Dynamic easymap maps in other applications: The easymap ActiveX control

The easymap ActiveX-Control (standard developed by Microsoft for the integration of software extensions) extends the use of the COM object model by the possibility to integrate maps graphically into another application.

For example, after monthly data changes, you can not only have a workbook updated, but even integrate a graphic of the updated map into your application. The Microsoft ActiveX standard was created exactly for this purpose. In every application supporting this standard (e.g. all Microsoft Office products) you can graphically integrate components of easymap (maps, sheets, legends, etc.).

If you want to offer interactive working with the easymap map via the ActiveX control (e.g. clicking on an area to display detailed data or to perform a drill-down), you can again use the COM object model and develop this program logic yourself.

The ActiveX control is available in a 32-bit and 64-bit version. So you can integrate the easymap graphics in both application types.

To use the ActiveX control, you can use any programming language that supports COM (for example, VBS scripts, Office VBA, C#, Visual Basic.NET, C++, Delphi).

Application example:The easymap ActiveX-Control in Microsoft Access

The picture shows the easymap ActiveX control in use within a form in Microsoft Access. A close interaction with the surrounding application is established via data filters. The user can create individual views with the possibility to switch layers visible and invisible. The map within the ActiveX control is an ordinary workbook created with easymap.