Maps V Scripts

Map Files

A map file is a settings file that contains the rules that determine what is detected on the screen and how your Dolphin software interacts with the target application. Map files are created and modified using Hal or Supernova's training mode. The ability to improve the accessibility of specific applications using Map files has been included in Dolphin Access Tools since version 5.*

For the vast majority of off-the-shelf applications, mapping is still by far the quickest way of making an application accessible. In fact, having mapping and scripting, it is not just a simple question of using one approach or the other, you can use both if you wish - an application can use a map file as well as a script file (giving the map file the ability to call functions within the script file whenever a monitor marker fires, or a hot key or a dynamic user interface key is pressed). This gives an experienced mapper the ability to get most of an application working very quickly with a basic map file (thus saving many hundreds of lines of scripting code) and then script the more complicated bits of the application with Lua. The map file and the script file work together in tandem with the map file calling the functions it needs in the script file whenever necessary.

A unique combination for the best results

Rather than replace Mapping, the addition of Dolphin Scripting creates a unique environment that is unmatched by the competition. Dolphin's new scripting engine gives you more choice; you can completely script an application using Lua, or you can completely map the application, or (if you want to) you can combine the two for a quicker and more powerful approach. Ultimately the choice is yours!

We have a tutorial document - 'Ways to make something happen when you press a key', this document reviews the various ways you can make Dolphin Access Software do something when you press a key and discusses the advantages of each one. Please login to the Dolphin Scripting Zone to download Tutorials and other Scripting Resources.

For more information about creating Dolphin Map files, download the Map File Training Guide (5.8MB Microsoft Word document), created for version 6.

NOTE: *Until version 8, the ability to create map files was only available in Pro versions of Hal and SuperNova. Mapping, or "Training mode", is now available to all users of Hal and SuperNova alongside scripting.