Why isn the map file in XML format?
This topic has surfaced a few times on the mailing list, here are some threads. My own recollection is that an XML map file would make MapServer more complex for little benefit, and that other functionality is higher up on the wish list. But if you think you know why the map file should be XML, you can always have another try convincing people. • http://n2.nabble.com/XML-Mapfiles…-are-we-looking-to-far–td1997366.html#a1997366 • http://trac.osgeo.org/mapserver/ticket/266 Comment: Many people who know enough about XML to make a convincing argument also have the skills needed to change the Mapserver code to add the feature. Instead of trying to convince others you can do it yourself, find a programmer who wants to help, or pay a programmer. Or start by breaking up the code into relevant fragments so others can code part of it while you’re working in one corner. A programmer could make MapServer recognize an XML map file in addition to the current map file format, so XML can be used by