# MapBasic

> programming language

**Wikidata**: [Q6753717](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6753717)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MapBasic)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mapbasic

## Summary
MapBasic is a programming language developed by Pitney Bowes, primarily used for geographic information systems (GIS). It is designed to communicate instructions to machines, particularly for GIS development and data visualization tasks.

## Key Facts
- **Primary use**: Geographic information system (GIS) development and data visualization.
- **Developer**: Pitney Bowes.
- **Website**: [http://www.pb.com/software/Data-Visualization-and-Reporting/GIS-development-tools/MapBasic.shtml](http://www.pb.com/software/Data-Visualization-and-Reporting/GIS-development-tools/MapBasic.shtml).
- **File formats**: Supports MapInfo MapBasic tabular DataBase for both reading and writing.
- **Classification**: Instance of both software and programming language.
- **Library of Congress ID**: sh96009466 (qualified as "MapBasic (Computer program language)").
- **Wikipedia presence**: Available in English, French, and Serbian.

## FAQs
### Q: What is MapBasic used for?
A: MapBasic is primarily used for geographic information system (GIS) development and data visualization tasks.

### Q: Who developed MapBasic?
A: MapBasic was developed by Pitney Bowes.

### Q: What file formats does MapBasic support?
A: MapBasic supports MapInfo MapBasic tabular DataBase for both reading and writing files.

### Q: Is MapBasic available for free?
A: The provided source material does not specify whether MapBasic is free or proprietary.

### Q: Where can I find more information about MapBasic?
A: More information can be found on Pitney Bowes' official website: [http://www.pb.com/software/Data-Visualization-and-Reporting/GIS-development-tools/MapBasic.shtml](http://www.pb.com/software/Data-Visualization-and-Reporting/GIS-development-tools/MapBasic.shtml).

## Why It Matters
MapBasic plays a crucial role in the field of geographic information systems (GIS) by providing a specialized programming language for GIS development and data visualization. Its integration with MapInfo MapBasic tabular DataBase ensures compatibility with existing GIS workflows. Developed by Pitney Bowes, MapBasic is a tool designed to streamline GIS tasks, making it an essential resource for professionals in the field. Its ability to support both reading and writing of MapInfo MapBasic tabular DataBase files further enhances its utility in GIS applications.

## Notable For
- **GIS-focused programming**: MapBasic is specifically designed for GIS development, distinguishing it from general-purpose programming languages.
- **Integration with MapInfo**: Its support for MapInfo MapBasic tabular DataBase files ensures seamless integration with existing GIS tools.
- **Developed by Pitney Bowes**: The association with Pitney Bowes highlights its role in enterprise-level GIS solutions.
- **Library of Congress recognition**: The Library of Congress ID (sh96009466) underscores its formal recognition in the field of computer programming languages.
- **Multilingual Wikipedia presence**: The availability of MapBasic's Wikipedia page in English, French, and Serbian indicates its global relevance and adoption.

## Body
### Overview
MapBasic is a programming language developed by Pitney Bowes, primarily used for geographic information system (GIS) development and data visualization. It is designed to communicate instructions to machines, particularly for GIS tasks.

### Development and Availability
- **Developer**: Pitney Bowes.
- **Website**: [http://www.pb.com/software/Data-Visualization-and-Reporting/GIS-development-tools/MapBasic.shtml](http://www.pb.com/software/Data-Visualization-and-Reporting/GIS-development-tools/MapBasic.shtml).
- **Wikipedia presence**: Available in English, French, and Serbian.

### Technical Specifications
- **File formats**: Supports MapInfo MapBasic tabular DataBase for both reading and writing.
- **Classification**: Instance of both software and programming language.

### Recognition and Identification
- **Library of Congress ID**: sh96009466 (qualified as "MapBasic (Computer program language)").
- **National Library of Israel ID**: 987007566258405171.
- **Microsoft Academic ID (discontinued)**: 2781383865.

### Usage and Applications
- **Primary use**: GIS development and data visualization.
- **Integration**: Works with MapInfo MapBasic tabular DataBase files, ensuring compatibility with existing GIS workflows.

## References

1. [Library of Congress Name Authority File](https://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh96009466.html)
2. [Source](https://github.com/JohnMarkOckerbloom/ftl/blob/master/data/wikimap)
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File