Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
Box 41.1
Electronic atlas: the Microsoft Encarta 97
The user interface to MS Encarta is a large world map in
the centre of the screen with a much smaller globe at the
top left of the screen to help to locate the user. There are
options relating to both the map and operation of the
software, allowing the user to change the map style,
return to the original map, switch any of the tools on or
off, select the main program options, view the map only,
or to obtain help. Every map in the atlas has an option to
show the key and other options to provide information
about the land and climate, facts and figures, culture,
family portraits, sights and sounds, animals, panoramic
views, geography and Web links for further up-to-date
information. Search and distance-measuring tools are
also provided.
Figure 41.6
Detail from Encarta 97.
and weather-tracking system, ORION, which
integrates satellite images, weather data and world
charts.
microprocessor-based products also make use of
digital spatial data (see Chapter 43). The DeLorme
PalmPilot can make use of the Street Atlas product
for address-to-address directions. This can also be
used in conjunction with the Tripmate GPS
receiver to track latitude and longitude, altitude
and speed. Garmin recently launched a hand-held
receiver with electronic mapping capabilities.
Computer mapping and GPS
Hand-held GPS (global positioning systems),
palmtop computers and a variety of other similar
