Pub. 988-0154-942 www.lei-extras.
Copyright © 2007 LEI. All rights reserved. No part of this manual may be copied, reproduced, republished, transmitted, distributed, downloaded or stored in any storage medium, for any purpose, without prior written consent of LEI. Any unauthorized commercial distribution of this manual is strictly prohibited. MapCreate™ is a trademark of LEI. U.S. Points of Interest Data in this unit are by infoUSA, copyright © 2001-2007, All Rights Reserved. infoUSA is a trademark of infoUSA, Inc. U.S.
Table of Contents Section 1: Introduction............................................................. 1 Quick Start Reference.................................................................... 3 How MapCreate Works: the Basics ............................................. 6 File Formats & Functions............................................................. 7 Map Border File ........................................................................ 7 Custom Map File .......................................
Aviation Searching...................................................................... 21 Find Nearest Waypoint, Highway Exit ..................................... 21 Map Category Options Toolbar .................................................. 21 Routing..................................................................................... 22 Dynamic Pan Arrows .................................................................. 22 Pop-up Boxes ..............................................................
Creating a Waypoint ................................................................... 62 Creating an Icon .......................................................................... 64 Creating a Route ......................................................................... 66 Saving a GPS Data File .............................................................. 69 Moving GPS Data Files between Computer and Unit.......... 70 Creating a Corridor Map from a Route......................................
WARNING! A CAREFUL NAVIGATOR NEVER RELIES ON ONLY ONE METHOD TO OBTAIN POSITION INFORMATION. CAUTION When showing navigation data to a position (waypoint), a GPS unit will show the shortest, most direct path to the waypoint. It provides navigation data to the waypoint regardless of obstructions.
Section 1: Introduction How this manual can get you into the field, fast! Thanks for buying MapCreate™, the custom mapping software for Lowrance and Eagle GPS units. This manual was written using MapCreate™ version 7. Beginning with version 7, all MapCreate packages work identically, but contain different mapping data. We know you're eager to install the program and make some maps, but we have a favor to ask.
Each entry includes a summary box briefly telling what the command does and how to run it from the menu, toolbar or keyboard. Then, we've included more tips and tricks so you can take advantage of all the power and performance MapCreate offers. You can see an example of the Help file's Command Reference format in Appendix 1 at the back of this manual, on page 77. Appendix 1 contains the entry on the Help Command, which explains how to use Help.
Quick Start Reference This 13-step summary will get you started with a simple map. It assumes you have already made a full, default installation of the program, and one of the CDs is in your CD-ROM drive. (Complete installation instructions begin in Sec. 2.) For more detailed explanations, read through the lessons in Sec. 3. Before you start, make sure your LEI MMC card reader is installed and working and you know the reader's drive letter.
the process.) If you have already registered the card you are using, click OK and skip to step 11. Read the message, and then click OK to continue. 7. Another message box asks whether you want to register your current card or not. Click YES to continue the card registration process. Click Yes to register your current memory card with MapCreate. 8. You can change the label on your memory card if you prefer. Delete the default name, "Card1," and enter the new name. Click REGISTER to continue.
9. Another message box tells you when your card has been registered. Click OK to continue. Click OK to continue the create map process. 10. The Card Registry window appears again. Click DONE to save your map. Click Done to complete the registry process. NOTE: If the AUTOMATICALLY APPEND LABEL TO SAVED MAPS box is selected (see figure above), MapCreate will automatically add your card's label to the end of whatever name you give the file you are saving. Let's use the figure above as an example.
13. Follow the instructions in your GPS manual for loading the MMC or SD card into your unit. It will automatically read the map when the unit is turned on. NOTE: Custom maps and GPS data (waypoints, routes, trails, icons) are contained in two different file types. We describe their functions in the following segments on how the program works. How MapCreate Works: the Basics You'll be making maps faster if you understand the hoops MapCreate must jump through to cram a high-detail map into your GPS unit.
GPS information — such as waypoints, routes or trails — is handled differently. You can click the mouse to set a waypoint or plan a route, then save that information as a GPS Data File. Just save it directly on or copy it to the MMC and this file is ready to load into your GPS unit. When your unit makes trails or waypoints in the field, that information is also saved as a GPS Data File. Your GPS unit can save the file to the MMC, which allows you to copy the GPS Data File back into your computer.
Custom Map File This is the actual map format used by your GPS unit. MapCreate takes the borders you drew (or saved as a Map Border File), extracts that area's information from the raw atlas data, then converts it to a Custom Map File, often called a Map File for short. We call this conversion process "creating the map." The file extension is *.lcm. By default, MapCreate will first save a Map File direct to your MMC memory card. If you prefer, you can save a Map File on your computer hard drive.
Since you are limited to five, we strongly recommend that before you buy more cards, you should give some thought to the type of travel you do and your map size requirements. Memory cards come in several different sizes, so you need to think ahead and match card capacity to the type of maps you will need. To help you decide what size cards to buy, make some map borders covering the type of travel you expect. Then use the Estimate Custom Map Size command to calculate the size.
MMCs and SD cards are used in a variety of other digital devices. Most electronics or digital camera stores sell MMCs and SD cards, and at press time they are available in 16 MB, 32 MB, 64 MB, 128 MB, 256 MB and 512 MB sizes. Cards with even greater capacity will likely be available in the future. MapCreate is a powerful tool for your GPS, because it allows you to match your map's file size and detail level to your card's memory capacity and your travel needs.
The lessons in the manual were written using MapCreate's default settings, with high detail and all categories turned on. If your first maps don't fit your MMC or SD card, refer to the Help file's Command Reference section for more detailed instructions on controlling file size. GPS Data File This file format contains all the GPS navigation information (waypoints, event marker icons, routes and trails) used by your GPS unit and MapCreate. The file extension is *.usr (for User file).
The first waypoint in the following example text file is N 36.06079846º, W 95.78354912º. First wpt Last wpt Latitude Longitude Waypoint Name 36.060798, 36.060784, 36.161831, 36.162581, 36.169981, 36.382616, 36.385315, 36.503465, -95.783549, -95.761647, -95.761529, -95.753760, -95.751795, -95.556565, -95.560847, -95.561081, Comma and space separate items. Church 1 Turn North 2 Turn N-East On Hwy66 (3) Wpt 004* Wpt 005* Turn N-West 6 Turn North 7 Stop Turn East 8 In routes, sequence is important.
read cards that are FAT formatted. MMC cards formatted using FAT 32 or NTFS will not work with these products. WARNING: You should never format an MMC containing a Navionics® chart or Jeppesen® aviation database. Formatting the MMC will permanently erase the chart or aeronautical data from the card. GPS Unit Compatibility MapCreate 7 is compatible with all Lowrance and Eagle mapping GPS units that use removable MMC/SD cards for map storage.
Find Points of Interest On the computer master map, moving your pointer over a Point of Interest (POI) symbol triggers a pop-up box with the POI's name. With MapCreate 7, when the information is available, the pop-up box also displays the POI's address and telephone number. This detailed pop-up only works for items classified as Points of Interest. Map with pop-up box showing POI information In a Lowrance or Eagle GPS, all POI's include the name, address and phone number.
With these and other elements, MapCreate gives you a phenomenal amount of mapping detail and information. For a more detailed list of the map categories available in MapCreate, see Appendix 2, Map Category List, on page 81. How to use this manual: typographical conventions Most Windows-based computer programs offer several ways to perform a task, and MapCreate 7 is no exception.
Keys are sometimes used in combinations. For example, Ctrl+T means to hold down the Ctrl key while pressing the T key. The hot key sequence Alt+T|W indicates a two-step combination: hold down the Alt key while pressing the T key, release, then press the W key. "Arrow keys" is the collective name for the up arrow, down arrow, left arrow and right arrow keys. To choose a command from a menu, you can use the mouse or press a key combination.
NOTE: We strongly recommend you check the Lowrance web site, www.lowrance.com, for free downloads of updated software and instruction manuals. The high detail map data provided with this program is organized into six regions. To install MapCreate, follow the instructions in the manual. Material covered includes: New Mapping Data Topographic elevations, public hunting areas and game management units are discussed along with other new data.
Map Coverage by DVD The program's map data is provided on one DVD. If you choose to use Full Install, all of the high detail map data will be available from your hard drive. This requires 4.5 GB of space. A Custom Install lets you select only the help file, sonar viewer, and map data. The Compact Install loads your hard drive with the basic program, along with navigational aid data and a medium-detail world map. This requires approximately 300 MB of space.
Hikers and backpackers as well as hunters will appreciate the addition of intermittent streams. They are just part of the overall improved hydrography data which has better resolution and pop-up names. U.S. coastline and lakeshore detail has been dramatically improved. MapCreate also now includes USGS 1:24000 scale quadrangle map boundaries and their names, which are searchable. This makes it easier to determine what USGS topo maps you may want to purchase for your outdoor adventures.
mand, click the FIND button on the Map Navigation toolbar (it looks like a binocular). The Find Menu appears, with a dialog box for the item's name, and pull down menus for the major category and minor category to search in. For nearest searches, MapCreate begins looking from the current center of the map. When you select an item from the search results, that item will be snapped to the center of the map. When you search for a river, the map will be centered at the mouth of the river.
s24,t32n,r18e, which stands for Section 24, Township 32 North, Range 18 East. Note that capital letters are not needed and the entries are separated by commas with no spaces. Aviation Searching With your Jeppesen aviation database you can search for airports, intersections, NDBs and VORs. You can search for intersections only by Identifier. You can search for the other items by Name, Identifier or City. To find the Bartlesville, Oklahoma, VOR by City, 1.
return all of them to their defaults by clicking the new RESET CATEGORY DISPLAY SETTINGS button. We identify various land types with different colors, and you may want to temporarily turn some categories off for better viewing of some details. For example, in military reservations, the dark blue color nicely identifies the area boundaries, but blue roads don't stand out as they normally do.
Water pop-ups now show the name of the water body. Interstate highway exit pop-ups show: the exit number, an exit description (usually the name of the cross street), the mile marker and exit services located off the highway within approximately one mile from the exit. Elevations are shown in pop-ups for POIs, land features and interstate highway exits. Elevation pop-ups can also give you the elevation for points located between the displayed contour lines.
Notes 24
Section 2: Installing MapCreate 7 System Requirements: MapCreate 7 requires the following minimum system resources: • IBM® compatible PC. • Pentium® 133 MHz or faster processor. • 32 MB RAM • approximately 300 MB free hard disk space, depending on your version of the program and 4.5 GB for full install. • 256 color display. • Microsoft® Windows® 2000 or XP. The software will not work with Windows® Vista. • DVD/CD-ROM drive.
Installation Types There are three types of installations: Compact - Installs navigational aid data, the low-detail background map (Master Map) data and world-wide, medium-detail map data. Takes approximately 300 MB of free hard drive space. Custom - Only allows installation of the help file, sonar viewer and map data. Full Installs every possible option and all the mapping data. MapCreate runs fastest with this option. Caution: Be patient if you choose full install.
3. Type D:\setup.exe (where D: is the drive letter for your CD/DVD-ROM) Type the setup command directory path and file name. 4. Click OK to begin installation. NOTE: If you are using Windows 2000 or Windows XP Professional, you may receive an error message if you are not logged on with administrator privileges. If this occurs, you can complete the MapCreate installation by first logging on as an administrator, then proceeding with step 1 on page 26. 5. Follow the on-screen instructions: A.
B. Read the complete License Agreement. If you accept the agreement, click the YES button; if you do not accept, click the NO button, and MapCreate will not be installed on your computer. C. Choose a destination folder for the program. You can accept the default (recommended) or you can choose another location. Click NEXT to continue the installation.
D. Select the type of setup, and click the NEXT button to continue the installation. (See page 26 for a description of the options.) E. If you chose Custom install, select the components to install. Then click NEXT to continue.
F. With all your preferences determined, InstallShield will begin copying files. A progress window is shown. G. If needed, the install will prompt you for additional discs. When asked, insert the appropriate CD and click OK to continue the setup.
H. The Setup Status window shows the progress of the installation. I. When the program files have been copied, InstallShield Wizard will display a message that setup is complete. Click FINISH to close the wizard program. J. After the MapCreate files have been installed on your computer, you are prompted to install the MMC card reader drivers.
card reader is not plugged in yet, then click OK to continue. (If you stop the program, you can install the card reader later, but MapCreate will not run until the card reader is installed. To install later refer to the instruction sheet that came with the card reader.) K. The setup program for the USB SD/MMC Reader loads. L. When the setup program has loaded, a welcome screen is displayed. Click the NEXT button when you're ready to begin the card reader installation.
M. Read the complete License Agreement. If you accept the agreement, click YES. (If you do not accept, click NO, and the SD/MMC Reader software will not be installed on your computer, and MapCreate will not run.) N. Choose a destination folder for the SD-MMC Reader program. This is where you want the files to be located on your hard drive. You can accept the default (recommended) or choose another location. Click NEXT when you're ready to continue.
O. Select the folder where you want to place the shortcut for the SD/MMC Reader program. You can accept the default or choose another location. Click NEXT to continue the installation. P. The setup program is ready to install the SD-MMC Reader program on your computer. Click NEXT to continue.
The setup program displays the progress of the installation. Installation complete. 6. When the card reader install program is finished, the InstallShield wizard completion window appears. We strongly recommend that you restart your computer now. MapCreate and the card reader will not run until your computer restarts.
With the "restart my computer now" option selected, click FINISH. After the computer restarts and Windows has finished loading, plug the card reader into a USB port. After Windows finishes installing the card reader, it will appear as an additional drive letter in My Computer. The card reader and MapCreate are ready to use. If you are running an anti-virus program on your computer, be sure to turn it back on at this time.
Double-click MapCreate.exe to start MapCreate 7 from Windows Explorer. For more details on the many other ways to create and manipulate shortcuts, open your Windows help file and search for the word "shortcut.
Notes 38
Section 3: User's Guide Working With MapCreate Starting MapCreate If you installed the Compact version of MapCreate, make sure the DVD/CD-ROM for the area you intend to use is in the DVD/CD-ROM drive. Otherwise, you can insert any MapCreate DVD. (Remember, even if you installed the Full version, a disc must be in the drive each time you start the program. This is one of MapCreate's copy protection features.
MapCreate 7 splash screen appears while program is loading. Once it's finished loading, you'll see a screen that looks like this, with a map of the world and the Map Categories window open: MapCreate 7opening screen. MapCreate has several other windows that are used to control mapping data.
Zoom Out Zoom In Status bar MapCreate 7 GPS text list windows. You can drag the borders of these windows to resize them to suit your viewing preferences. The windows can also be manually arranged around the screen, or you can just use the default Auto Arrange setting, under the Window menu. When you close the program, MapCreate remembers the windows and map you were using. The next time you start MapCreate, the program opens the previous map and windows, just as you left them.
Files for your GPS. You can close the other list windows if you're not using them. (You can always open them later when you need them. Click VIEW and then click the window name.) This allows you to see as much of the Master Map as possible on your computer screen. To close the other windows, click the X CLOSE WINDOW button in the top right corner of each window frame. You cannot close the Master Map window.
Selected Symbol Tip Box Pop-up Tool Tip box. When the cross-hair pointer hovers over the visible wreck symbol, a red border surrounds the symbol and the tip box appears. This wrecked vessel is the "Three Brothers." Main Menu MapCreate's main menu is similar to that of other Windows programs. It consists of the File, Edit, View, Insert, Tools, Window and Help menus. You can click with a mouse or use the hot keys to access the menus and their submenus.
2. To view a toolbar click the box beside the name of the toolbar you want to display. A check mark appears, and the toolbar is displayed on your screen. 3. To remove a toolbar click the check box beside the name of the toolbar you wish to close. The check mark disappears, and the toolbar is removed from your screen. 4. Repeat the procedure for each toolbar you wish to display or remove. At left, the Create Map (Advanced) toolbar is checked, so it is active, or visible.
Draw Map Borders: draws map borders as green rectangles. Draw Corridor Map Borders: draws irregularly-shaped magenta corridor borders. Useful for areas that don't fit neatly into rectangle borders, or for making strip maps that follow cross-country routes. Delete Map Border: clicking anywhere on a green map border or repeatedly clicking the handle boxes of a magenta map border with this tool removes the border from your map. Clear Map Border: lets you clear or erase all map borders displayed on the map.
Open Map: opens a map saved to disk. Save All: saves a map border file and then a GPS data file, when both types of information are displayed on the Master Map. Print Master Map: prints the current Master Map window display, including any GPS information shown on the map. GPS Data toolbar Create Waypoints: lets you set a waypoint on the Master Map. Create Route: lets you create a route on the Master Map, with waypoints in a sequence. Create Icons: Lets you set an icon on the Master Map.
Undo: lets you reverse a command or function you have executed. Redo: lets you re-run a command or function you had previously reversed using the Undo command. Delete: erases a selected item from a waypoint list, route waypoint list or icon list. Map Navigation toolbar Center Map: clicking with your mouse anywhere on your map puts the point you clicked on at the center of the screen. Full Map: displays the map at the original default zoom setting.
Move Up: click this to see additional area at the top of the map (i.e., a given point will shift down, bringing into view an area that was previously off the map at the top.) Move Down: click this to see additional area at the bottom of the map (i.e., a given point will shift up, bringing into view an area that was previously off the map at the bottom.) Map Category Options Window This window controls how much mapping detail is displayed in the Master Map.
Tip: Another command that works with category options to determine detail is the Detail Level Used option, under the VIEW|VIEW MAP DISPLAY OPTIONS menu. (You don't need to make any changes there now, but after a little practice you'll want to see the entry View Map Display Options in the Help file's Command Reference for how this works.) Waypoint List Window This window shows the waypoints on the Master Map in a text list format. The symbol, name, latitude, longitude, date created and number are listed.
The route name can be edited in the window. To change the name: 1. Click on the name to highlight it. 2. Pause a moment; then click the name again (This is not a regular double-click.). 3. Type a new name and press ENTER. The waypoints in a route can be edited. Double-click the route name and you'll open the Route Waypoint List Window, which we describe next. Route List Window Route Waypoint List Window (This is not shown when the program starts for the first time; a route must be created first.
Route Waypoint List Window Trail List Window This window uses a text list format to show trails (imported from your GPS) that are displayed on the Master Map. The name, number of points in the trail, origin (starting point's latitude and longitude) and trail number are listed. To open this window click VIEW|TRAIL LIST. The trail name can be edited in the window. To change the name: 1. Click on the name to highlight it. 2. Pause a moment; then click the name again. (This is not a regular double-click.) 3.
Moving Around the Master Map Pan Arrows You can move around the Master Map display by clicking the Pan Arrow buttons, which appear at the north, south, east and west sides of the Master Map. For example, click the RIGHT PAN ARROW on the east side of the window to pan or move the Master Map to the left. Clicking on the Right Arrow reveals a portion of the map previously out of sight to the right of the screen. The other three arrows work the same way.
Zoom Box Cross-hair At left, the zoom area pointer was used to drag a selection box around the word "Chicago." When the mouse button was released, the map jumped to a tighter, zoomed-in view of Chicago. (These figures show only the center portion of the Master Map.) You can find the exact zoom range in miles by checking the Zoom Range Window (see page 54 for more information). NOTE: The Zoom Area button can only zoom in on a map. To zoom back out, use the Zoom Out button or the Z-Out button (see below).
2. Click the ZOOM OUT or the Z-OUT button to shrink the map toward the center. Zoom Range Window The current zoom range shows in the Zoom Range Window next to the Z-In button (see previous figure). The Zoom Range Window is the third common zoom tool. You can use this window in at least two ways: 1. Click the down arrow at the right of the box, and click on a preset range. 2. Click inside the box, type the desired range number and press ENTER.
5. Click and hold down the mouse button. While holding down the button, drag the pointer diagonally, down and to the right. A green border box appears. The size of the border box changes as you move your mouse. Handle Box Mouse Pointer Map Border shown in green on screen. Click and drag to draw a Map Border around Corpus Christi Bay area. 6. When the green border surrounds the desired area, release the mouse button. 7. To stop the command, click the CENTER MAP button or the ZOOM AREA button .
Click the OK button to clear the size message box from your screen. Saving a Map Border File (Optional) MapCreate 7 gives you the option of saving your border as a Map Border File. Saving a Map Border file is not necessary because you can create a map without saving the border, and you can even extract borders from finished Map Files. However, this option is useful if you like to tinker with your map borders, and you don't want to start over each time you want to change a border.
Open Map Border File dialog box. With the border displayed on the Master Map screen, you're ready to process it into a map your GPS unit can use. If so, you can jump ahead to "Creating and Saving a Custom Map," on page 60. MapCreate can also draw a polygon-shaped border useful for following an irregularly shaped route, lake or other geographic feature. These corridor maps are made with the Draw Corridor Map Borders command, and we tell you how in the next lesson.
Point 1 Point 2 Point 3 Finished Corridor Map Corridor with first and second anchor points set, left. Add a second segment to the corridor with a third point, right. 7. Now move the mouse pointer off at an angle, in the new direction needed to follow the irregular terrain. You'll see that the active corridor border box now rotates around the last anchor point you set. This lets you move off in any direction, with the new segment of the corridor attached to the previous segments.
9. Click the right mouse button to stop drawing the corridor map. To close the map borders command, click the CENTER MAP button or the ZOOM AREA button. NOTE: Corridor width is adjustable. The default is 12 miles wide, and the setting reverts to the default each time MapCreate starts. Minimum width is approximately six miles and maximum width is approximately 400 miles. To adjust corridor width, click VIEW|MAP DISPLAY OPTIONS and click the MAP BORDERS tab.
Creating and Saving a Custom Map Once you have a Map Border, MapCreate can use it to make a Custom Map File for your Lowrance or Eagle GPS unit. Before you can proceed, however, your MMC or SD card must be registered with MapCreate. This is a one-time step for each of the five cards you are allowed to use with MapCreate. This card registry is a security requirement described in greater detail on page 8.
Building Map Progress dialog box. 4. When the map has been built, the Save As dialog box appears. Note that the file size of the map is shown in the title bar and in the status bar at the lower left corner of the MapCreate screen. In the example below, the size is approximately 1.94 MB. Type a name in the FILE NAME text box and click SAVE. Save As dialog box showing map size in title bar Congratulations, you've made your first Map File! Your map was placed directly on your MMC or Secure Digital card.
on this, refer to the MMC format note on page 12 or the instruction sheet that came with the card reader. Refer to your GPS unit's manual for instructions on inserting the MMC. When the GPS unit is turned on, it will automatically display your MapCreate custom map. Now you're ready to hit the road, but if you'd like to add a little GPS navigation information to your unit, read the following lessons. Creating a Waypoint Waypoints are the building blocks of GPS navigation.
Create a waypoint: First, find the location on the Master Map. The longer arrow shows the location of a public hunting area parking lot. Move the pointer arrow tip over the location (left) and click to create the waypoint. The waypoint appears (right) with the default waypoint symbol and name, both of which can be changed. These figures were taken from a zoom range of 4.05 miles.
• There are other ways to delete waypoints, and you can also change the symbol, name and location. For instructions on these functions, along with other tips, see Create Waypoint, Delete Waypoint, Insert Waypoint and Edit Waypoint in the Help file's Command Reference section. If this is all the GPS information you need for now, skip ahead to the lesson "Saving a GPS Data File" on page 69. Remember, to get the waypoints you just made into your GPS unit, they must be saved in a GPS Data File.
Create an icon: First, find the location on the Master Map. The bottom arrow shows the location of a public boat ramp on this river. Move the pointer arrow tip over the location (left) and click to create the icon. The icon appears (right) with the default waypoint symbol but no name. To change this symbol to the boat ramp symbol, see Edit Icon in the Help file's Command Reference. 5. Relocate your mouse pointer and click to create additional icons as needed. 6.
• There are other ways to delete icons, and you can also change the symbol and location. For instructions on these functions, along with other tips, see Create Icon, Delete Icon, Insert Icon and Edit Icon in the Help file's Command Reference section. If you don't want to plan a route this trip, skip ahead to the lesson "Saving a GPS Data File" on page 69. But don't forget, planning a route is one of MapCreate's coolest capabilities. If you're ready for some real navigating with routes, read on.
Tip: As you move along your intended course, you may need to pan the Master Map and periodically zoom in and out to see where to place route waypoints, and where you are going next. The pan and zoom buttons will always work, even when the CREATE ROUTE command is active. This way, you don't have to turn off Create Route just to move the map. 3. Click the CREATE ROUTE button on the GPS Data Toolbar. Your mouse pointer becomes an arrow with a route symbol , two waypoints connected by a magenta route line. 4.
Finished route with six waypoints. Notice the straight line-of-sight line connecting the waypoints that make up the route. The route segment from one waypoint to another is called a leg; this route has five legs. Waypoints 3 and 4 are near oil drilling platforms and waypoint 5 is near a visible wreck. Tips: • Routes can be edited in many ways, but those steps involve several other commands that we will discuss only in the Help file's Command Reference section.
Now that you've created all the GPS information you want, you need to prepare it for use in your GPS unit. We'll do that in the next lesson, "Saving a GPS Data File." Saving a GPS Data File GPS Data Files (sometimes called "user files") can contain any combination of GPS information, including waypoints, event marker icons, routes and trails. MapCreate and your GPS unit store all their GPS data in this same file format. This makes it easy to move GPS data back and forth between MapCreate and your GPS unit.
You can now start another GPS Data File (click the NEW GPS DATA FILE button) or you can close MapCreate and return another day. To open this or another GPS Data File later on, just click the OPEN GPS DATA FILE button and select the file name (and its location) from the list, then click OPEN. Open GPS Data File dialog box. Moving GPS Data Files between Computer and Unit With that GPS Data File copied to the MMC, you're ready to load the file into your GPS unit.
manual to save a trail from your travels, and save the trail in a GPS Data File. Open the data file in MapCreate, then refer to the lesson "Creating a Route from a Trail" on page 73. Creating a Corridor Map from a Route MapCreate can use a route you've made to automatically create a corridor map border. Using the Draw Borders Around Route command is fast, and it helps control the size of your Custom Map. Here's how it works: 1. Create a route or open a GPS Data file containing a route.
Route from Dallas to Corpus Christi, Texas (left) and the corridor map created automatically from the route (right). You can save this as a Map Border File and then create a Map File, or create a Map File without saving the border. (Click the SAVE MAP BORDER button, on the FILE toolbar, and then click the CREATE MAP button.) Tip: You can control the width of any corridor map. Click VIEW|MAP DISand the Map Display Options dialog box appears.
Corridor Width slider bar Map Borders tab in the Map Display Options dialog box. Drag the Corridor Width slider bar to the left to narrow corridor width. Drag the slider bar to the right to widen corridor width. Creating a Route from a Trail A trail is a line drawn on the map by your GPS unit as you travel. It's a record of the path you've taken, showing where you've been. This feature is also called a plot trail.
trail. Once the trail information has been processed, the remainder of the data file will open very quickly. GPS Data File open progress box. This example shows a portion of Trail 2, recorded during a business trip from Afton, Oklahoma to Kansas City, Missouri. The trail appears as a green line on the Master Map. It follows Interstate 44 to Carthage, Missouri, then Highway 71 north toward Kansas City. For easier viewing, roads, highways and other features have been turned off. 2.
Plot Trail. Shown in green on MapCreate screen. The Create Route From Trail pop-up menu appears when you rightclick a trail name in the Trail List Window. Notice the absence of waypoints along the trail. MapCreate converts the green trail line into a magenta route line with red waypoints. It does this by transforming thousands of position points in this trail to 25 route waypoints. See the illustration below, showing the trail and route before and after the command is performed.
Notes 76
Appendix 1: MapCreate Command List Complete documentation on all MapCreate commands is available in the program's Help File. To access Help and its Command Reference section, press F1. An example entry from the Command Reference (for the Help Command) appears at the end of this command list.
Notes 78
Help Topics Command Menu: HELP Submenu: n/a Menu Command: HELP TOPICS Menu Command Sequence: HELP|HELP TOPICS Hot Key Sequence: Alt+H|H Shortcut Key(s): F1 Toolbar button: n/a The Help Topics command opens the on-line Help system in your default web browser. Our help information is in HTML format, but it runs from the CD or your hard drive, not from the Internet.
3. In the FIND WHAT: box, type the term, phrase or command you are looking for, adjust any options such as up or down, then click FIND NEXT. Search a Help document for the term "map border." Netscape 6 browser: 1. Click somewhere on the help page you intend to search. This makes sure your browser will search the correct page. 2. Click SEARCH|FIND IN THIS PAGE or use the shortcut keys Ctrl+F to begin your search. Use Netscape's Find command to search Help documents. 3.
Appendix 2: Map Category List This list contains the different categories of mapping information available in MapCreate 7. These categories and their subcategories can be turned off or on. Only those categories turned on (displayed in the Master Map) will be included in Custom Map Files for your GPS unit. See Appendix 3 for symbols used to represent these items. POI stands for Point of Interest. U.S. and Canadian category groupings are listed here.
Steak Houses Public Lands National Forests National Park Service Park Symbols Railroads Roads Major City Major City Names Minor City Names Minor City Rural Names Rural Attractions Auto Parts/Service Banks/Financial Bars/Nightclubs Entertainment Fishing/Hunting Food Stores Gasoline Government Marine Services Medical Service Museums/Zoos Postal Service Places of Worship RV Parks/Services Shopping Sporting Goods/Wear Sports Transportation Universities/Schools State/Province Boundaries Names Water Canals/Stre
Points Of Interest Airports Auto Parts/Service Banks Bars/Nightclubs Entertainment Fishing/Hunting Food Stores Gasoline Government Hardware Libraries Lodging Marine Services Medical Service Museums/Zoos Postal Services Restaurants RV Parks/Services Shopping Sporting Goods/Wears Sports Tours Transportation Universities/School County/Parish Boundaries Highway Exits Exits Information Centers Parking Areas Picnic Areas Rest Areas Scenic Areas Service Areas Toll Plazas Welcome Centers Weigh Stations Highways US
Water Canals/Streams Canals/Stream Names Lake/Rivers Lake/River Names Ocean/Seas Ocean/Sea Names Other Names Wrecks & Obstructions 84
Appendix 3: MapCreate 7 Symbol Key MapCreate 7 contains hundreds of mapping symbols used to represent items ranging from geographic features to commercial Points of Interest (POI). The following list displays these symbols and the name of the item the symbol represents. Interstate Highway Highway Exit with Scenic Area U.S.
Shopping Center White or Unidentified Lighted Buoy (Navaid) Summit Green Unlighted Buoy (Navaid) Tower Red Unlighted Buoy (Navaid) Trail Name White or Unidentified Unlighted Buoy (Navaid) City, Community, or Subdivision Name Light (Navaid) Land Feature Name Nautical Chart Note Water Feature Name Platform (Navaid) Miscellaneous Landmark Name Radiobeacon (Navaid) Square Green Daybeacon (Navaid) Awash or Visible Obstruction Awash Rock Square White or Unidentified Daybeacon (Navaid) Covered Roc
Amusement Place, Billiards or Casino (POI) Ice Cream Parlor (POI) Pizza (POI) College or University (POI) Fishing-Related (POI) Hall or Auditorium (POI) Lodging (POI) Hospital (POI) Camp or Campground (POI) Medical Service (POI) RV Park or RV Service (POI) Miscellaneous Attraction (POI) Marina (POI) Museum or Historical Place (POI) Boating Dealer or Service (POI) Post Office Boat Equipment & Supplies (POI) Tourist Attraction or Tour (POI) Gas Station (POI) Zoo (POI) Auto Parts or Service
Financial Service (POI) Pharmacy (POI) Bowling Center (POI) Hardware Store (POI) Swimming Pool (POI) Sporting Goods or Sportswear (POI) Railroad (POI) Golf-Related (POI) Recreation Center, Stadium, or Other Sports-Related (POI) Park or Park Office (POI) Synagogue (POI) Taxi (POI) Church (POI) Bus Line (POI) Police or Sheriff (POI) Auto Rental or Lease (POI) Bar or Club (POI) Live Theater (POI) Hunting-Related (POI) Car Wash (POI) 88
Appendix 4: Considerations When Planning Highway Routes Tips on Making Better Routes for Highway Navigation How you make a highway route depends on your type of travel and whether you prefer to use the GPS unit's compass rose screen, the map screen or both for navigation. These factors determine how many route waypoints to use, and where you place them. A simple, straight-legged route by water or by air is easy to make, as is a route following a square grid of city streets.
The amazing capabilities of GPS navigation can tempt first-time users to build highly detailed highway routes. These "high res" routes are fun to use, but they have some drawbacks. They require placing a route waypoint at practically every curve in the road. This takes a relatively large number of waypoints for the distance traveled. A large set of waypoints close together can give your Custom Map a cluttered look. If the route is very long, it takes more time for you to make it in MapCreate.
For example, you could be traveling toward a destination to the south, but following a highway curve around a mountain. As you take the curve to your right, your car will actually be pointing west as you follow the pavement. However, the compass rose is accurately pointing to that next southern waypoint, now 90 degrees off to your left. If you were depending only on the compass rose at that moment, it might look like you were off course.
Notes 92
Index A I Accessories, 9 Airspace, 87, 88 Alarms, 91, 93 Appendices 1, MapCreate Command List, 73 2, Map Category List, 77 3, MapCreate 7 Symbol Key, 81 4, Displaying Specialty Maps, 85 5, Considerations When Planning Highway Routes, 91 Arrival Alarm, 91 Icons, 6, 11, 13, 37, 40, 44, 45, 47, 51, 61, 62, 63, 66, 73 Creating, 61 Installation, 1, 15, 25, 26, 35 Sec. 2, Installation, 25 Introduction Sec.
Searching, 13, 14, 74, 75, 86, 87 Addresses, 14 Highway Exits, 13 POIs, 13 Streets, 14 Specialty Maps, 13, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89 System Requirements, 25 82, 83, 84 Position Format, 11 R Route, 6, 11, 12, 16, 40, 43, 44, 45, 47, 48, 49, 55, 60, 61, 63, 64, 65, 66, 68, 69, 71, 72, 73, 85, 91, 92, 93 Create, 63, 68, 70 Delete, 66 Runways, 77, 78, 88 T Trail, 6, 10, 11, 16, 49, 66, 68, 70, 71, 72, 73, 77, 79, 82 Convert to Route, 68, 70 Transfer Custom Maps, 68 GPS Data Files, 68 S Save Map Border File, 43, 54
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