Hi Matt,
Thanks for a great job with the 1.6 update.
I really love the integration of the Navico Map Creator. It will make everything much easier in the future. I am also looking forward to testing the 'Bottom Composition' module, but apparently I have to re-import my data first.

Now, the reason I write is because I cannot find a good way to add rock symbols to the chart. I have collected data with the HDS and made waypoints on top of known rocks (submerged or awash). I have also used aerial photographs for some bigger ones. I can of course use the waypoints as they are, but that does not look good in the HDS. The waypoint icons are too big, non relevant and clutter the chart.

So, I wish there was a method in ReefMaster for adding international symbology for at least rocks, but also other relevant stuff.

In the Navico Map Creator, there is actually a list of approved icons (icon documentation window), and the icons called "ROC" and "ROA" is good for rocks in shallow water, otherwise "PUWTROC_3" or "PUWTROC_5". Those are internationally icons and can be used by anyone. I actually believe you can use any of the NAVICO icons. That’s the whole point of the data sets.

Another way doing this, instead of using waypoint icons, would be to add vector graphics directly to the chart. Either by pointing at a location, or by using the position of a waypoint. The object would then be built by line features instead.


Thanks
//Mats

Mats,

there are a couple of ways to do what you want. There are already vector graphics in RM, in the map view you can add custom paths and polygons, so could draw your rocky areas easily. Alternatively simply convert your waypoint file into a shapefile. There is already a very good method of annotating your charts using GPSMapedit, you can build a fully populated chart with all the bells and whistles using the Reefmaster output. Have a look at www.anglingcharts.com

T

Thanks for your tips and ideas.

I know I can add polygons and line features (paths) in RM, but I cannot see how this could easily be used for making and adding this kind of objects to my charts. Each object is more or less complex, with several non-connecting parts. At least I cannot see how I can make them in RM, and save them. Maybe I can make the objects in ArcGIS or similar, and save them as a shape. But would RM be able to handle multipart shapes?

GPSMapedit is a wonderful program, and I have used it a lot when I was preparing Garmin maps via the cGPSMapper. But since I use Lowrance HDS now, I only intend to use RM and export directly to Navico Map Creator. So using external tools does not seem to be a good idea. Or would it be possible to export the data from RM, process it in GPSMapedit, and then import it back to RM without losing anything?


Still, best would be a dedicated function within RM for adding predefined (or user defined) icons for rocks or other objects.

//Mats


Example icon for 'Rock awash'

Hi Mats,
ICON support is something we'd definitely like to add, and probably wouldn't be a huge amount of work. We'd have to check with Navico on what the situation would be regarding showing their artwork within RM - it might not be possible, so that would limit the "wysiwyg" side of the user map.

You can import polygons from Shapefile & KML into a user map, and style them as you like. This would be fine for outlining specific areas, but you couldn't easily create a set of shapes that you could then freely position within RM - shapes are imported in a fixed location.

Your only solution for now would probably be to make a shapefile by hand and add it to the RM shapes when running the IMC - but of course you then have to run the IMC manually.

Matt

Hi Matt,
Thanks for your positive answer. Sounds very promising :-)

Other software uses the icon sets from both Garmin, Navico and others, so I have never thought of this as a problem. One could think it would be in their own interest that third party software supports them. But better check with them of course.

However, the type of symbology I am talking of is not necessarily the ones from Navico. Why not use the internationally approved icon sets instead. They are more lightweight and do not clutter the chart so much. One standard is the one used for printed charts (almost same for S57 charts). The icons are listed in an IHO document called "INT 1". You can download an old copy here: www.seasources.net/PDF/ChartNo1.pdf (check page 43 for rocks).


Anyhow, sounds like I better wait and see what you can implement, instead of any workaround.
Cheers
//Mats

Mats,

if you have a look at www.anglingcharts.com you will see there is a new configuration file for GPSMapedit which enables export of fully configured AT5 files. You just import from RM, add the rocks, soundings, roads, jetties etc as you want (import waypoints via GPX or USR if you like), and export to IMC. There is also a skinfile which customizes the whole thing to show the Lowrance object set. GPSMapedit is not just for Garmin.

T

It's still a bit cumbersome, taking the path via GPSMapEdit, but I will of course look at it, as an intermi solution.

Thanks
//Mats

Sound idea,

I don't think Matt has plans to turn RM into a GIS editor any time soon, and a line has to be drawn somewhere !

T

good idea
I also do not have enough opportunities to celebrate the custom objects.

such as:
underwater, awash rocks underwater obstacles
coastal landmarks
signs floating navigational aids: cardinal, lateral buoys, spar buoy
coastal notices marks: ienc.openecdis.org/files/Inland_ENC_Encoding_Guide_2_2_0.pdf (page 254)

12th Edition Chart No1 ECDIS www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/mcd/chart1/ChartNo1.pdf
S-52 Standard symbol display ENC www.iho.int/iho_pubs/standard/S-52/PresL..._Part_I_Addendum.pdf

example

If you like to learn a few steps, you could use QGIS (freeware, but a big tool) to generate an additional shapefile with your rock signs. All symbols you can use are listed already in the user manual of the IMC. Your desired symbols already exist in the lowrance library.

I complete my vector maps for example with buoys, lights and other signs.