Wiggy Thoughts

This one is for your Boss

2009-01-15T02:14:00.001-08:00

I was doing my mourning readings when I found this post on Joel Spolsky's Blog (Fog Creek, Joel's company, recently changed to a new office, were every one gets its own private space).

For the ones that work on an Open-plan and don't like to, follow this article to your boss.

What does it says?

It talks about some scientific study from the Queensland University of Technology's Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (what a large name!) from Australia. They concluded that switching to the modern open-plan offices led to lower productivity and higher worker stress.

Take a look on what they said (I think this is no novelty for the ones that work on open-plan offices, but now there's a scientific study to use as support)

"The high level of noise causes employees to lose concentration, leading to low productivity, there are privacy issues because everyone can see what you are doing on the computer or hear what you are saying on the phone, and there is a feeling of insecurity.''

"The problem is that employers are always looking for ways to cut costs, and using open-plan designs can save 20 per cent on construction.''

MGraph - Funny name... what's that?

2009-01-15T01:44:00.001-08:00

In the past months the Microsoft "Oslo" initiative has been discussed in several blogs.

Microsoft "Oslo" is not related with the norwegian capital city, it is a group of tools and specifications that aim to ease the software development. Microsoft is focused on modeling and in how the proper tools and specification can participate in the several parts of the software lifecycle.

Part of the "Oslo" initiative is the M language, basically M has 3 subsets, MSchema, MGramar and MGraph.

MGraph is a specification (one should not call it a language) that allows to store data in a structured manner. The ones that are familiar with JSON, will find MGraph very similar to it.

Lars Corneliussen, had published a blog post that talks about MGraph and compares it with plain XML and also with JSON. It worth's reading, and you can reach it here

SharePoint - How to change the server name

2009-01-12T04:32:00.001-08:00

Well in my new job I'm getting to know Microsoft SharePoint Server. I'm doing some R&D on Microsoft Infopath and Microsoft Sharepoint. After a few hours reading information about the subject, I've decided to get my hands dirty and give both Infopath a Sharepoint a try.

I've started with a Sharepoint virtual server, and there i installed Infopath. Then on the process I've figured that i would need to change the virtual server name, witch I did. Today I've realized that by changing the server name the Sharepoint is working no more.

Glad there's Internet, and glad there's google, just go here, you will find a simple how-to rename a SharePoint server.

SSH Tunnels and SQUID

2008-12-30T14:07:00.001-08:00

I've been using PuTTY for a long time as a way to bypass some corporate web filters. With PuTTY I can create a SSH tunnel and gain access to my home SQUID proxy server, allowing me to use my own home Internet connection.

Now for something that is really new to me, there's no need to use SQUID, yes only PuTTY and SSH are required. This post describes very simple way to use the SSH server as a SOCKS proxy.

My home SQUID is now going on for a long retire. Uninstall is planed for the next weekend. KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid), one less service running on my home Linux Server.

GIS once again

2008-12-20T06:17:00.001-08:00

Isn't life a funny thing!

It's now less than a month after a job change witch I though would break my connection with GIS technologies and I'm already posting about the same issue.

Recently i was contacted by one of the DeepEarth project leaders. He asked for my assistance and also for the possibility to reuse some of the Spatial# project code.

Conclusion, I'm now participating in the DeepEarth project. I also invite you all to check the project, it as impressed me a lot.

Moving

2008-11-11T02:10:00.001-08:00

After 6 year's working in the GIS market time to move has arrived.

Since 17-Nov, I'm experimenting new adventures and a new job. I joined the Critical Software team.

I will continue to post in this blog although the main subject will change. As I won't be working in GIS no more, the GIS related posts will start to drop, and eventually disappear.

Nevertheless, the last 6 year were very exciting and challenging, and I will forever be a GIS curious and will always be interested a awaiting for the the new solutions that will arise.

NULLS - Improve the way you handle them in C#

2008-07-03T06:51:00.001-07:00

I've recently discovered the Null-Coalescing operator. Didn't knew it exists, and I can't now say that it is a very cool operator.

Several times you like to assign a variable with the value from another variable, but you would like to set a different value if the source is null.

For this situations i would write something like this:

   1:  if(null == source) {

   2:    return "it is null";

   3:  } else {

   4:    return source;

   5:  }

Or this:

   1:  return  (null == source) ? "it is null" : source;

But now I can write this:

   1:  return  source ?? "it is null";

What's the difference ? None! all the three sample produce the same result... personally the last one is the I like the most.

ORA 01460 Passing BLOB parameter

2008-06-26T03:17:00.001-07:00

Honestly this has been one of the strangest problems that came across me.

I have code that inserts geometries into oracle tables using stored procedures. Due to legacy reasons I'm still using WKB to get the job done, therefore the procedure parameters are of type BLOB.

Recently when inserting a given polygon, I has blown by the ORA01460 error. Browsing the net just pointed me to the parameter value length.

But, then the byte array length was not that strange. It's an 32646 bytes length array! So why the error ?

Further investigation shows that I was successfully passing larger and smaller array to the stored procedure. Things were getting event stranger...

My first shot was truncating the array, and it worked (got an error due to invalid WKB).

So to solve the problem, I'm now adding extra 0 bytes at the array end.... and guess what... it works!

   1:  IWKs wks = (IWKs)(GeometryAdapter.Convert((IGeometry)value);

   2:  byte[] buffer = wks.ExportToWKB();

   3:  parameter.Value = buffer;

   4:  parameter.Size = buffer.Length;

   5:  if (parameter.Size == 32646) {

   6:    byte[] newBuffer = new byte[50000];

   7:    buffer.CopyTo(newBuffer, 0);

   8:    parameter.Value = newBuffer;

   9:    parameter.Size = 50000;

  10:  }

Subversion Backup Script

2008-02-24T00:48:00.001-08:00

In the last days I've been upgrading my backup system. Now I'm using Bacula. Setting up bacula in ubuntu was very simple and straightforward.

I also had to develop a script to backup (dump) my subversion repository to a local folder. Bacula job will later get the subversion dump and place it in the backup storage.

I've decided to publish my script here as it may serve as a guide and help others with the same requirements.

You can get my subversion backup script here

CodeProject Article

2008-01-02T04:10:00.000-08:00

I’ve now concluded one of the oldest todo list items. Publish a CodeProject article. Yes it is true, I’ve published an article and you can check it here.

WCF - Getting operation contract type

2007-12-20T08:33:00.001-08:00

In my current WCF adventure, I had the need to get the operation contract type. After a few moments of struggle i got this solution:

   1:  public Type GetOperationContractType(OperationContext operationContext) {

   2:    ServiceEndpointCollection endPoints = operationContext.Host.Description.Endpoints;

   3:    foreach (ServiceEndpoint endpoint in endpoints) {

   4:      if (endpoint.Contract.Name == operationContext.EndpointDispatcher.ContractName) {

   5:        return endpoint.Contract.ContractType;

   6:      }

   7:    }

   8:    return null;

   9:  }

WCF and Object References

2007-12-19T07:03:00.001-08:00

I'm currently migrating to WCF an application that uses .NET Remoting.

I quickly ran into a problem with object references. By default, in the WCF object references are not preserved, which means that, if you pass a object graph with circular references, you are in serious problems.

The best thing with the WCF is that it is highly and easily customizable. My problem is easily fixed by using a custom Serializer that will do the job of preserving the object references.

Just check this post on Sowmy Srinivasan's Blog. It's a simple how-to that clearly guides you to the process of creating and using a custom serializer on the WCF.

Microsoft now is a OGC member

2007-11-09T02:41:00.001-08:00

That's true, just read this press release.

From the Microsoft point of view, this seams like a logical move as some of their flagship products (SQL Server 2008 and Virtual Earth) will include or already include spatial support. What this also means is that for sure MS products will support the OGC standards witch is very good news.

I'm a confess addicted to OGC standards, even wen using third-party engines that do not provide the standard interfaces, I tend to create a abstraction for OGC compliancy.

With all that said, I welcome Microsoft move to join the Open Geospatial Consortium.

Spatial# and OGC Web Map Service

2007-11-09T01:35:00.001-08:00

After some time of reflection, I've decided to implement the OGC Web Map Service in the Spatial# project.

OGC WMS will be also the supporting protocol for the client controls.

The choice was made to allow client and server parts of the spatial# project to live independently.

In the future one will be allowed to use the client user control against any WMS server. Additionally the server will also be available to any application that supports the OGC WMS standard.

Application Splash Screen

2007-10-31T01:06:00.001-07:00

In one of my projects, I was needing to add a Splash Screen to a windows application. As usual i searched the web for some samples and ideas and came across this post. It is a really good splash screen component, I highly recommend it.

Good Ideas & Bad Sites

2007-10-22T00:56:00.001-07:00

The Internet is the place were good ideas easily can provide profit. But the thing is, good ideas need to be packed with good looking and working web sites. There are several business that have failed to achieve profit because they were using bad web sites.

The problem is that company tend to ignore the need for a web architect. Often companies assume that web sites can be provided by curious kids. This attitude normally has bad results.

Just as a way to prove my point, let me start by confessing that I'm an Internet shopper. But i do buy things on traditional shops, and wen I do that, I first google the net for reviews. The thing is, if the product I’m willing to buy has some defects, certainly somebody has posted a complaint somewhere in the Internet.

Recently I've found trustedsource.org. The idea is to provide a site were customers can write their on review on products they've used. This is what call a good idea, but the problem with it is that it's using a very bas site.

I do think that their site is needing some professional help because it is clumsy. I've fought hard to find some products and realized that they are categorized. The problem is that there's no way to browse the categories.

I've however found some information using google, for instance Provillus is customers the top rated product for hair loss prevention. (my wife would probably love if I use it), also they have a payday loans products category.

As I wrote earlier, this is a good idea, but using a very poorly designed web site, clearly a example that the site architecture was not taken under the correct consideration. As for all good ideas I would like it to succeeded, but for that a site redesign is urgent.

Back on track

2007-10-15T01:44:00.001-07:00

After a few weeks working for a urgent project, that ended this last weekend with a work trip to Paris, I'm back on to the Spatial Sharp project.

During this week I will reevaluate the work in progress and reschedule the postponed 1st release.

Minimal Ubuntu Desktop

2007-09-21T11:51:00.001-07:00

I've been searching for a minimal ubuntu desktop distribution and so far I found none.

It's true that there's xubuntu but that's not what I was looking for. I wanted a gnome ubuntu but without the added stuff (evolution open office and others) that the desktop distribution includes.

I've decided to go on my one and, and also post the steps here fore others that may be searching for the same.

First off all you need to download the Ubuntu 7.04 Alternate CD distribution

Then install the base command line system

Finish the system installation (it's a text mode install) and run the following commands.

Note that you must have access to the Internet from the newly installed system.

First we need to get apt-get lists updated and upgrade the system.

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get upgrade

sudo apt-get dist-upgrade

After running these commands we must restart the system (sudo shutdown -r now).

Now we're ready to install the remaining packages.

sudo apt-get install gdm gnome-applets gnome-terminal menu metacity nautilus synaptic x-window-system-core desktop-effects gnome-themes gnome-themes-extras firefox firefox-gnome-support feisty-gdm-themes feisty-session-splashes feisty-wallpapers openssl ssh smbclient smbfs ubuntu-artwork update-manager update-notifier apport-gtk usplash usplash-theme-ubuntu xcursor-themes gedit

Now restart the system once more and you should boot to a gnome ubuntu linux with firefox just like the one on this image

Funny Things

2007-09-12T01:21:00.001-07:00

They do happen. I was just checking this blog stats on Google Analytics and I found out that Rob Relyea as a post on in his blog referring to this one.

Funny is that by linking to his post, I spent some time reading Rob's blog and decided to give Windows Live Writer a try.

In one word.... it's good. Worked as a charm with my blog. It's a really good piece of software that I highly recommend to everyone that has is one blog.

The software detected my blog settings (including the provider although I'm using a personal server to host it). The
Live Writer editor is far better than blogger online editor. It has spelling, advanced html features, blogger tags (shows up as writer categories). It is also capable of showing a post preview that is fast and works very well

It's a 5 start's award proving that Microsoft is able to provide really good and free software.

Postponed

2007-09-09T23:16:00.000-07:00

Due to professional commitments that I must comply, the release of the 1st version of Spatial# has been postponed 2 months.

In the next following weeks there will be very little activity for this project. It will be resumed by mid October.

This situation doesn’t fill me with joy; I was committed with the previous deadline and willing to fulfill it. But them there’s the real side of life, the one were we need to eat and provide food and accommodations to our family.
I’ve been thinking this last weekend, and after all taken under consideration, postponing the spatial# release date came up as the wise move to follow.

Until the new date arrives, I will continue to blog here for project news and developments. I’m also willing to consider candidates that want to join the project team.

100th Revison

2007-08-30T08:05:00.000-07:00

Google code SpatialSharp subversion repository has reached revision 100.

As a way to celebrate this event, I’m publishing the next steps in the project life:

In the next few days a preview of the Silverlight map server control will be available. It is still a very early development stage preview but it will allow the community to check the control capablilities.
A series of posts that will be done in this blog will provide a guide on how to use the Silverlight map server control to display ESRI Shape file data online.

Also as a celebration for the 100th revision, the project just got a logo. Check it below.

Release builds command line script

2007-08-17T07:10:00.000-07:00

I’ve created a command line script for Spatial#. It has the ability to generate debug and release binaries and 2 zip archives. One with the sources and other with the generated binaries.

I’ve posted the script here for anyone that would like to use it as a source of knowledge.

Build-Release.zip

Back from Vacations

2007-08-07T23:26:00.000-07:00

Back from vacations

After 3 weeks away, I’m back. I had great relaxing vacations in Algarve (south of Portugal).

It was time to recharge batteries.

I spent time hanging on the beach, reading books (mostly romances and novels) and taking several pictures with my new Canon 400D (one of these days I will be putting my photos here in this blog).

As usually summer vacations also serve as a balance period, I’ve made same plans for the Spatial# project, and I’m very motivated to fulfill them.

First, and in a very short period of time, a web site for the project will be launched. Also there will be a scheduled monthly release (wile version 1 is not reached). The first one will hit the street at the 15th September.

ESRI Shape file to XAML and JPG

2007-06-26T00:12:00.000-07:00

Using Spatial# you can now generate a XAML or JPEG output.
I’m planning on writing a CodeProject article explaining how to do it, but for that I must implement coordinate system transformations in Spatial#

For only ERSI Shape files with planar corrdinates are supported. The basic is done by creating an ERSI Shape file layer, and using one of the supplied renderers to generate the output.

The following code shows how to do it. You will only need the Spatial# project binaries.

Code to Output as XAML

   1:  // XAML

   2:  StringWriter stringWriter = new StringWriter();

   3:  Xaml2DRenderer renderer = new Xaml2DRenderer(stringWriter);

   4:  renderer.CanvasWidth = 500;

   5:  renderer.CanvasHeight = 750;

6:

   7:  // create layer

   8:  string filePath = "c:\\f.shp");

   9:  EsriShapeFileLayerProvider esriShpProvider = new EsriShapeFileLayerProvider(filePath);

  10:  VectorLayer layer = new VectorLayer(esriShpProvider);

11:

  12:  // create style

  13:  Style style = new Style();

  14:  style.Fill = new LinearGradientFillPrimitive(Color.FromArgb(25, 125, 125), Color.FromArgb(210, 210, 210), 45);

  15:  style.Stroke = new SolidStrokePrimitive(Color.Yellow);

16:

  17:  // render all the layer

  18:  RenderEngine renderEngine = new RenderEngine(layer, renderer);

  19:  renderEngine.Render(style, esriShpProvider.Bounds);

20:

  21:  string output = "c:\\sample.xaml";

  22:  File.Delete(output);

  23:  File.WriteAllText(output, stringWriter.GetStringBuilder().ToString());

Code to Output as JPEG

   1:  using (Bitmap bmp = new Bitmap(500, 750, PixelFormat.Format32bppArgb))

   2:  using (Graphics bmpDC = Graphics.FromImage(bmp)) {

   3:    bmpDC.SmoothingMode = SmoothingMode.AntiAlias;

   4:    bmpDC.CompositingQuality = CompositingQuality.HighQuality;

5:

   6:    Gdi2DRenderer renderer = new Gdi2DRenderer(bmpDC);

   7:    renderer.CanvasWidth = 500;

   8:    renderer.CanvasHeight = 750;

9:

  10:    // create layer

  11:    string filePath = "c:\\f.shp");

  12:    EsriShapeFileLayerProvider esriShpProvider = new EsriShapeFileLayerProvider(filePath);

  13:    VectorLayer layer = new VectorLayer(esriShpProvider);

14:

  15:    // create style

  16:    Style style = new Style();

  17:    style.Fill = new LinearGradientFillPrimitive(Color.FromArgb(25, 125, 125), Color.FromArgb(210, 210, 210), 45);

  18:    style.Stroke = new SolidStrokePrimitive(Color.Yellow);

19:

  20:    // render all the layer

  21:    RenderEngine renderEngine = new RenderEngine(layer, renderer);

  22:    renderEngine.Render(style, esriShpProvider.Bounds);

23:

  24:    string output = Path.Combine("c:\\", outputFileName);

  25:    File.Delete(output);

  26:    bmp.Save(output, ImageFormat.Jpeg);

  27:  }

Emit with care

2007-06-15T01:49:00.000-07:00

One of the major features of the .NET framework is Reflection.Emit. It allows you to dynamically generate assemblies using IL. Well being a very powerful tool, it can sometimes be very harmful.

It happened to me, I’m using Reflection.Emit in my ORM to generate dynamic field setters and getters.

Using Reflection.Emit the tool generates dynamic code, which can be called using the following delegates.

   1:  public delegate void GenericSetter(object target, object value);

2:

   3:  public delegate object GenericGetter(object target);

All worked ok, until the day that I’ve in a clumsy coded method, decided to call the delegate using a wrong type of object. The field in question is of type ObjectRef<T> and I was passing an object of type T.

No runtime error is raised and all is working ok, but when I inspected the object, the ObjectRef<T> field now stores a PropertyChangedEventHandler value, very strange!!

I’ve gone back to my IL emit code and found that it was not casting the input to the correct type.

You can download my DinamicaMethods class here. It includes methods to generate dynamic field and property getters/setters.

Bottom line: Just one line missing in the IL caused a lot of mess…. So do Emit… but with care…

DynamicMethods.zip