Perhaps a large print out?
Then perhaps you need a program which translates .MAP files into a vector graphics format.
Download the program from here. Or the EXE file from here .
Run it from a command line using map2ps [options] <filename-without-extension>.
Options are: -a# (# is number
0..6) for paper size, -n# (# is1..9, selects "nonant" to render),
-q# (# is 1..9 selects quadrant to render), -p# (# is 1..9) for text
point
size, -h for help
and exit, -l (ell) for Greek character legend, -g# (# between 20 and
500) for grid.
A nonant is like a quadrant but
is a ninth and corresponds to the layout on the PC
numeric keypad. Quadrant and nonants are mutually exclusive. Half
aligned
quadrants are possible.
Map2ps is written in C. It is
licensed under the
GPL
. (But remember the map files may not be.)
It produces
PS or EPS files as most vector
formats are either horrible, not standardised,
or do not have the performance needed to scale to big printers. One
possible
exception is
SVG which I may try using 'batik' when I learn Java.
Examples of output are Echo
Cluster
, Epsilon
from Tim,
and my own Yale
and Yalexx
galaxies which are based on real
stars.
Maps can be converted to
bitmaps, for instance
Echo as a Portable Network
Graphics (PNG)
in A3 layout (this is big
at over 3000x3000 pixels - beware). I have
not used GIF.
At 72dpi Echo , Yale , Yalexx, Epsilon and Achernar.
This work was done on a SuSE
Linux box and previewed using
Ghostscript .
(An UK mirror site is
here
.) Ghostscript has been ported to many systems,
even Windows. Just download Ghostscript. Now.
Have fun!
