Q: What is the ?

The is a mapping application that lets you view one or multiple map services in your Web browser. Use the to access hundreds of map services available through or other mapping sites to view individually or together.

Q: I have Netscape 4.5. Can I use the ?

No. The requires a Java component that only newer versions of browsers have. The supported browsers are Netscape 6 and 7 and Internet Explorer 5.5 and 6.

Q: Why can I only add remote services? Why can't I add local data even though I'm on the same network as the local services?

The can only access map services that are on the Internet. It has no way of accessing map services located behind firewalls. If your local map service is on the Internet and can be accessed remotely, then you will be able to add it to the .

Is my user name and password information secure with the ?

Yes. The runs on http, but sends passwords to an https server.

Q: Why do labels overlap when I have multiple map services?

When you request a map with multiple map services, the request is forwarded to the servers that host those services, and the servers send back map images which are merged to create the map that you see in the display. Since servers and map services are independent of one other, labels and features may overlap.

Q: Can I turn off labels?

If labels are on individual layers in a map service, you can turn off that particular layer.

Q: How does the Set Transparency feature work?

When you add a map service to the , it is automatically assigned a transparency of 50%. This is done so that you can view multiple map services with minimum effort. If you wish to set transparencies for individual map services, you may use the Set Transparency tool. Once you set a transparency, it stays with the service even when you move it up or down. Note that if you only have one map service in the , setting a transparency for it will have no effect on it; it will be opaque. However, if you add another map service and move it to the bottom, the transparency you set for the first service will be in effect. Also, the map service at the bottom of the list will always be opaque, regardless of its transparency.

Q. Save Map allows me to save a map view. Can I also save the map image as a .jpeg or .gif?

Yes. You can save the map image as well. Click on View Print Page. This opens a window with a printable version of the map. You can right-click on the map image and save it to your computer.