Version 4.1 This part of the documentation is dedicated to the use of eMapZone in its main functionality, and does not include those concerning the GPS. For a detailed presentation of GPS features (included map list, other software's import/export and GPS real time position): eMapZoneHelpGPS Note : eMapZone offers a lot of services even without the use of a GPS. Any map can be used.
This software allows to prepare itineraries on a scanned map An itinerary is made of points entered with the mouse Altitude of each point can be set, in order to obtain elevation values, elevation curve, 3D distance (taking the slopes into account) etc. Each point can, optionally, receive a name, a comment and a picture Standalone beacons can be entered (waypoints) Entire itinerary can receive notes (route notes) Map with the itinerary and elevation curve can be printed (at a given scale) or exported A "road book" can be generated in the HTML format (and can be visualised or printed with your favourite browser) Itineraries can be exchanged with other users without exchanging the map file Data can be sent of received with a Garmin or Magellan GPS receiver The real time position given by a Garmin GPS can be used for a real time navigation and recording
Installation Installation program Launch the executable corresponding to installation program and follow the installation wizard. The software itself is installed in "Program Files" and document Example.cst (cst is the file extension used by eMapZone) and its map Example.jpg are installed in the folders : - c:\My Documents\eMapZone under Windows 95 / 98 - c:\Winnt\Profiles\\Personal\eMapZone under Windows NT Files with .CST extension are registered as "eMapZone document" after the installation. Just double-click on a CST file to open the document.
Working directory Shortcuts created by the installation program (on the desktop and in the start menu) have their working directory specified with the location used by the example (My Documents\eMapZone). It can be changed by asking the shortcut properties and modifying the field "Start In".
By-hand installation eMapZone is just one executable; it can be installed or moved very easily :
Move "eMapZone.exe" in any directory Launch "eMapZone.exe" Go in the "Options" menu and click "Register File Extension For Explorer"
This will associate "CST" file extension to the eMapZone software.
Using eMapZone Page 1 / 24
Scan a map First of all, the map must be scanned with any scanner. A 150 dpi resolution can be enough, 200 dpi is more comfortable, but the software can accept big pictures such as 4000x4000 pixels! Here is a simple map with a GPS grid (UTM format, which is not mandatory) :
Launch eMapZone and select the map Launch eMapZone, click the Map... button contained in the Route tab. BMP, JPG and GIF formats are accepted, but the JPG format gives the best results for a reasonable file size. Picture is shown in the workspace, with a default scale (the referential, in red). Document can be saved now with the menu File, Save (or simply hit Ctrl+S). A file name is asked the first time. The document is a CST extension file, which does not contain the picture, but only the information added to it. The image file must be present with the CST file (if it is not, the route is accessible but without the map). The file location of the image file is saved in the CST document in the relative way, such as "..\map.jpg" if the file is in the parent folder.
Set the referential The software must know, before entering any point, what is the map scale in order to give good evaluation of distances (and, if you use a GPS, to have correct geographical reference). Follow these steps (the Zoom can be used during these steps) : => click the Scale tab The referential method
the default method list is set to "Standard referential": keep this selection axis length are 1000 meters for a standard UTM grid, or more (depending on the map) follow number 1 to 4 : move origin using the Click button ; the mouse cursor shows a cross, the current referential is greyed... just click at the desired location (at a grid intersection). A temporary green referential is shown at this place. The current referential remains greyed. Then, place the X axis : button Click near the "X" fields, click 1000 meters (the axis length set before) east from origin, at the next grid intersection. During the click, the temporary referential is also greyed, in order that the click location is perfectly visible. After the click, the green referential reflects the changes. For the "Y" axis, do the same thing, but a 1000 meters north from origin. The Auto button can be used, but
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the grid is supposed to be perfectly squared. Click on the Apply button : the temp green referential disappears, and is replaced by the final one, in red.
Note : the referential can present a rotation relatively with the horizontal of the picture. Computations will work the same.
If the grid is for GPS usage, the origin can be set with GPS coordinates (in meters, at the UTM format, or using degree-minutes-seconds). For more details, read eMapZoneHelpGPS. GPS coordinates are absolutely NOT mandatory if they are not known, in this case leave 0,0 in the fields. Note that the zoom is possible during these operations.
Any known distance can be used to set the scale when GPS reference is not needed. For instance, origin can be set on a particular point, X axis on another point at a known distance, Y point set with the Auto button, and the known distance entered in the Axis length field. In case of error, the Cancel button removes the temporary reference and nothing is changed. The options After change, process are useful when document already contains an itinerary and will be explained later in this document. They are here to indicate how current route positions must be treated after the changes (if no route is present during scale definition, those options are greyed). Remember to save (using Ctrl+S). Note : the little glasses allow to quickly move the view on referential point, including during the definition. The referential method with automatic computation Most of the time, maps do not show any grid (road maps for instance), so it can be difficult the place a referential. It is now possible to automatically compute a referential knowing the image resolution (dpi) and its scale. Warning: this referential will not have a geographical origin (not suitable for a GPS usage). Click the Compute button, the following dialog pops up:
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Provided the map scale (simply as shown on the map itself), and the map scan resolution (chosen during the scanning process), the software will place automatically a standard referential, in the bottom left corner, with an optimal axis length. The software supposes that the map has no distortion. When the Ok button is pressed, the computed scale is visible in the corner. Do not forget to click Apply button to validate scale changes. The N-point calibration method This method is generally used when referencing a map in a geographic way, but it is also possible to choose fictive coordinates for each point.
Click the method list, choose N-point calibration Add calibration points, 1 by 1, using the Add button: the mouse cursor changes to a cross, click the desired place (zooming is possible during this operation). In the list, map coordinates are shown (that must be entered), and the corresponding pixel coordinates (the click location) Any point is suitable, provided that its coordinates are known (using the GPS System at the bottom of the window). Each point must be in the same GPS System (or "grid"). As soon as the second point is created, the software proposes one of its 2 coordinates if the first point has rounded coordinates (i.e. was chosen from a grid). The software proposes the coordinates of the 3d point automatically (supposing that the map has not too much distortion). The calibration can be validated as soon as the 3d point is created (than the "Local or GPS Reference Ok" text is shown). It is possible to rise the equations degree when 5 point are provided (5 points = degree 2, 7 points = degree 3 etc.)
Advise for use:
Try to choose 3 non aligned points, in the map corners Check the Show grid option, in order to verify, during the calibration process, that the computation are correct (especially when the equation degree is raised). The grid step can be changed in order to fit the printed grid. If the grid becomes thick or changes colour, the reason is that the equation degree is too high, the computation is almost impossible. Lower the equation degree. Try to not exceed degree 2, because a lot of distortions can appear outside the calibration zone. If the coordinates automatically proposed for the 3d point seem to be strange, the previous points are most of the time wrong (or the map could be rotated). But any coordinates can be entered. The Gap/cam. points value shows the average error of each point; it stands for the calibration quality. With a 3-point calibration, this value is always 0. With 4, it is directly related to the map or grid distortion.
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Point entry To enter points in a route, select the Route tab. The New button makes the mouse cursor change to a cross, and allow to click at the desired position. An existing point (or a beacon) can be to force the click position: maintain the Ctrl key down while clicking.
Each new point is linked to the previous one with a straight line (visible during the point definition). To prevent this and start a new section, check the New section option (see below). A point position can be changed using the Click button One or more point can be moved using drag and drop; click on the current point (even if several points are selected), maintain the mouse button down, drag and drop where needed. Insert button inserts a point just before the current position The current position is shown as a bigger square with another colour It is possible to enter point continuously without having to click the New button : check the Several option, the mouse cursor remains a cross after clicks and all point can be entered on the fly. Escape key allows to exit the creation mode. Several point can be selected together using the ctrl key down, or by frame selection with the mouse with the ctrl key down.
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Caution : do not use the insert button to add point at the end of the route because points will be added before the current position, and the tour will appear backward. This button must be used to "inlay" point in an existing route.
Altitudes of points can be entered during point input, or rather after having entered all points.
After point creation, the focus is set on the Interpol. checkbox If the altitude is known, uncheck this option (the space-bar can be used), the focus goes to the Alt. zone where altitude can be entered (non integral value can be input). If the altitude is unknown, leave the option checked, it will be computed depending on known altitude points before and after the point. The F5 key can be used to decrease the altitude of 5 units, F6 key to increase, and F7 to reset to the interpolated state. Unnamed points having a known altitude are displayed with the altitude value. This can be hidden using the F12 key (see Options menu).
Each point can receive a name (without any length limitation) displayed on the map. It is also possible the associate a symbol for each point using the Symb. list (look in the Options tab the Symbol Set to use). Remember to save (Ctrl+S)
The Edit menu
This menu can be used during or after point input:
Cancel: cancel last operation (clearly indicated in the menu caption)
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Select All: select all route points (usage example: select all point to drag-drop them all together) Delete All Points: with a confirmation popup Merge all sections: the route sections are merged (linked together); very useful when the route comes from a GPS Log and when there were multiple signal interruption during recording. Reverse route: the start point becomes the last... Define current position as start point: to easily change the start point; very useful when the route is a loop for which there a many access points.
The File menu
New: create a new empty document, without any map. A confirmation is asked if the current document must be saved (this confirmation is also asked each time a new document is created or loaded). New with same map and scale: create a new empty document, with the same map and scale as current document. Open: standard file selection dialog for choosing a CST file Open map: same as Map button in the Route tab (see before). Open map with calibration: allow to load a map from an existing calibration (CST, CAR, ETA files). Current points positions are modified to fit the new map. Import: show the import dialog (see eMapZoneHelpGPS) Export: see corresponding part in this documentation Print: see corresponding part in this documentation Recent Files list: recent 9 files (or less) are proposed here. To quickly reload the last document, just hit F11.
Point annotations and pictures Each point can be associated with an annotation and/or a picture. Click the last button on the tool bar (Route tab), or hit Ctrl+K (Display menu). A small window appears and allows to enter text and select a picture. This window is sizeable (as a standard window), and the notes/picture split-bar can be moved.
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The ... button allows to select a picture ; the other button allows to remove the link to picture (but the picture file itself is not removed). When a point has an annotation and/or a picture, it is drawn in the route with a grey frame. It is possible to double-click on a point to open the annotation window. Pictures and annotations are directly used by the HTML exportation (menu File, Export) : an HTML document is created containing a table with important points and their annotations and pictures. Annotations are saved in the CST file, but pictures remain stand-alone files. Only the link is saved (in a relative way). Warning: if the file is chosen from a removable disk, such as a CD-ROM, the source disk will be needed in the future, in order that the picture remains visible. A better approach is to copy image files first on the same drive than the CST file itself. On the map, when a point has a picture and/or an annotation, it is drawn with a grey (or any other colour, see Options) square around it:
Multiple Point Selection Several points can be selected together, using the Ctrl key when clicking the points, or using a frame selection. The current point is always part of the selection, even if it is far away from it. So beware when deleting several points at one time: the current point is also deleted. A multiple selection is useful:
To delete several point at one time (for instance, to remove a wrong part of the route) To drag and drop a set of point: always click the current point to move the selection (if not done, the current point is simply changed, as usual).
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To get some information on a part of the route (see next paragraph) To print just one part of the route.
Information frame In the route tab, some information is always shown and live updated during route edition:
3D length is measured taking the terrain elevation into account, while 2D length is only computed on a flat projection (view from the sky). The 3D length is so larger when the relief is consequent. The positive elevation is the sum of the up-hills, negative elevation is the sum of the down-hills, total elevation (null on a closed loop) is the sum of the two previous. Follows some information on altitudes (everything is 0 if no altitude was set in the route). The Area covered by the route is significant only is the route is turns around the area, avoiding intersecting itself (as in a '8'). The choice list allows to choose on which zone the computation are done: Whole route: all the points are used From first to last selected: the selection extension is used as soon as more than one point is selected. This is useful to get some information about a small part of the route. Note that this is the selection extension that is used (and not each selected point individually): That is the reason why "From first to last selected" is proposed, and not simply "Selection". Current Section: when some points are set to "New section" (see next paragraph), each section can be viewed as an independent route with its own information. The Current point position within the section is also displayed.
Route sections To cut the route into two or more part, just check the New section option on the point(s) starting the new parts:
This stands as an property of the current point: checking this box does not create a point, but only changes its state.
example of route with two sections
Notes:
The new section state is taken into account during calculation (elevation, distance): the cut part is ignored. When a log is got from a GPS, it can be made of several sections due to a signal lost, or simply because the
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device was shut down and restarted. Sections can be merged together: use the Edit menu, Merge all sections. In the File menu, Print window, it is possible to fit the printing on each section separately.
Example of use:
Remove a non significant route part, as a ski lift when mountain biking Show a main route and several short alternatives Prepare a long trip with steps, keeping a whole view Draw plan of separated pieces to compute an area (remember to use the same rotation way)
Elevation curve Use the Options menu, or Ctrl+D or the tool-bar button in Route tab to display the window. The curve shows the current elevation of the route and can remain opened during document editing. The window is sizeable.
The points in the curve are clickable The elevation curve can be drawn using a colour palette: select the required palette in the Options tab. Different palette are explained in a dedicated pargraph.
Route notes Menu "Options", or Ctrl+R or tool-bar button in "Route" tab. The route notes are a general comment on the trip. It will be used in the HTML exportation and printed just under the elevation curve.
Window is sizeable and can remain opened during any operation.
Beacons Beacons are isolated points that can be placed anywhere on the map, independantly from the route. GPS users
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know them as waypoints. As route points, they have two coordinates, an altitude (can be unknown), a symbol and can include a image and/or textual annotation.
Beacons are shown in a tree view
Basic handling Beacons are grouped in beacon sets and are shown in a tree view. Any eMapZone document always has the Current document beacon set: it includes the beacons created and modified in the current document only. Other beacon sets can be added using the import functionnality (see below). Beacons that do not belong to the current map (geographically) are greyed in the tree (only if a map was loaded). Creation
Click the Create button: the mouse cursor changes as a cross, alowing to click anywhere on the map. The beacon is defaultly name 001, 002 etc. and the software immediatly start the name edition in the tree itself, as in the Windows Explorer. Selection and multiple selections
In order to select a beacon, just click on it in the tree or the map. Many beacons can be selected together: use the classical keys Ctrl/Shift in the tree as in any Windows list. On the map, a selection rectangle can be used (as for route points). When several balises are selected, they can be modified together: for instance, to delete them, or change their symbol. Renaming
The name of the beacon is automatically edited just after the beacon creation. In order to rename it later, just select it in the tree (or clicking in the map), and then ckick again the tree (as in the Windows Explorer; the F2 standard key can also be used). The validate, hit Enter, to cancel hit Escape. Note that the name can be empty or contain as many chars as needed. Moving
To change beacon position, just drag and drop in the map. All selected beacons will be moved. It is also possible the change the coordinate in the Beacon tab. When the map has a real geographical reference, the list under the Create/Delete buttons proposes different formats and grids for the coordinates.
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Altitude
The beacon altitude can be know or not. When known, it can be entered when unckecking the Unknown box. Symbol
Beacons are by default drawn using a circle with an inner cross. A symbol can be chosen using the Symb. list. The symbols shown in this list are a subset of all possible symbols that can be changed in the Options tab, list Symbol Set. See the GPS Transfer help to get some more information on how are the symbols managed with a GPS. Deleting
The Delete button is active as soon as a beacon is selected. It is possible to delete several beacons at one time. Note that a deletion can be undone using the Edit, Undo menu. Annotation/Picture
As for route point, a beacon can be associated with a text and/or picture. Use the small button at the bottom right. It is also possible to double-click the beacon on the map to get the annotation window. Properties of a beacon set
In the upper part of the tab, it is possible to act on the whole beacon set: : the beacons will be visible or not in the map. Example of use: all the cities of an area have been
entered as beacons, but it is not necessary to show them, just because the map already does it. On the map, a tooltip text is shown when the mouse is placed near the unvisible beacon. The beacon will be also useful to create route point, and for the GPS. Not that when the beacon is selected, it is made visible. : text of the beacon will be visible or not. Example: balise position is important, but the name is not, or
is already printed on the map. Sorting list : see below.
Include beacons from another file Beacons are a kind of universal data, since the indicate geographical points that really exist. That's why it can be useful to include beacons from another eMapZone (or other format) file. In order that this feature works in an optimal (and correct...) way, beacons should contain real geographical coordinates, independent from the used map. Thus, they will be correctly placed on the map, whatever the document that they come from. Example:
An eMapZone document containing beacons, for instance all the springs of a particual massif. These beacons will be very useful for any future route created in the massif. So, in this document, only beacons will be added, and saved as "springs.cst". A new document is created, for instance "trekking.cst". In the Beacons tab, special beacons can be created just for this trekking, they will be placed in the "Current document" set. In order to see the springs from the previous document, use the button, and selected the file "springs.cst". Beacons are shown, in a new beacon set. Those beacons are read only, because they can only be edited in the original document "springs.cst". In the current document, only a link to the springs docuemnt is used. It is possible to edit the "springs.cst" document in another session of the eMapZone software. The see the changes on the fly, use the button. Included files can have different format (for instance, PCX5). The button allows to remove a link to another beacon file (the linked file is not deleted).
Sorting
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This list allows to choose in which order the beacons will be shown in the tree view.
No sort : this is the creation order (or the file order) Alphabetic : the name of the beacon is ued. North South : first the beacon at north, then the south beacons. Note that the Y coordinates is used, this is an approximation when a grid is used. West East : first the beacons at west. In map : first the beacons that are included in the loaded map. Very useful when a beacon file has been included and its beacons are not all included in the current map. Symbol : the symbol is used to group beacons. Altitude : first the hightest beacons. Current point : the distance from the current route point is used. The nearest beacons will be shown first. The tree view is automatically refreshed each time the current route point is changed. GPS pos. : the distance from the GPS real time position is used. The tree view is automatically refreshed when the GPS gives a new position. Selected beacon : a special feature : select a beacon, then reclick Selected beacon in the sort list choice. The tree is then sorted with the selected beacon first, then the nearest beacons using distance.
Using beacons : printing, route point creation, import/export etc. A few remarks :
When printing, beacons are normally printed, but only the route will give the printing extension. But if no route is present in the document, the beacons extension will be used. When creating route points, it is possible to click an existing beacon (visible or not) to get its exact position and altitude (using the Ctrl key). When exporting, beacons are used as waypoints (and some route points are also used as route points). When importing, waypoints become beacons, or route points if they are close to the route (optionnally). In HTML export, beacons are shown (optionnally) in another tab.
Overload with other routes Menu Display, Overload with other routes... :
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Note: before using this feature, it is preferable to calibrate maps (of the current document and maps of overloaded route) in a geographical way, in order that any route can be shown on any map. How to use this:
Any eMapZone .CST file can be included on the map of the current document, even if it only goes through a small part of the map. One or more document can be included using the Add... button. The colour defaultly used is the one set from options. Any other colour can be chosen with the Colour... button. The Delete button removes the link to the selected file (but of course does not really delete the linked document). Files are listed showing a relative path to the current document path. The Show points check box allow to see or not the points from the linked document. The Reload all button allows to reload the linked files, so that foreign changes can be intagrated.
Remarks:
In the current document, only the relative file name is recorded; it is just a link. When the mouse is moved upon an overloaded route, its name is shown in a tooltip text. Points of the current document can be created using those from overloaded routes.
Examples of use:
Create a document with new pathes on an old map, in order to include them in a new trip. Create a master document showing all the routes in a particular zone. Create small routes along dangerous places; and include them later, in red, in any route going close to this dangerous zones. Compare a trip to another one.
Options Software parameters can be modified in the Options tab ; options act on screen display and printing, unit system and GPS default system.
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Apparence Colours
Click in the list to select the element to change colour of, then click on the coloured square to show a standard colour selection dialog. Changeable colours are:
Route : colour of the current document route drawing. Other route : default colour of a overloaded route. Points : all points execpted the current point. Current point : the square showing the current position in the route. Beacons : colour of a not selected beacon, without any symbol. Current beacon : colour of the circle or the background square of any selected beacon. Points text : colour of the names of points text. Current point text : name of current point. Beacon text : names of not selected beacons. Current beacon text: names of selected beacons. Points Text Background : colour of the text shadow. Note Flag Square: when a point has an annotation or a picture, a square of this colour is drawn. Elevation curve : colour of the elevation curve, when no palette is selected. Elevation curve grid : axis and grid for the elevation curve. GPS Real-time Position : couleur du disque indiquant la position lue depuis le GPS GPS Grid : grid of the Grid Checking feature or the grid shown during N-point calibration. Grid overlay : grid shown from the menu Options, Grid overlay... Speed vector : colour of the direction arrow from the GPS Real-time Position.
Sizes
Select in the list the element to change size of, then enter a new value in the numeric field (or simply use the spin buttons).
Route thickness : thickness of the main route drawing.
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Other Route Thickness : thickness of overloaded routes. Point size : size of small square showing points positions, current position excepted. Current point size : size of the square showing the current position point. Font size : relative text size of any textual elements. Back text offset : offset from the text background (the shadow) and the text itself. Curve Thickness : elevation curve. Beacon circle size : radius of the circle of a not selected beacon (when has no symbol). Current beacon circle size : radius of the circle of a selected beacon (no symbol). Beacon circle thickness : thikness of beacon circles. Beacon inner cross thickness : Thickness of the small inner cross inside beacon circles; it is possible to choose a null value in order that no cross is shown. Symbol size % : percent of growing or reducing symbols, knowing that 100% means 1 pixel symbole = 1 pixel screen. Scale Crosses : size of referential crosses, or N-point squares. GPS Grid width : thickness of any GPS grid (from the Scale tab or from the grid overlay menu). Creation line : width of creation line (when creating route points). Real Time Position : size of the disk of the GPS Real Time Position. Speed vector length % : arbitray factor used to transform speed vector length into a pixel length.
Other options
Use Transparency : when checked, the map is visible behind the route. When unchecked, the route is opaque. Transparency is possible only with a screen display with "true colour". This also affects the visibility of beacons, oher routes, etc. Show referential : uncheck this option to hide the referential when working on route or on the printing. The referential will be always visible when the "Scale" tab is selected. This is also valid for N-point calibration. Show point-creation line : the point creation line(s) (shown when creating or inserting points) can be disabled. Font name : that's the name and size of the font used on the map, on the elevation curve and on printing.
Palettes The softwares proposes three color palettes that can be edited:
Slopes : the color between points is given by the slope Relative Altitudes : the color between points is given by their altitude, extreme colors affected to minimum and maximum altitudes in the route. Absolute Altitudes : the color between points is given by their altitude value.
In the option tabs, use:
Curve palette list : select the palette that will be used to draw the elevation curve (no palette = color set from color list). Palettes... button: shows the following windows (can be resized):
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Choose in the Palette list the palette to act on Select the range to modify in the list Change values in editing zones To change the color, click the colored panel Change the type of preview if needed: Sample = a bell curve, Route = the current route (if any) Add, Delete or Split ranges with buttons The Set Defaults button reset the curve with original values Note that the list is always sorted using the From value
Symbol Sets It is possible to restrict the symbol lists (in the Route or Beacon tabs) to the one of a particular GPS:
Garmin 12
Garmin eTrex
Garmin eMap
Magellan 315
Magellan Nav 600
Magellan Meridian
Magellan Trail Blazer
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Magellan Sportrak TODO Units options
Altitudes meters or feet : if you change this options with a route opened, the software will ask for conversion, because altitudes are input, memorised and saved in the chosen unit (to prevent rounding problem). Selected unit is saved in the CST document. Position : Meters (UTM), dd°mm'ss'' ou US Miles. Default value is Meters because the UTM system uses this format, and because the software internally manage and save position in this format. You can choose US Miles if the referential is not a GPS reference and when you need coordinates directly in Miles. dd°mm'ss'' need to have a correct scale reference with real GPS reference (see eMapZoneHelpGPS) Distance : kilometres, US miles, nautical miles, meters, feed. This unit will be used to display computed distances, included the elevation curve grid. Notes that the nautical mile corresponds with a one minute-arc in the latitude axis (and also in the longitude axis but only at the equator)
Default GPS System see eMapZoneHelpGPS Undo and Set Defautls buttons The Save button must be used to keep the new settings for the next use of eMapZone. The Set Default button reset settings as they were at the first use. Options are saved in the eMapZone.ini file under c:\windows or c:\winnt. Registry is never used (and that's a intentional choice...). This file is editable using Start Menu, Run, type in "eMapZone.ini" : Notepad software is associated with ini files.
Printing Menu File, Print or (Ctrl+P) shows the following window (it is entirely sizeable). Here are the four fit options :
Fit ouput on the whole route
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The same route, fit on the whole bitmap area
Fit output on both route and bitmap
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Route printing, ouput fit on route zone included on the map Change map: This list shows all the maps used by the route, at the same scale than the one used to work. This list is obtained using the "Map List". In the case of a long route as in the example above, the last fit option is the best to print as many documents as there are used maps. Include Title : enable to print or not the route title and the distance/elevation information. Scale : the Full page default option will set the map on the maximum paper size, while preserving proportions and taking into account the physical margins of the printer. A Fixed scale of any value can be chosen, but if the paper is not large enough, a warning appears red at the window bottom.
Curve tab shows a preview of elevation curve print, for which it is possible to choose the scale. In this way, curves of several trips can be printed with the same scale for a quick visual comparison of their difficulty. The values entered are automatically saved in the option file if the Print button is used. Different unit systems are proposed to fix the scale, but the vertical value is always set in the system chosen for altitudes in the software options. Note that a warning is shown if the scale makes the curves go out of the paper. The Print button sends the map or the curve to the selected printer, depending on which tab is active. Use the Close button (or the Esc. key) to close the window. The Change button gives access to the printer selection and settings.
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3D View
The 3D view is a preview in three dimensions respecting the trip scale. A grey grid is shown at the minimal altitude of the circuit and acts as a support. The "walls" are an orange gradation, the lighter colour corresponding with the maximal altitude. Named points are shown with an inclination, the text is always in front of the point of view. The referential (at the centre of the circuit frame) is yellow and never masked by over elements.
Mouse : select how the mouse with left button down will act in the drawing zone. For rotation, left-right movements have an effect. For move origin, both directions act. For zoom, up-down movements are used. Altitudes x 100 % : change this value to emphasise or soften altitudes of points. The drawing won't have a scale respect but slopes should be more visible. Initial view : return to the first view proposed by eMapZone. Background : click the square to select another colour Export : save the view in a bitmap file. Close : the window has to be closed in order to work again in eMapZone.
Exportation Menu File, Export... propose to save map picture and route in a graphic file, elevation curve in different formats, and make an HTML road book. For exportation and importation with GPSTrack/G7ToWin, see eMapZoneHelpGPS HTML road book
To : Name of the exportation file. The path of this file will be used to store other files to whose the HTML
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page references to. Browse button : select another exportation file, it will change the To field. Include point coordinates : check this when real coordinates of points must appear in the point table. This option is check by default when the scale has real GPS coordinates. Point annotations : add a column in the table with point annotations. This options is checked by default if one or more point has an annotation. Distance/azimuth between points : add a column with distance and azimuth (in degrees) between points. The azimuth is computed relatively with the Geographical North. Point pictures : add a column in the table with pictures on points. This options is checked by default if one or more point has a picture. The picture is inserted in the table on a reduced clickable form. Picture files are duplicated to the destination directory of the HTML file. Launch browser after export : when everything is done, the HTML browser (internet) installed on the computer will be automatically launch to preview the generated HTML.
Export Map and Route
To/Browse : proposed format are JPG (high picture compression), GIF (low compression), BMP (no compression). WMF (Windows Meta File) or EMF (Enhanced Meta File) are vector files included the bitmap (as for BMP) and the route elements. A software as Word or CorelDraw can import metafiles where graphical object can be modified. Picture Size : picture frame, in pixels, in which the map will fit while keeping proportions. Use screen size : the frame will have the same resolution as the one shown in the route workspace. In this case, size fields are read-only.
Elevation curve
Only picture size is accessible. Generated picture in the one shown in elevation window. The GIF format well suits this kind of picture.
Data
A simple text file is generated with the following columns : Name
X
Y
Dist. 2D
Dist. 3D
Z
This file can be imported by Excel, for instance.
Changing map, exchanging routes Changing map Let's suppose that a trip was prepared on a 1/25000 map and that you need to place it on another map (of the same area) with a 1/30000 scale. Changing the scale is not complicated if a common reference exists in both maps. You need to find this common reference on both maps. The best thing is to use a common grid, if it exists, as the UTM grid. You can also use two points common to both maps (villages, road intersections...) and place the eMapZone scale on them.
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Start with the trip with the 1/25000 map. Keep the map and change the scale to the common reference. To achieve this, move the referential, leave the option "after change, process real coordinates". The scale is moved, but the points remain at the same place (their real coordinates are re-processed, as you can see in their X and Y fields in the Route tab). If necessary, you can change the axis length if referential placement needs another value. In order to move the trip on the1/30000 map, you first need to select the new picture (Map... button of the Route tab). Then, just move the scale to the new referential points, but this time choose the option "after change, process screen positions" : points will be moved on the bitmap, but their real coordinates won't change. If everything is ok, the trip will automatically fit to the right place. Trip exchange To use a route made by another person with your own map, process in this way :
You need his CST file, scale placement information, the corresponding paper map Scan the map Open the CST file With the Map... button, choose the previously scanned map Damn it ! the trip is absolutely not where it should ! That's normal : there is no chance that you scanned the map exactly as the person who made the CST file did. Place the scale on the map as the person told you Before clicking the Apply button, choose option "After changes, process screen position" Here we go ! the points place themselves where they must be !
Miscellaneous
Mouse wheel is managed and allows to move point by point Try the Help Menu, Shortcuts/Mouse usage :
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It is recommended to use most of these shortcuts for a good usage of eMapZone
3D distance is the distance measured taking the relief into account. The 2D distance is the one view from the upper. 3D distance will be greater when the relief is more important. Remember the menu Edit, Cancel that allows to cancel last actions until 100 operations CST files are in text format, Notepad can be used to view/edit them... When the Several option is check (Route tab), the Click button, allowing to move the current point, offers to correct quickly a lot of positions : after point move, the next point is automatically selected as the current one, and the mouse cursor proposes to move it. In the 3D view, leave to focus on the Mouse list : you can use Up and Down keys to quickly change mouse action. 09-2003
Back to eMapZone
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Version 3.2
Map Calibration for GPS usage In order that a GPS receiver understood point coordinates sent to him, and vice versa, it is necessary to tell software what is the referential placed on the map (Scale tab). To achieve this, origin coordinates and axis length must be correspond to the map indications in a absolute way (geo-referencing). Scale placement in this context is mentioned in this document under the term of Calibration. Note that a map calibration can be changed at any time without any information loss on the current route. eMapZone accept several system for the calibration :
UTM system
eMapZone works with this system to memorise and save the coordinates of points, because they stand directly for meters. The UTM system (Universal Transverse Mercator) is a world-wide standard for geo-referencing, most of the GPS accept it, and, although its grid has one kilometre steps, even country used to statute (miles/feet) system use it. The UPS system is the UTM equivalent near the poles. The earth is divided into 60 zones, the first one around the Bering strait :
For west to east : at the top, the sixty UTM zones ; at the bottom, the longitude on degree from Greenwich meridian. From North to south : at left, the latitude in degree ; right, UTM letters (unused in eMapZone) Thanks to http://www.colorado.edu/geography/gcraft/notes/coordsys/coordsys.html
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For calibration
Use a map with a GPS grid with kilometres (or 10 kilometres) steps at the UTM format Set the scale origin on a grid cross Set axis length to 1 km (or 10 km, depending on the grid) Set X axis at the next cross, 1 km east, Y axis 1 km north Enter UTM coordinates of origin as they appear on the map border, but enter meters, never kilometres (most of the time, values are printed in kilometres, so multiply by 1000). Choose Grid = UTM/UPS, enter the zone, and check the Southern box for southern hemisphere Check datum, but WGS84 is also a standard Use the Grid... button (see Grid Tool §) to set the calibration very precisely.
Example : This is a corner of a map with a UTM grid :
If the scale origin is place on the grid cross (there is little chance to set it here because X and Y axis will not fit, but this is just an example), map origin fields will be set with : x = 680000 y = 4845000 © IGN
If you do not known the UTM zone, a technique is to enter at origin a value in dd°mm'ss'' (most of the maps mention at least one longitude in degree from the Greenwich international meridian), for instance -70°17'00'', and then to change to the UTM grid : the zone is automatically computed. Another technique is to read what's given from a GPS receiver if it is physically located on the map area.
Croix Lambert
This system is used with French maps from Institut Géographique National (IGN). Old IGN maps do not contain a GPS grid, so the Lambert system can be used for calibration. These maps are marked out with little crosses (croix = some "+"), evenly spaced at each kilometre. They are Lambert zone I II III or IV trailers. When this system is used, coordinates are shown, memorised and saved directly in this system. Procedure
set origin of referential on a little cross leave axis length 1 km place X axis 1 km east, Y axis 1 km north, on corresponding crosses enter Lambert coordinates as they appear on the map border, in metres select grid = Croix Lambert I II III ou IV Use Grid... button to check calibration on the whole area
Example :
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IGN map 1/25000 Top25 without GPS grid
If the scale origin is set on the "+" just under the Castelas word, these values must be set : x = 864000 y = 3176000 Lambert zone is automatically detected = III © IGN
Degree-minute-second
Some maps only contain degree references. In this case, the scale origin must be set on a meridian/parallel intersection and grid set to dd°mm'ss.s''. When this grid is selected, axis length must be set in this same format. Note that eMapZone always memorise and save UTM data for its internal management and computation. Note also that the software suppose that meridians and parallels fit on a straight grid. On the longitude axis, the reference is the Greenwich meridian. For west longitudes, enter a negative sign "-" before the degree value. The map datum should be indicated on the map itself. Procedure :
use a map with a degree grid choose grid = dd°mm'ss.s'' set scale origin on a grid cross set X axis on the next longitude (east), Y axis on the next latitude (north) enter grid step in axis length (most of the time 1 minute or 10 minutes...) enter origin map coordinates (negative number for west longitudes, negative number for southern latitudes) check the Datum
Datum The Datum stands for values needed for projecting computation and referencing of coordinates on the globe (ellipsoid, Tx Ty Tz...). In general, the WGS84 datum is a standard because this is the system that GPS satellites use. But it is preferable to check map information where the used datum should be indicated.
Grid checking
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The Grid... button at the bottom of the scale panel gives access to a window allowing to move the scale with a result viewing on the whole map. It is possible to zoom/unzoom during its use. When this window is visible, a red grid corresponding with the used scale is drawn on the map, and the different buttons can change it :
Fine tuning : check this box in order that button actions are more precise on the desired tuning
Origin, four direction buttons : change the grid offset in the up-down and left-right buttons (relatively to the screen)
Axis :
Act on : choose on which axis the four next buttons will act
Size -+ : change the axis length in pixels (terrain length is not changed!)
Angle -+ : axis rotation (positive way = trigonometric way)
Usage advice
Start setting the scale in a standard way : origin, X, Y... zoom while clicking for precision
Then use the Grid tool. Most of the time, origin position is correct, go directly to the axis size and orientation tunning.
Axis size : along X then Y, grid must be perfectly overlapped with the one of the map. Far from the origin, changes will become more and more sensitive.
Axis angle : far from the origin, try to make the line the right direction
Beware, the scanned map can present deformation, its flatness can be altered, it is sometimes difficult to get a homogeneous result. Try to do the best near the route itself. Results with a GPS receiver are most of the time quite
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precise.
Default GPS system in Options
In the Options tab, it is possible to set what are the GPS system to use when creating a new document. At the first use of the software, the UTM zone is computed from the current time zone. This computation is an approximation because there are 24 time zones and 60 UTM zones. The correct value should be set.
Data Transfer with a GPS device The GPS dialog box is accessible from the GPS, Transfer data menu. The window contains tabs on the left for settings and actions, a list for transfer result, a state panel at the bottom and arrows for data stream changing colour during communication. This window is sizeable. When window is shown, eMapZone checks that the map calibration has a correct GPS reference. Otherwise, a warning is shown on the state panel.
General Tab
In order to check that the device is correctly connected and recognised by the software, settings must be specified :
Type : choose the GPS used ; this setting is saved with software options and retrieved the next time eMapZone is launched Serial COM Port : the GPS must be connected to the serial port, specify which one is used (COM 1,2,3...) and the speed of communication. The Auto button looks for the specified device and show its results in the list. GPS Info : shows the GPS type and its software version. This is a simple way to check the good connection of the device. Power off : works with Garmin GPS but not for Magellan.
LOG Tab
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The LOG is the record of successive positions of the receiver in a continuous way, also called Track. With eMapZone it is possible to get this record back from the GPS in to see the trip, on the map, where the receiver was. With a Garmin receiver, it is possible to send a LOG to the GPS in order to follow it exactly as it was drawn on the map with eMapZone. Note that the LOG is made of points containing less information than Waypoints (see next tab), so it will be necessary to proceed in two steps to send or get real waypoints. GPS -> eMapZone This panel allows to get the LOG from the GPS : 1. Click the Read LOG button. Point coordinates are shown in the list during the reception 2. The Validate and Close button is activated at the end of the transfer. It will close the window and show the LOG on the current map. Notes :
Leave the Remove points out of map checked : at LOG validation, points without the map area will be eliminated. If the calibration is not correct, no point will be added.
Some GPS give altitude of each point, some do not.
During validation, the current route document is deleted : it is possible to cancel with the Edit; Cancel menu.
eMapZone -> GPS This transfer is only possible with Garmin GPS (its a Magellan limitation). The Send Log button :
All the points from the eMapZone route are sent to the GPS. Remember to clear the LOG in the GPS itself first.
GPS devices are limited for the total number of points (1024 for a Garmin 12) : check this limit.
Check the map calibration ; if wrong, the LOG will be sent to the GPS but will physically refer to a wrong place in the world.
Route/Waypoints Tab Page 6 / 9
GPS -> eMapZone This panel allow to get Waypoints from the GPS touching the current eMapZone route. That's why a route document must be present in the software (otherwise the Read Waypoints button is not active). 1. Click the Read Waypoints button. The list shows the waypoints read from the GPS. 2. If at least one waypoint was read, the Validate & Close button is activated at the end of the transfer. Click on it : the window is closed and the waypoints close to the current route are inserted in it. Typically, this transfer should be done immediately after the LOG transfer to get Waypoint entered during GPS usage on the recorded itinerary. GPS -> eMapZone With this panel, it is possible to :
Send Waypoints and make a route with them in the GPS. The Waypoints are sent and linked as a route (as the GPS specify a route), with an index which can be entered. Document name is also sent.
Send Waypoints alone. Typically, this should be done immediatly after having sent the LOG to the GPS, in order to see its LOG marked out with Waypoints given by eMapZone.
Sent waypoints can be :
Only those having a name (most used option)
Only those having a name or with a known altitude (not interpolated) ; in this case, the name of the Waypoint is generated from its altitude and its index inside the route.
All the points.
Notes :
Point names should not be duplicated otherwise the last sent will replace previous with same name.
Point names are modified in order that GPS can accept them. Accents, spaces, special characters are eliminated and the total length is truncated (depending on the GPS model)
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In the comment zone proposed by the GPS is placed the complete name of the name followed by its altitude. If the points contains a note (annotation), it is used instead.
Some GPS devices limit the total number of waypoints for a route (30 for the Garmin 12), that's why route usage is not so interesting compared to the LOG.
Waypoints will always have the default graphical symbol : this will offer a practical way to remove them from the GPS (delete "by symbol").
Examples Follow your GPS Prepare a itinerary with eMapZone and be guided by your GPS on the field. Follow these steps : 1. Prepare the itinerary with eMapZone. Try that point names are not duplicated, remember to name intersections, forks... Anyway, those waypoints are not stored inside the GPS for its whole life : it is very easy to delete them later (by symbol). 2. Check map calibration 3. Send the LOG to the GPS after having deleted the one present in the device. Verify the maximum track log points. The GPS will then contain the trip track, without waypoints. 4. Send Waypoints to the GPS (only those with a name) 5. On the field, choose the "map" display : the track will be shown on the GPS screen, with named points. During the moving, just try to keep along the track (very easy ; for biking, try to fix the device on the handlebars). Another possibility is the send a route to the GPS ; this option is less precise because the route is made of named waypoints, without intermediate points, and most of the time the total number is limited. Interest : the GPS gives you the directions and you can stored many routes. But note that you can choose to "track-back" the active log : a route is automatically generated. Make an itinerary with data from the GPS Another interesting usage : record moving on the field and see them later at home on you screen. Magic ! 1. On the field, start by deleting the LOG and activate its recording 2. During your walk, it can be interesting to mark noteworthy point (point of view, picnic, fork, fall...) using the "mark" button 3. At the end, think to power off the GPS. 4. At home, plug your GPS and select the map ; check calibration. 5. Use the Read Log button, Validate & Close : the track is shown on the screen ! Some touching up are sometimes necessary on particular points (under trees, closed valley, in some buildings...) 6. If waypoints were added during the outing, use the Read Waypoints button : waypoints from the GPS and closed to the route get before will be inserted.
Importation and Exportation with GPSTrack / G7toWin Importation Exportation
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Nov. 2001
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