Corda Technologies Inc., a company that specializes in interactive charting and graphing solutions for the Web, has released a new product called OptiMap and updated their PopChart solution.
OptiMap is a charting solution for creating dynamic Web-based maps. The resulting maps can integrate and display data from multiple databases. OptiMap creates data visualization solutions that are purportedly less expensive to generate than traditional GIS maps.
OptiMap charts are Section 508 compliant, providing the ability to have the full descriptive text of the map available to the visually impaired through an audible screen reader. It’s currently the only product to make online maps fully accessible for the visually impaired, according to Corda CEO Neal Williams.
OptiMap is compatible with the PopChart family of charting and graphing solutions. The product can be integrated with PopChart for implementations that require both mapping and traditional Web charts and graphs. OptiMap permits developers to connect directly to a database or even to multiple data sources. The resulting maps change dynamically as the data underneath them evolves. OptiMap displays can be printed and shared through PDF and EPS output.
It provides Flash, SVG, JPEG, PNG and TIFF images that have drilldown and popup features to assist in navigating through data. There’s wireless and handheld support using WBMP output. OptiMap works with any database and any browser. To run OptiMap, you’ll need the OptiMap server application and the OptiMap Builder, which are sold together as OptiMap Foundation for US$6,990.
PopChart is a Java-based application is designed for all Java environments, including Mac OS X and Mac OS 9.x, as well as Windows, Solaris and Linux. It lets users copy data from spreadsheet applications such as Excel create Web-ready charts and graphs.
Version 5.0 offers an array of new and enhanced graph types. The new version of PopChart is able to support flow charts and process or system diagrams in addition to traditional charts. A chart of a gas pipeline, for example, can offer a schematic drawing of the pipeline. As the viewer mouses over each of the graphic segments the chart can provide data about selected parameters such as pressure or cubic feet of gas being delivered.
PopChart 5.0 can customize online charts to incorporate any type of pattern or image. And it can also create dial gauges that can be used to monitor designated activities on a continual basis. New sample code enhancements are designed to simplify the creation of charts and connecting them to databases. PopChart 5.0 automatically generates code that can be dropped into JSP or ASP pages. In addition to the Java, .NET and end-to-end XML support introduced in PopChart 4.0, the 5.0 version introduces automatically-generated code for Perl and PHP.
PopChart Xpress has a retail price of $795. Government purchases can get it for $755.
The application requires Mac OS X or Mac OS 9.x. With Mac OS 9, you’ll need 23MB of available disk space, 64MB of RAM, and a Power Mac G3 (or better) with CD-ROM drive. Supported browsers include Netscape 4.0.6 or higher and Internet Explorer 4.5 or higher. For Mac OS 10.0.4 or higher, you’ll need, 18MB of available disk space and 128MB of RAM. Supported Mac OS X browsers include Internet Explorer 5.1 or higher and OmniWeb 4.0 or higher.