Usage issues
Where can I find Cruiser?
You can download Cruiser for free from the 'Download' area.
For which Operating Systems is Cruiser available?
Cruiser has been developed in Java and is available for Windows 2000/XP and MacOS-X. Future releases will also be available for Linux.
What are the system requirements for Cruiser?
The minimum requirements are: Pentium IV or G4, 256ΜΒ of memory, a 3D graphics card and about 17MB of disk space.
Which internet connection speed is required so that I can use Cruiser on-line?
A DSL line is required for smooth streaming experience.
Where can I ask for Cruiser installation or operational problems?
You may consult the Cruiser users' forum, or browse the 'Support' section which will always be updated with troubleshooting directions. You can also e-mail your problem to support@cruiser.gr.
Is Cruiser available for palmtop devices?
Not yet. In the future Cruiser will be available for palmtop and mobile phone devices.
Technical issues
Is Cruiser a Map-server?
A typical map-server accepts remote applications for producing maps with specific characteristics and geographic area of interest which then produces and sends back to the requesting client. Cruiser is different from this model in three respects:
- A Cruiser client asks a Cruiser server for 'data' (not maps) out of which synthesizes the combined cartographic representation on the client side (not on the server).
- The data exchanges between the client and the server are carried in a way that a streamed transfer is attained so that the resulting map or terrain display is synthesized in real-time, and provide a smooth navigational experience to users (in contrast to the ask-wait-render cycle of the map-server model).
- The data which are transferred to the Cruiser clients consist not only of geographic and cartographic aspects, but bear the corresponding attribute information as well which is transferred in a structured manner from a central database to local databases residing in the Cruiser clients.
How large data volumes can be handled efficiently by Cruiser?
Even very large data-sets can be handled efficiently due to the tiling and compression techniques that are deployed. Ask for a demo.
Issues related to Channel creation
What is a 'channel'?
Channels are the deployment mechanism of Cruiser-based applications and services. A channel defines the content, functionality and look-and-feel of the Cruiser application it conveys. Channels are created upon customers' order and operate independently one from another. When selecting a channel, users can browse the content of the specific channel, that is, the geographic area of concern, the objects within and the accompanying multimedia information as compiled by the channel owner. Users can 'tune' to their favorite channels or zap through them at any time via the Cruiser controls.
What type of content can I publish in a Cruiser channel?
Any kind of geographic data and geo-coded information like points of interest (monuments, beaches, hotels, land property, etc), itineraries, regions (administrative, natural beauties, etc) accompanied by any type of multimedia content like html-pages, flash animations, videos, documents, etc. The geographical objects are displayed as users navigate in their corresponding areas, or, as a result of user queries based on various criteria (eg 'show the Lux hotels'). Objects are displayed according to their individual characteristics which are completely customizable by the channel owner (e.g. a high-price label registration is displayed in larger size banner than a low-price one).
How can I create my own channel?
There are two basic options:
- By using Talent's channel hosting services. Ordering a channel is simple and easy.
Contact us and we will geta back to you asap for the details.
This option has the great advantage that there's no need to invest either in hardware/software or in geographic data and specialized know-how, since channels and all required data-sets are provided and supported by Talent S.A. in data-center. - By acquiring a Cruiser server and operating Cruiser channels on your own infrastructure. Talent S.A. offers services for preparing your data for Cruiser server and setting up the required channels.
How much does a channel cost?
Channel hosting is charged on a time-rent basis. The basic factors determining the monthly cost are:
- The type of the channel's background geographic terrain (level of detail and texture)
- The number of the channel's geo-coded data
- The number of the channel's visitors
What about the security of my data against illegal copying?
All data communication between Cruiser server and Cruiser clients is implemented by using proprietary data formats for all kinds of geographic data (vector, aerial, elevation) as well as descriptive data. The same formats and methods are used for storing the data in Cruiser clients' cache so that these are not readable from other applications. In the cases that even greater security levels are required, data can be encrypted with well-known cryptography algorithms so that maximum security is guaranteed.
Can channels be distributed in CD/DVD-ROM instead via the network?
Yes. A channel's data can be distributed off-line in CD/DVD-ROM so that the required network traffic is eliminated to just those portions of data which are added or altered afterwards (for example, just the new registrations in a Yellow-Pages channel, or just the newly added houses for sale in a Real Estate channel). Switching between the on-line/off-line data is automatically accomplished by Cruiser transparently to the user.
How much time does it take for a channel to be created?
It depends to the required functionality and data-sets to be prepared, varying from just one hour to a few weeks. In other words, even in just one hour from time of its order a Cruiser channel can be up and running, delivering your service!
Will anyone have access to my channel or can I restrict its use with username/password?
You choose. A channel can be defined to be accessible either anonymously from anyone, or from closed user groups through authentication.
Is it possible that the content of other channels is also displayed in my channel or vice versa, so that channel owners mutualy benefit?
Yes, if there's consensus among channel owners of the channels of concern.
I have my own geographic data-sets. Can I use these as the underlying geographic terrain of my Cruiser channel?
Of course. The land terrain and maps can be generated from scratch based on your data through suitable processing. All known geographic formats are supported (vector, raster or elevation data of various projections. In this case, the data processing is offered as an extra service which is charged on-top of the channel rental fee.
What kind of functionality can a Cruiser channel bear?
Practically, anything. A channel can define its custom functionality from scratch which is then developed in pure Java. A channel's logic becomes available to the channel's users whenever it is selected for browsing, in a totally transparent way.
Can a Cruiser application collaborate with my existing back-office system?
Yes. As mentioned above, Cruiser applications can implement any business logic and communicate with systems like CRM, ERP, or GIS to realize front-end applications which offer a combination of Cruiser's characteristics with the capabilities of these back-end systems.
Is a channel some kind of 'portal';
Exactly. A Cruiser channel can be used either as a complement of an existing web portal or as an autonomous portal.