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.

Fair Use Policy

The map download relies on the kindness of the server operating companies who make the map tiles publicly available without charging fees. This kindness should not be overstressed or exploited. Most of the providers punish heavy usage of their tile download servers by blocking access or throttling the download.

Please don’t download large areas. On long term the community had to pay the price.

How To Download a Map

1. Select the tile server

Select the wanted server for the map tile download. Character and appearance of the map depend on the server.

Read further down to learn about how to setup the tile servers.

2. Refine the download area

The dialog presets the map area to the currently active map pane. If necessary 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.

3. Request the download

Press the Query-button in order to actually download the maps. This might take a while. It is possible to zoom or move the map.

4. 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.

Download Preferences

In ‘Menu-Options-Preferences-Calibration/Download’ several options can be arranged for the map download.

Arrange Tile Servers

Among other things the tile servers are listed in ‘Menu-Options-Preferences-Calibration/Download’. Use the buttons ‘Edit’, ‘Add’ or ‘Remove’ to manage them.

The order of the list can be changed by just drag and drop a line up or down or by using the keyboard (ALT+up/down).