Maps & Charts

Uses Maps in many standard image formats - TIFF, BMP, JPG, PNG.

• BMP – the only format supported in the shareware/demo version.

The formats below can only be used in the registered version of OziExplorer.

• TIF – The TIF format has many different variations and compression schemes which can be used. This format allows paging from disk so is efficient on memory usage. (24bit Color TIFF files can be used but are fully loaded into RAM not paged from disk as the 8bit color TIFF images are).
• PNG – This format gives good compression but the image must be decompressed and fully loaded into RAM (it cannot be paged from disk). This is the preferred "non-paging" format to use. (8bit or 24bit color images are supported).
• JPG – Provides excellent compression but the fully uncompressed image must be loaded into RAM (non-paging), not recommended for use with large images.

Uses Maps in many proprietary formats – BSB, ECW, MrSID

(These proprietary formats have been licensed for use in OziExplorer where necessary. These formats may have geo-referencing information included in the image or as a separate file. The map images can be imported into OziExplorer to easily calibrate the image or can be manually calibrated using the OziExplorer load and calibrate option.)

• BSB – a format developed specifically for mapping, gives good compression and the image can be paged from disk. BSB format cannot be written by the user.
• MrSID – a format which gives high compression. If the SID image file is supplied with a (.SDW) file, OziExplorer can use it for geo-referencing.
• ECW – a format which gives good compression – developed by ER Mapper. Geo-referencing information can be read direct from the file.
• Maptech PCX (.HDR,.A01,.A02...) – An older format produced by Maptech but still in use.
• Maptech Superdisk Format (.RML) – Similar to the PCX format above but the images are compressed.

Uses formats developed especially for use in OziExplorerCE (also can be used with OziExplorer).

• OZF2 – This format, which gives good compression, can be paged from disk, efficient for decompression of small image sections and also has separate images built into the format for various selectable zoom levels. This provides zoom images below 100% which look almost as good as the original image. The disadvantage of having the extra zoom images included in the file is of course the larger file size it creates.
• OZF – (Now superseded but still supported).

You can use maps you scan yourself from paper charts.

• When you cannot obtain the map you want from 3rd parties who have produced them in digital form as images, you can scan them yourself. OziExplorer has a map calibration option so you can geo-reference your scanned map (see below). (To create your own maps you need access to a scanner).

Map calibration ability built in.

• A map in OziExplorer is an image of a map which has been calibrated (geo-referenced) so OziExplorer can use any pixel position on the map to determine the true geographic position. When you scan your own map or have a digital map which is not calibrated, you can use the built in calibration ability so the image can be used in OziExplorer.

Map Datums – over 100 map Datums supported,

• OziExplorer can handle many different datums (over 100) and knows how to translate positions from one datum to another. Provided you have entered your datums correctly OziExplorer will ensure that all positions are translated to the correct datum as required.

Display the latitude/longitude grid or an alternate grid like UTM.

• The lat/lon grid can be displayed for maps of any scale and any projection.
• An alternate grid can be displayed. Select the grid which suits your map (more than 15 alternate grids are supported). For example if the UTM grid is selected then the grid displayed on the map is a UTM grid.

Attach files to a map to be loaded with the map.

• You can attach up to 50 tracks to any map and they will automatically load when the map loads. For example, the attached tracks can be used to display new roads not shown on the map or the tracks may be specified as Alarm Zones to perform a special function when using moving map mode.
• A waypoint and a route file can be attached to any map and will automatically load when the map loads.

Specify permanent Map features by placing symbols and comments on the map.

• Map Features (up to 250) can be added to any map and saved with the map so they can be permanently displayed any time the map is loaded. You can select or even make your own symbol to display the feature position on your map. Map Features are used when you want to store more details about important map features such as camping areas, islands, etc.
• Map Comments are used to show text information, usually relating to particular parts of the map, that you want to see at all times. Map comments can only store text but can have any size or color. Easily modify a map comments text or the way it looks, simply double click on the comment on your map to show a properties box.
• Display a complete list of Map Features or Map Comments with position and other information about the features.

Attach a file to each Map feature.

• A file (any type of file) can be attached to any Map Feature. If the files is a BMP or JPG photograph or image it will be displayed in the properties dialog, simply double click on the Map Feature symbol on your map. If it is any other document or image type it will be passed to Windows to be displayed in the default handler, if it is a program it will be executed.

Measure areas and distances.

• Area measurement – use OziExplorer to draw a track around the perimeter of the area you want calculated by clicking on the map. The accuracy of the calculation depends on the size of the area and the scale and projection of the map.
• Distance measurement – use OziExplorer to calculate the Distance and Bearing from a Waypoint, Event, Map Feature, Track Point, Point, Position Marker or any point on the Map. Calculate Accumulated Distance from a Position Marker, along a Track, along a Route or any points on the Map.