will display asking whether you want to keep or discard the changes.
14. Click “Start Record”
15. Begin doing whatever it is you want to record steps from.
16. You will notice a Red Dot every time you click something; the application is only taking a screen shot.
17. Pause the recording, if you do not want steps included
18. Add Comments, if you want to call something out
19. Click “Stop Record,” to end the recording session.
20. A window will appear, asking you to name the file.
21. Select a location and file name, which will be a .ZIP file
22. Access the ZIP, and contained within, you will find a MHT file.
23. Extract MHT
24. Double-Click the MHT to open in Internet Explorer, or use MS Word to open the file.