Hello! I'm ippuku_time, a GIS implementation support consultant.
This is the 24th installment of the "5-Minute Guide to SuperMap iDesktopX" series. In the previous installment, we explored performance optimization to make 3D maps run smoothly. This time, we'll open the door to the world of custom development, which allows you to evolve iDesktopX into a GIS platform that perfectly fits your business needs—rather than simply using it as off-the-shelf software.
1. Why Custom Development?
Although iDesktopX is a highly capable GIS platform, it may not fully meet every organization's unique requirement. Custom development helps address challenges such as:
(1) Full automation of routine tasks
Create dedicated tools to automate organization-specific workflows, such as daily data validation, conversion, or batch processing.
(2) Specialized functionality
Add industry-specific calculation and analysis functions (e.g., for real estate, forestry, or electric utilities) that go beyond standard features.
(3) Integration with other systems
Seamlessly connect GIS with internal business systems and databases to enable smoother data flows.
(4) Simplified user interface
Design a streamlined interface that includes only the necessary functions, making it easy to use for non-GIS professionals.
Figure: Custom development enables the creation of original tools and user interfaces based on GIS software
2. iDesktopX Customization Approaches
iDesktopX provides multiple customization options depending on your skill level and development goals.
(1) UI customization (no coding required)
Many UI elements in iDesktopX—such as the ribbon menu, toolbars, and right-click menus—are defined in XML configuration files. By editing these (*.config) files with a text editor, you can customize the UI without programming knowledge.
You can:
① Show or hide buttons
② Change button layout and order
③ Create new tabs or groups
This makes it easy to build a clean, task-oriented interface that even beginners can use comfortably.
(2) Function extension (with coding)
For adding new capabilities, iDesktopX supports add-in development using two main languages:
① Java
As the core language of iDesktopX, Java is ideal for advanced add-ins that require complex processing, custom UI panels, or deep integration with SuperMap iObjects.
② Python
Widely used in automation and data science, Python is perfect for data processing, spatial analysis, and rapid tool development. iDesktopX also includes a built-in Python IDE, making development even more convenient.
3. The Appeal of Python-Based Secondary Development
Python is especially attractive for GIS users:
(1) Built-in Python IDE
iDesktopX includes an integrated environment for writing, running, and debugging Python code—no external tools required.
(2) Creating custom tools
Python scripts can be registered as tools in the Toolbox, just like standard iDesktopX tools. These custom tools:
① Can be executed directly from the Toolbox
② Can be integrated into process automation models (introduced in Part 17)
③ Can be assigned to ribbon buttons for one-click execution
This greatly expands how GIS can be used across an organization.
Summary
In this installment, we showed that SuperMap iDesktopX is not just off-the-shelf GIS software, but a flexible development platform that evolves with user needs. From simple UI customization via configuration files to full-scale feature extensions using Java or Python, iDesktopX supports all levels of customization—helping transform a general-purpose GIS into a powerful, task-specific solution.
In the next and final installment, Part 25: "Drawing Operational Command Diagrams! 2D/3D Dynamic Plots," we'll introduce situation diagram creation using specialized symbols for fields such as defense, emergency management, and public safety. Stay tuned!
For source and sample code: https://supermap-japan.blogspot.com/2025/09/25idesktopx.html
