Getting Started

What is ReefMaster?

ReefMaster is a Windows PC application that combines easy-to-use underwater mapping and waypoint management, with the emphasis on features that are useful to fishermen.

Underwater Mapping

ReefMaster generates underwater maps using track log data collected on a GPS/depth sounder combination unit. Once a map has been created, it can be viewed in 2D or 3D, and depth contour lines can be exported back to compatible GPS devices.

Waypoint Management

ReefMaster includes comprehensive, easy to use, graphical waypoint management including drag and drop of waypoints in both 2D and 3D.

Track Library

ReefMaster acts as a librarian for all of your GPS data, including track logs. Tracks can be stored and viewed, edited, merged and re-exported to your GPS device.

Getting Help

Help can be accessed in a number of ways from throughout the ReefMaster application:

(1) Click the Help button in the Main Toolbar to open this help manual to the contents page.

(2) Pop-up help is available in many places throughout the application. Click the ? button to show a pop-up window containing help information relevant to the current window. The pop-up help window contains a further button that can be used to directly open the relevant page of this reference manual.

(3) Press the F1 button at any time to open this help manual.

The ReefMaster Forum

ReefMaster has an active community forum, with sections for news, support and general mapping technology and techniques. Many common questions will have already been answered there, and it is great place to look for news and ask for advice.

Checking for ReefMaster Updates

The ReefMaster application is periodically updated as new features are added and issues are fixed. You should check for updates occasionally by running the separate check for updates application, which is installed in the same folder as the ReefMaster executable. If an updated version is available, it will be downloaded and installed automatically. News about updates is posted in the News section of the ReefMaster forum.

ReefMaster Basics

The basic concepts, layout and terminology used throughout ReefMaster, are described in the ReefMaster Basics manual section. As a starting point, load up the demo workspace that is included with the application, and read through the following topics:

·Assets and Asset Types

Once you have a handle on navigating your way around the application, a good introduction to using ReefMaster is to follow the tutorial Start to Finish - Create a Map for Your GPS, which goes through the entire process of creating a map; from importing GPS data, right through to exporting the finished map contours. Data files are provided.

ReefMaster Configuration

Before using ReefMaster with your own data, it's a good idea to take some time to configure the application:

·Choose the units that ReefMaster uses to display GPS coordinates, depths and distances in the Global Settings.

·Set up a Tide Station, if you are making maps of tidal waters.

·Configure a GPS Equipment Profile with information about your GPS/Sounder unit.

Using ReefMaster with Your Own Data

The following topics will help with collecting, importing and using your own GPS data:

·Collecting Track Log Data

·GPS Data Sources and File Types

·Importing GPS Assets

Making Your Own Maps

·Re-visit the tutorial Start to Finish - Create a Map for Your GPS, using your own data.

·Read through the Map Projects documentation.

Feature limitations in the Trial Version

·All data import operations are fully functional in the trial version.

·All editing functions are available in the trial version.

·Map export is limited to a small selection of styles, which can only be accessed via a Map Project. Raster and shaded relief images carry a watermark when created with the trial version.

·Sidescan imagery export is limited to the MBTiles format, and carries a watermark when created using the trial version.