for Android - Using Maps

Important information about OziExplorer Maps

• Just like PC OziExplorer, for each map two files are required to use the map in OziExplorer Android. The two files are the map image and the .map file. Both files must be copied to the maps folder on the device.
   
• Map Image formats that OziExplorer Android can use are -
   
  • OziExplorer formats (OZF2, OZFx3, OZF4) - This is the most efficient format for use on a mobile device. Maps may be supplied in this format.  If not, most maps can be converted to this format using the Img2Ozf software (see below).
     
  • ECW format.  OziExplorer Android can use maps in ECW format.
     
  • JP2 format.  OziExplorer Android can use maps in JP2 format.
     
  • The image formats jpg and png (small maps less than 20MBytes uncompressed) 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 and png format are converted to OZF4 using the Img2Ozf conversion software.

• Maps come in various other formats. You may need to convert your maps so they can be used in OziExplorer Android. (See below on how to convert maps if necessary.)
   
• Maps that can be converted to ozf4 format for use in OziExplorer Android are :
   
  • BMP, PNG, TIF, JPG, GIF, MrSID, ECW
     
  • To convert the above maps, use the "Img2Ozf"  software which can be downloaded from this web site. More information about Img2Ozf.
     
  • NOTE: Before a map can be converted using Img2Ozf, it must have a corresponding (.map) calibration file.
     
• Note: OziExplorer Android cannot read proprietary maps in vector format used in auto-routing software.

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

Converting Maps

Important Information - Please Read

Map Images which are not in the .ozf2, .ozfx3, .ozf4, .ecw and .jp2 formats should be converted using our img2ozf software.

To convert the unsupported maps, use the "Img2Ozf"  software which can be downloaded from this web site. More information about Img2Ozf.

Copying maps to the device

Please Note : when you copy the map image (.ozf2, .ozfx3, .ozf4, .ecw or .jp2) to your device, you must also copy the .map file for the map image.

• Please also see the section below about using the sdcard to store your maps.
   
• Device connected as a Mass Storage device (disk drive)  -  When connected to the computer, Windows Explorer will see the device as a disk drive.  Locate the "OziExplorer\Maps" folder and copy the maps (2 files for each map) to the folder.
   
• Use a memory Card reader  -  When connect to the computer, Windows Explorer will see the device as a disk drive.  Locate the "OziExplorer\Maps" folder and copy the maps (2 files for each map) to the folder.

Using a storage card (sdcard) on your device to store your maps

• You can place your maps on a storage card such as a SD card. 
   
• It is essential that you place the (.map) file and the map image together in the same folder, if you do this OziExplorer Android will always be able to find the map image to load it.
   
• In OziExplorer Android configuration, make sure you set the Map File Path to the folder on the storage card where you have placed your maps.
   
• For more information on configuring OziExplorer Android, see the section below or the program Help.

Configuring OziExplorer to know where your maps are stored

• Configure OziExplorer Android that OziExplorer knows where to look for maps to load. 
   
• Click Main Menu / Configuration / General Settings.
   
• Click the button "Map File Path" and navigate to and select your folder with the maps.
   
• The path may look something like "/mnt/sdcard/OziExplorer/Maps"

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.
   
• Please Note : Some .map files for popular Australian maps are available for download from the Australian page of our web site.
   

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