Mapinfo, the leading provider of location-aware business intelligence solutions, has announced the release of Maplnfo Professional 6.0, the newest version of the company's flagship product. New features - including built-in 3D graphic capabilities to make hidden trends and patterns on the ground literally stand-out; HotLinks for immediate and live Internet connectivity from points on a map; support for the newest release of Oracle8i Spatial and enhancements to spatial data creation and printed output - reflect Maplnfo's commitment to provide its customers with the most robust enterprise client in its class.

Mapinfo 3D capabilities for business applications

Mapinfo 3D Hillshading using DEM

Maplnfo Professional is used by government and public bodies of all sizes worldwide and companies in virtually every industry to analyse business patterns and trends in order to make better informed decisions and develop ideal customer relationship management practices.

In conjunction with this product launch and enhancing its ability to offer mapping solutions to UK local authorities and emergency services, Mapinfo is introducing a new free tool that makes it as easy as possible to use the Ordnance Survey's NTF (National Transfer Format) in Maplnfo Professional. NTF is the Ordnance Survey's National Transfer Format for the supply of OS National data products such as Landline and Profile. The new NTF to Maplnfo translator will be available free of charge from Mapinfo's web site www.mapinfo.com.

Richard Rollins, product manager (EMEA), Maplnfo said: "We're committed to providing the most advanced and comprehensive product in this class to help our customers improve their customer relationship management practices. With integral 3D analytics, live web interaction and even more support for complex data generation, the versatility of the new Maplnfo Professional 6.0 is unsurpassed. New features and enhancements put it in pole position as the definitive spatial business intelligence tool for government and industry, and especially where insightful and original location data analysis is key to realising the roll-out of a winning infrastructure strategy, marketing campaign or new local service, for example."

New Features in Maplnfo Professional 6.0

Mapinfo Professional 6.0 offers customers enhanced decision support and new graphical analysis capabilities, including:

• All New 3D Map Viewin@includes interactive capabilities such as freehand tilt, rotate and pan/zoom. Users can create a 3D view of any map containing a continuous thematic grid layer and drape the image of any other layers or thematic maps over the 3D surface. These improved options allow users to better visualise and understand patterns and trends in data, for example; revenue potential, elevation or population density, to make faster and more informed business decisions.
• New Internet Connectivit@enables users to instantaneously link existing maps and publish new maps and data to the Web. A new HotLink tool allows users to click on any object on a map and automatically link to a specified URL. Users can attach retrievable information to specified objects so the most relevant and comprehensive data is available with the simple click of a mouse. Besides immediate links to Web pages, users can also link to other types of document files, including Word, Excel and Power Point. A new HTML Image Map tool allows users to easily generate and publish HTML maps from any map window for cost effective, enterprise-wide distribution across a corporate intranet or on the Web.
• Enhanced Data Access- support for the 8.1.6 release of Oracle8i Spatial, in addition to continued support of 8.1.5; and Microsoft Access 2000. MS Access support now also includes multi-user access to individual tables. Integration with both products provides multiple users with the ability to view and manipulate vast amounts of data simultaneously.
• Enhanced Data Creation and Verillcation- includes new capabilities to generate and check land areas based on existing features and landline data supplied by the OS. For example, create land parcels and calculate areas by selecting and enclosing property boundaries, and check the results based upon self-intersecting or overlapping regions.
• Improved Printing Capabilities-includes extensive enhancements to printing support, including 24-bit colour, Enhanced Metafile (EMF), optional transparency handling, colour dithering method control and persistence of paper size and margins in workspaces. These enhancements offer faster, better-looking and more convenient output, providing users with the most accurate information possible.

Map tool allows users to easily generate and publish HTML maps

Pricing and Availability

Mapinfo Professional 6.0 will be available in June at a suggested retail price of 1,095 pounds for new users. An upgrade from any prior version of Maplnfo Professional is available at 315 pounds.

About Maplnfo

Maplnfo Corporation enables customers to use location to transform information into business advantage. A global company and technology leader, Maplnfo provides business intelligence solutions that are deployed across organisations to help them better understand their markets and customers. Maplnfo data, software and solutions are available in 20 languages through a network of strategic partners and distribution channels in 58 countries. Headquartered in Troy, New York, the company's UK and European headquarters are based in Windsor, UK. For more information visit Maplnfo at www.mapinfo.com.

For further information contact:
Keene Communications
Tel: 0 1 71 439 7227
Email: danielc@keene.com

Matthew Spencer
Maplnfo Ltd
Tel: 0 1 753 848200
Email: matthew.spencer

www.mapinfo.com