Important information about OziExplorerCE Maps

• Just like PC OziExplorer, two files are required to use a map in OziExplorerCE, the map image and the .map file. Both files must be copied to the maps folder on the PDA.
   
• Maps come in various formats. You may need to convert your maps so they can be used in OziExplorerCE. See the list below for how to use your maps in OziExplorerCE -
   
• Map Image formats that OziExplorerCE can use are -
  • OziExplorer formats (ozf2, ozfx3) - This is the most efficient format for use on a PDA. Most maps can be converted to this format using Img2Ozf (see below).
  • ECW format (only on PDA's with ARM cpu's)
  • The image formats jpg, png and bmp are also supported but are fully loaded into memory so the images must be small and only 8bit and 24bit color formats are supported. It is highly recommended maps in jpg, png and bmp format are converted to OZFx3 using the Img2Ozf conversion software.

• Maps that can be converted to ozfx3 format for use in OziExplorerCE are -
  • BMP, PNG, TIF, JPG, GIF, MrSID, ECW
  • Mapping formats BSB, BSB 4, BSB 5, Maptech HDR and RML
  • Kompass maps
     
  • To convert the above maps, use the "Img2Ozf"  program which can be downloaded from this web site. More information about Img2Ozf.

  Important Information - Please Read - It may be necessary to convert some maps.  Some maps are very large and the memory available on the device may not be enough to load the map causing a memory error message.  If this occurs, use the Img2Ozf (link above) to convert the map.  Our "OZFx3" format only requires a small memory requirement when loaded.

If you do not have a (.map) file for your map, see the section "How is the map file created" below.

Copying maps to the PDA

• Recommended method - Use the program "Img2Ozf" (Version 3.0 or later) to copy maps to the PDA. (See the Img2Ozf program help for instructions.)
   
• Alternate methods - If you copy the maps manually, when you copy the map image (.ozf2, .ozfx3 or .ecw) to your CE device, you must also copy the (.map) file for the map image.  To copy the maps to the PDA -
  • Alternate Method 1. - Connect your PDA to your computer and link it using Activesync. Open Activesync / Explorer file manager and navigate to the folder on the PDA where you want the maps stored. Use Windows Explorer to select the maps and drag and drop them on to the folder in Activesync Explore.
  • Alternate Method 2. - If you are storing the maps on a storage card and have a card reader connected to your computer, use Windows Explorer to copy the maps to the maps folder on your storage card.

Using a storage card on your device to store your maps

• You can place your maps on a storage card such as an SD or CF card.  The Img2Ozf  (Version 3.0 or later) program "Copy maps to PDA" option can do this.
• It is recommended that you place the (.map) file and the map image together in the same folder, if you do this OziExplorerCE will always be able to find the map image to load it.
• In OziExplorerCE configuration, make sure you set the Map File Path(s) to the folder(s) on the storage card where you have placed your maps and tick the Active box.
• If you place your image files in a different folder to the (.map) files, the Image File Path(s) configuration settings must be set to match the path(s) where you have copied the map images.
• For more information on configuring OziExplorerCE, see the OziExplorerCE Help or see the Map Searching FAQ link on the OziExplorerCE Support page on this website.

How is the map file (.map) created
(PC OziExplorer is used to do this)

The map file can be created two ways using the PC OziExplorer. Both options are items on the File Menu of OziExplorer.

• Import Map - There are maps and charts available in digital form which have the calibration (georeferencing) for the map included either directly in the file or provided as information in an additional file. Importing these maps reads the calibration information from the map files and creates an OziExplorer map file.
   
• Load and Calibrate Map Image - When you calibrate a map which does not have the calibration information discussed above, (such as a map you have scanned from a paper chart), OziExplorer creates a (.map) file which contains the calibration information and a link to the image you are using.

Additional Information

• Img2Ozf Help can be accessed from the Img2Ozf program.

Read these sections of the OziExplorer Help

• Tutorial
• Map Related - Creating (Calibrating) Maps
• Image Formats Supported

[ Home ] [ OziExplorer ] [ OziExplorerCE ] [ OziExplorer3D ] [ Purchasing ] [ Maps ] [ Utilities ] [ Support ] [ Links ] [ Future Changes ] [ Information ] [ Australian Page ] [ Site Map ]