MapPoint ActiveX Control with Labview 7.1

[RRinKC]

I am looking for a basic example on how to integrate a MapPoint ActiveX control into a Labview vi so I can pull up maps at a given set of lat-long coordinates with zoom in and out capability.   I'm new to Labview and activex container use and have not previously attempted to program with MapPoint, but that is what I have to work with.  Not finding discussions on MapPoint use with Labview, at either MS site or here, so am looking for assistance to get me started.  Using Labview 7.1, MapPoint 2004 and Windows XP.

[ChrisJ]

Hi,

I'm afraid I don't have any experience with MapPoint, but some of the other members might. If so, it would be great if they could post any code they may have...  

As a general rule, programming ActiveX is a little tricky since properties and methods aren't always documented well. Furthermore, the ActiveX hierarchies for a particular application can change from revision to revision. This is why programs using activeX to interface with Word or Excel have problems with different versions of Office. If you have to use Map Point, you may want to check MSDN for any information they may have. You may also want to check out the ActiveX examples in the Example Finder by searching for ActiveX. They should give a general understanding of how ActiveX programming is done on the LabVIEW side of things.

If you can use a web based application, it might make your life a little easier. You can specify lat long coordinates in Google Maps very easily. Im attaching a simple application that does this for you. Just enter the lat and long in decimal format and hit run. The resulting map will show up in the container on the front panel and you can pan or zoom to your heart's content. I hope this helps. Good luck with your application and happy holidays!

Regards,
Chris J

Message Edited by ChrisJ on 12-20-2005 05:00 PM

[RRinKC]

Thanks Chris.   I appreciate the response and the example vi.  I will check out the ActiveX posts.  

[RRinKC]

I was given a basic example using MapPoint 2004 ActiveX with LabView 7.1.  I will attach it.

I also found the reason I had so much problems getting it to work.  I had obtained a Microsoft Partner Program Action Pack version of MapPoint 2004 for development purposes.  Unfortunately the ActiveX was not activated in that version.  I then tried uninstalling that version and installing a single user licensed version.  For some reason the ActiveX would not work there either.  After much searching on various discussion forumns and web sites, I am convinced Microsoft stored some value in a hidden file that caused the ActiveX to remain inoperable.  I had to completely reformat my hard drive to get rid of it.  Then reload the licensed version of MapPoint.  All works fine now.