Develop components...

Yes you can modify, change and create extra components. I try here to guide you into the right direction.

Setup your flash environment.

First you need to download the source code using the SVN software decribed here.

Inside the source code folders you should find two .mxp files. The one you find on the download area of this website called ''FlashLibrary\MapComponentsV5\mxp\map_extention.mxp" the other one called "map_noclasses.mxp". It's important to uninstalled the "map_extention.mxp" and install the "map_noclasses.mxp". You don't want the classes beeing installed as macromedia might get confused wich onces to use.

Next step is to point to the classes from macromedia flash. Simply go to the edit-properties inside the flash. Then click on "Action Script" on the left. Press the button "action script 2.0 settings" and add a path towards the "MapComponentsV5" folder example: "E:\FlashLibrary\MapComponentsV5"

Flash should be ready now. I test this usualy by creating a new movieclip and add the following code in the first frame.

var my_conn = new classes.eu.eea.map.IMSConnector;
my_conn.debug = true;
my_conn.open("geonode.eea.eu.int","eper_europe")
my_conn.processImage();

When you compile this you should see a lot of debug information popup inside the debug window. You have a problem if this is not the case...

Change and test a component.

All code can be found under the "MapComponentsV5/classes" or open the project file "MapComponents.flp" it should give you easy access.

The "components.fla" has all components in none compiled state but testing inside this flash file might be slow and not very pleasant. Simply create a new flash file and drag the components you want to alter from the "components.fla" file into your new flash file.

Why not use the components from the "components"-area? These once are compiled and therefore will not work on the altered code until you have exported them. Using the components from the "components.fla" ensures you can compile and see the change instandly.

You can combine compiled and none compiled components this will make the testing faster.

How to export the altered components.

Once ready to do following steps to get it exported.

1) Open the library (Ctrl-L)
2) Right click on the component you like the export and select "Export SWC"
3) Save the new component under the SWC folder.
4) Open the "map_noclasses.mxi" in a notepad and change the version number.
5) Save and close the "map_noclasses.mxi" file.
6) Open the "Macro Media Extention Manager" program
7) Select File->Package Extention and select the "map_noclasses.mxi" file.
8) Choose a new name or overwrite the "map_noclasses.mxp"
9) Close Macromedia flash and uninstall the map components
10) Reinstall your new version and make a test.

Building your own component.

This I learned from using the help inside Flash Macromedia under "Build your first component". I suggest you learn first how you create a class and then try to create a component if this is your first time in Flash Macromedia.

Flash components are a little harder to start with but I promise you that you win time after all!!!

Testing/debug inside flash.

ahhh this is the bad part of Flash as it has no good debug environment. What I do the most is using trace("") tags inside the code. The trace() will go into the debug window and help you understand what is going on if you place them well.