We also use OpenStreetMap as our map database for the project, so any wheelchair users who like OSM will enjoy participating that little bit more.

I like how you picked a specific detail/user-interest to map, wheelchair accessibility, due to the area being well mapped already. I was wondering how I would teach someone if I’ve mapped everything already.

On the usability testing, had the previous group done any surveying themselves? I imagine this makes some difference, at least physiological.

Manifold crashes after over three hours when opening an ERDAS .img file that takes under a minute in ArcGIS. The CUDA technology seemed like a winner but you can’t process what you can’t load. I am not impressed, especially as there is no refund option for the universal edition. Having downloaded the software I do not even have a $625 ‘coaster’ to show for the effort.

It seems that litigation is not the only problem for Manifold.

In your analysis you omitted to mention the ongoing patent infringement litigation by UniLoc Inc. against Manifold.net for the latter’s supposed use of algorithms in its software licensing technology, that are patented by Uniloc.

The move of Manifold.net to the jurisdiction of Hong Kong and its change of name to Manifold Software Limited is explainable in the context of this litigation as a damage limitation exercise It may also be to prevent disclosure in public court information about the owners of the business, its financial backers and organisation.

It is speculation, but a cease and desist order taken out by Uniloc to prevent sale of next- generation software by Manifold Software Ltd/ Manifold.net would go a long way to explaining why no new version of Manifold System has yet been released. However, there are probably also a host of other alternative and additional possible reasons for this.

Sadly, a lot of the current situation was predictable and some was predicted.

V.