Maps and Courses
This section discussed the various options you have to get map and course files for use in MyOMaps.
MyOMaps needs two files:
- A geo-referenced map (in .kmz format), and
- A course file (in the International Orienteering Federation (IOF) XML format).
Summary
You will best results if you use OCAD 10 or 11 with a geo-referenced map - to create both the map and course files. The next best option for a map is to get someone to create a georefernced map file for you (in kmz format) but continue to set courses in OCAD or Corpse. If you want a simpler (but not as accurate) way, MyOMaps let you geo-reference an image of a map (a jpg, scan or photo) and then you can set your course in OCAD or Corpse.
Maps
Geo-referenced Maps
OCAD 10 or 11
If you have an OCAD map file and have access to OCAD 10 or 11 you can easily manipulate and create the map file you need.
MyOMaps needs two files:
- A geo-referenced map (in .kmz format), and
- A course file (in the International Orienteering Federation (IOF) XML format).
Summary
You will best results if you use OCAD 10 or 11 with a geo-referenced map - to create both the map and course files. The next best option for a map is to get someone to create a georefernced map file for you (in kmz format) but continue to set courses in OCAD or Corpse. If you want a simpler (but not as accurate) way, MyOMaps let you geo-reference an image of a map (a jpg, scan or photo) and then you can set your course in OCAD or Corpse.
Maps
Geo-referenced Maps
OCAD 10 or 11
If you have an OCAD map file and have access to OCAD 10 or 11 you can easily manipulate and create the map file you need.
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Pre-existing OCAD Geo-referenced Maps:
These versions of OCAD support geo-referenced maps - so the map file may have been created from the outset as a geo-referenced map. If so, you can easily create the kmz file, by doing >Export >kmz. To see more details click here. OCAD Maps that are not Geo-referenced: It you have an older OCAD file that is not georeferenced. It can easliy be converted to OCAD 10 or 11 format and then georeferenced. In summary, one method is: - Use a GPS track as a reference - If you don't have a track and GoogleMaps show sufficient detail within the area of the map - Create a map in GoogleMaps that marks some key points - then save this as a KML file. - Then use an online converter eg http://kml2gpx.com/ to convert the file to .gpx - Start a new map file in OCAD and import the gpx track - Then load the map as a background map - Use the functions to align the background map to the track. |
OCAD 8 , 9
If you only have access to OCAD 8 or 9, these do not support geo-referenced files.
Your options are:
- Ask someone who has OCAD 10 or 11 to create you a geo-referenced kmz file for your map. You can continue to use OCAD 8 or 9 for course setting but when completed you will need to have someone with OCAD 10 or 11 create an XML file of the courses.
- The key thing to be careful about is that you do not change the boundaries of the map as the XML file is created by determining the x,y location of the controls relative to the top-left corner of the map page. Changing the position of the map or the location of the top left corner will result mean the controls will not be placed correctly.
Corpse
Corpse, as with OCAD 8, 9, does not support geo-referenced files.
However, Corpse can produce an XML course file.
The following steps are recommended:
- The mapper produces a base map and uses OCAD 10 or 11 (or similar) to produce:
- A .eps file to use as the base map in Corpse
- A matching kmz file
- The course planner uses Corpse in the usual way, and when the courses are finalised, creates an XML course file
- Use the kmz (map) and xml (course) file in in MyOMaps
Using MyOMaps to Create the Geo-referenced Map
MyOMaps can take an image file and create a geo-referenced map (.kmz). This uses a relatively simple geo-refencing based on two points and so it works best if the map is accurate within itself (distances and angles) so that when geo-referenced it provides an accurate locations across its scope. For more details click here.
If you only have access to OCAD 8 or 9, these do not support geo-referenced files.
Your options are:
- Ask someone who has OCAD 10 or 11 to create you a geo-referenced kmz file for your map. You can continue to use OCAD 8 or 9 for course setting but when completed you will need to have someone with OCAD 10 or 11 create an XML file of the courses.
- The key thing to be careful about is that you do not change the boundaries of the map as the XML file is created by determining the x,y location of the controls relative to the top-left corner of the map page. Changing the position of the map or the location of the top left corner will result mean the controls will not be placed correctly.
Corpse
Corpse, as with OCAD 8, 9, does not support geo-referenced files.
However, Corpse can produce an XML course file.
The following steps are recommended:
- The mapper produces a base map and uses OCAD 10 or 11 (or similar) to produce:
- A .eps file to use as the base map in Corpse
- A matching kmz file
- The course planner uses Corpse in the usual way, and when the courses are finalised, creates an XML course file
- Use the kmz (map) and xml (course) file in in MyOMaps
Using MyOMaps to Create the Geo-referenced Map
MyOMaps can take an image file and create a geo-referenced map (.kmz). This uses a relatively simple geo-refencing based on two points and so it works best if the map is accurate within itself (distances and angles) so that when geo-referenced it provides an accurate locations across its scope. For more details click here.
