CartaLinx is used to create coverages, consisting of the spatial definitions of features in vector format, and associated attribute values files. These data are then typically exported to a GIS.
CartaLinx accepts data from a variety of sources, including the use of a mouse as a coordinate input device, CoGo bearing and distance measurements, and any GPS device capable of outputting NMEA1 format data records over an RS-232C cable connection. Over 300 digitizing tablets are also supported through the Virtual Tablet Interface™, sold separately.
- automatically building vector topology (connectivity between nodes, arcs and polygons)
- automated generation of polygons and assignment of ID's by means of polygon locators (label points)
- insertion, deletion or movement of nodes, arcs or arc vertices
- real-time projection/datum transformation of digitizer and GPS input data to meet mapping reference system specifications
- feature filtering and extraction to new spatial databases based on feature attributes (filter) or location (clip)

- relational database query support, producing custom maps based on specific feature attributes
- support for mathematical modeling, creating new derivative data fields using mathematical operations on existing fields
- interactive feature inquiry, instantly displaying attribute data for any feature by simply clicking on that feature
- real-time route monitoring using GPS with an image backdrop
- text placement with scale-sensitive sizing

- ArcView, ArcInfo, Autodesk World, MapInfo and IDRISI
- Access and xBase database files
- reads US Spatial Data Transfer Standard (SDTS), Digital Line Graph (DLG) vector profile data files, and selected Ordnance Survey (UK) NTF 2.0 formats
- georeferenced raster bitmaps supported in IDRISI, BMP, TIF, DRG, JPG, TGA, CLP, PNG, DCX, PCX and WMF formats
- full geodetic projection and datum transformation -- over 400 reference systems supplied including all US UTM and State Plane zones

- Pentium-based PC (Pentium III or higher recommended) running Windows NT, 2000, XP, 95 or 98/ME
- Minimum display of 800 x 600
- 16 MB RAM (32 or greater is recommended)
- 15 MB hard disk space
- CD-ROM for installation
- Mouse