Raster Map Download

Overview

This dialog can be found in ‘Menu-Map-Management-Download Map’.

The dialog allows to import raster maps from the Internet. A downloaded map can be saved as plain image files or as calibrated raster map in order to make it available off-line.

The Google maps service is used to perform the download functionality. Google requires an API key for accessing the map services. For development purposes the service can be used without a key at the cost of a limited quality.

Preconditions

• The computer has to have Internet access.
• The Microsoft Internet Explorer has to be installed (version 10 or later).
• The Windows Internet settings must allow Java Scripts.

Define the download area

If this dialog is called it is assumed that the area to be downloaded equals the area of the currently active map pane. Adjust the wanted area and resolution by changing the center/width/height fields.

Another way to select the wanted area is using the mouse to span a rectangle. Press the button labeled ‘mouse’ to temporarily switch back to the map pane. After spanning a rectangle (press left mouse button, hold it, move the mouse, release the button) the view jumps back to the dialog and updates center/width/height.

Define the map type

Select the wanted scale (resolution), the map type and set a title. The title is helpful to distinguish the maps from each other.

Request the download

Press the Query-button in order to actually download the maps. This might take a while. After the download is complete the map view behaves like an Internet browser. It is possible to zoom or move the map or even change the map type.

Save the map

Save the map to a plain image or to a calibrated raster map by using the related buttons. In case of the raster maps the main map view in background will switch to the map just downloaded.

Tips

The raster maps can easily be managed by ‘Menu-Map-Management-Raster Map Explorer’.

Google tend to change their interfaces from time to time. There is no guarantee that the download functionality will work forever. Same applies to the Windows Internet Explorer the Raster Map Download is relying on.

In the past it was observed for some versions of the Internet Explorer that the downloaded maps looked jumbled. For this case the setup (‘Menu-Options-Preferences-Calibration/Downloads’) contains some fields containing shift ratios. The normal shift ratio is 1. Try 2 or 3 if you observe jumbled tiles.