Hi
It could be great to have a way to startup the program, so it immediately start recording NMEA data in a track log, and shows a 'default' live map.
Basically it should:
- Start using a default workspace
- Start showing a default project
- Asset menu 'hidden'.
- Start a live track log (that are added to the default project)
- Show the default project view with some last used zoom level and view setting (e.g. show Data Panel).

The purpose of this is that when you bring the computer onto the boat to do some live mapping, the program should just be started and is 'automatically' ready to be used without having to press any buttons.
Where we use our boat there is always some waves, so having to use a mouse is really no fun at all.

These are all good ideas (also your other post, dynamic map boundaries).
We have time put aside specifically to work on usability for live-mapping, after the bottom hardness/vector depth area release (due end of Jan).
I will keep these ideas in mind, but once we get going with it would be great to get more input from yourself and other live-mappers. We do appreciate that using a computer on a boat is very different to sitting at a desk, and no doubt RM can be improved significantly in this area (more hot-keys and so forth).

Matt

Matt,

I know we've had this discussion before - it needs to run when you are using a trackpad left-handed with half an eye while standing at 45 degrees, and be smart enough to know when you meant to hit a soft button but missed it. Alternatively SHORTCUTS, and a one key shortcut menu list (I can never remember more than 3 or 4.....)

The boot option straight into recording is a great idea, particularly if you can load background maps on the fly underneath the recording, and reconfigure the colour scale at the press of a key, or two without stopping the display.

T