I would like to make a high resolution wall map, say 36" by 16" of my completed contour map with a Google Earth image of the surrounding shore area.

Any recommendations on procedures to do this?

Thanks

At the moment there is no way to combine background map imagery with a map image for export, so if you want a map with both you will have to do a little post-processing.
To export the map from ReefMaster, choose the Export Map Image option and go with the largest resolution you can (this may be limited by the available memory on your PC). This will give you a map with a transparent background - if you want to maximise the map size, de-select the Show Frame and Scale option also.
You then need a large satellite image background. Google Earth Pro (which is free now) is probably your best bet as this lets you export images in quite high resolution (up to 4800px across, I think). You would then need to combine the two images in an image editing tool, with the map image on top of the satellite. Assuming you can line them up easily enough, you should end up with quite a high resolution image suitable for printing in larger sizes.

Thanks Matt

I will let you know how it works out.

I would be interested too. It is not that easy to get good looking results. Which software to use, workflow, etc...

The simplest way to create a high-res image up to 4800px wide (which may or may not be enough for a poster, depending on how big the poster is and how high quality you want it to be) is to simply import a map image into Google Earth Pro and then save the visible image.

1. Export a map image from RM. I would turn grid-lines off before clicking the export map image option (as this setting is used in the exported image), and also un-check the "frame and scale" option. Up the resolution to something like 3-4000px across and save the image. Consider upping the label size as well (I use the maximum setting).
2. Open the .kml file (that was produced in step one) in Google Earth Pro (this is free now).
3. Make sure that the Compress option is not checked in Google Earth options. This lowers the image quality of ground overlays significantly.



4. Line up the view you want to export - this will be whatever is on the screen at the time - and choose File/Save/Save Image.. Adjust resolution to max (4800px) and configure labels how you want (turn them off).

Edit: Choose Print/Save as PDF instead of Save Image, to get a much higher quality image file.

You'll end up with a 4800px JPG image with the map image correctly located on the top.
You could no doubt create higher quality images with a bit of work, but this way is simple. I printed a quarter of a map on full-page A4 glossy and it was great - so A2 or even A1 would be fine.

Here is a download link to the image I created.

I belief, that the picture quality is still better, if you use the pdf print option, (and i have test it).
Pdf is also the best for commercial print shops.

Where is this option?

file >>> print >>> print as pdf (or so in english):

Also important: I have set the printformat to "A0"

Nice tip! I tested it also and the quality is much better - I will update my original post.