MapPoint 2006 FAQs

Frequently Asked Support Questions

What is Microsoft MapPoint 2006?
MapPoint 2006 business mapping software combines powerful mapping and analysis tools with the simplicity of Microsoft Office. MapPoint enables users to visually analyze and effectively communicate their business information.

Designed for everyday business use, MapPoint allows users to easily locate and illustrate points on maps, integrate maps into Microsoft Office documents, and quickly identify business trends on a map, with either the user’s own data, or up-to-date, detailed demographic information.

What if I have an older version of MapPoint, or if I already installed the 60-Day Demo version?
This version of MapPoint is not an Upgrade. It is the complete version of MapPoint 2006, so we recommend that you uninstall any older versions before you install the new one. You can uninstall older versions of MapPoint through your Windows>Add/Remove Programs function.

What do I do when the install asks for the ‘RUN’ disc?
Insert the 2nd CD. The second disc contains the demographic data files.

What do SpatialPoint’s Add-Ins do?
The SpatialPoint PowerPoint Add-In tool will copy your map and legend windows out of MapPoint, and will paste them into a PowerPoint presentation. The tool will also create a title for the map. The GeoPrinter Add-In will enable anyone to print large format plots. The driver sends the file to a fulfillment house and the plot will arrive in the mail. The Large Image Export Add In will allow you to save your maps in a larger than standard format without losing resolution. This allows you to print your maps on large format printers easily and completely.

Why is my presentation blank when I use the PowerPoint Add-In?
The PowerPoint Add-In tool was built for Office XP or newer. The Add-In will not function with Office 95, 97 or 2000, but SpatialPoint is working on an update for older versions of Office. We will contact our customers when it is available.

Why do I get an error message when I use the PowerPoint Add-In tool?
If you have Office 2000, Office 97 or Office 95, you will not be able to use the PowerPoint Add-In tool. It was written for Office XP and Office 2003. If you have those versions of Office, then please contact us with the exact error message for further assistance.

I have an older version of Office. How can I get my maps out of MapPoint 2006 and into Word or PowerPoint?
The easiest way to export your maps out of MapPoint is to use the Edit > Copy (or Copy Map) function to get your map & legend or just your map out of MapPoint. You can use the CTRL C shortcut as well. Then, open your other application, and from the Edit menu, select Paste or use the CTRL V shortcut.

Why should I use MapPoint instead of free maps on the Internet?
Although MapPoint maps can be seen on the Internet at sites such as Expedia, running MapPoint locally gives users ultimate convenience in locating destinations, finding nearby places, and integrating maps into their day-to-day business. MapPoint launches and locates addresses instantly, avoiding slow Internet connections or the inability to get the right-sized maps for the users’ needs. The print options in MapPoint offer unique flexibility and precision in representing data and locations. The multiple layout options also can be used to visualize where users are going with turn-by-turn directions.

How can MapPoint help me do my job better?
MapPoint helps you better visualize your business information, making it easier for you to locate customers and competition, analyze data and business trends, discover risks and opportunities, and communicate business decisions clearly and effectively. MapPoint maps are high-quality and precise, allowing visual representation and data analysis that will impress your colleagues, customers & prospects.

How is MapPoint different from Microsoft Streets & Trips?
MapPoint includes all the routing capabilities and points of interest content of Streets & Trips, but is predominantly a business mapping application. Streets & Trips does not include business data mapping. Only MapPoint contains the analysis capabilities that enable business users to plot database information and analyze business and demographic information on a map to identify key trends in their businesses.

What are the minimum system requirements for MapPoint 2006?

  • PC with Pentium II or higher processor; Pentium III recommended

  • Microsoft® Windows® XP Home, Windows XP Professional, Windows Server™ 2003, Windows 2000 Professional or later operating system required

  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 browser software or later, Internet Explorer 6.0 SP1 included (will not displace your primary browser)

  • For Windows XP Home and Windows XP Professional: 64 MB of RAM (128 MB recommended)

  • For Windows Server 2003: 256 MB of RAM

  • For Windows 2000 Professional: 64 MB of RAM (128 MB recommended)

  • Running additional applications simultaneously may require additional memory

  • Available hard-disk space: 1.1 GB for full installation or 500 MB for minimum installation. Some users may require up to an extra 100MB for System Files Update (hard disk usage will vary depending on configuration).

  • 4x speed or faster CD-ROM drive

  • Super VGA (800 x 600) or higher resolution monitor with 256 colors; a monitor with higher resolution and more colors recommended and required for Driving Guidance feature

  • Microsoft Mouse, Microsoft IntelliMouse®, or compatible pointing device

Additional Feature Requirements

  • For Voice Output: Windows XP or higher and compatible soundcard

  • Microsoft Exchange, Internet SMTP/POP3, IMAP4, or MAPI-compliant messaging software required to use “Send To as attachment”; Microsoft Outlook® 2000 or later required to use “Send To as picture”

  • 14,400-baud or higher recommended

  • Some Internet functionality may require Internet access and payment of a separate fee to an Internet service provider and local charges may apply

  • GPS functionality requires a GPS device that supports NMEA 2.0 or later

  • A free COM port below 20 required for GPS

Pocket Streets:

  • Pocket PC running Microsoft Windows CE 3.0 or later with ActiveSync 3.7 API and 500KB available program memory required for installation of Pocket Streets. Installing map files requires additional memory, approximately 1MB per city map

  • A Microsoft Windows powered Smartphone 2002 or Microsoft Windows Mobile 2003 Smartphone or later with ActiveSync 3.7 API and 350KB available program memory required for installation of Pocket Streets for Smartphone. Installing map files requires additional memory, approximately 1MB per city map.

Will MapPoint 2006 run on the Windows Vista Operating System?
Yes, Although MapPoint is not Certified for Windows Vista, it will install and seems to run fine on the Vista operating system

Can MapPoint 2006 import files from Microsoft Office 2007?
No. MapPoint 2006 can only read Office 2006 and older files. Microsoft Office 2007 uses different file extensions than older versions, which MP cannot read. If you own Office 2007 and would like top Import or Link an Excel 2007 file to MapPoint, you will have to save your Excel 2007 file as an older Excel version. This can be done by using the “File > SaveAs > Save As Type > Excel 97-2005.xls”

Where else can I go for help in using MapPoint 2006?
  • Use the Tutorial included in MapPoint. It will walk you through the basic functions of the program, as well as show you how to link & import data and create maps. From the MapPoint Help Menu, select “MapPoint Tutorial” to run. The sample data for use with the tutorial is installed when you install MapPoint.

  • You can download step-by-step tutorials for various application scenarios.

  • You can attend a MapPoint training class offered by SpatialPoint.

  • Use our pay-per-incident tech support option to help solve specific technical challenges. Order support online.

  • For questions regarding installation of MapPoint 2006 with the free PowerPoint Add-in from SpatialPoint, call toll free 866.846.5900 ext. 2.

  • MapPoint also comes with a complete Help file, located under the Help menu, as well as a link to MapPoint Help on the Microsoft web site.

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