Map query returns results for a feature in a shapefile that has a dbf record but no corresponding spatial feature.

[kenlord@…]

Using MapServer 4.2.0 CGI, hosted on windows 2000 IIS.

Problem occurs when querying a map with a shapefile that has a dbf record with 
no corresponding spatial feature.  Shapefiles can acquire errors like this 
through improper editing of the dbf file say in Excel, instead of performing 
edits using GIS softwares.

A query of the map returns a result for the broken feature everytime so long as 
you click within the bounding box of the shapefile. Querying a legitimate 
feature correctly returns results ... plus results for the broken feature.

It is as if querying any coordinates within a shapefile's bounding box is 
allowed to correspond to a record that really has no coordinates at all.

MapServer 3.6 does not produce this error, the problem was discovered during 
migration from 3.6 to 4.2.

The obvious solution is for the users to keep bad records out of their 
shapefiles,  but perhaps this bug report may enlighten anyone who has noticed 
and been stuck on trying to fix an occurance such as this.

Ken Lord
Vancouver BC
kenlord@gmail.com

[sdlime]

This probably belongs as part of the Wiki or more likely the FAQ, not as a bug. 
Most folks won't see it here.

Steve