Overview

Map Projects

Map Projects are underwater maps created using depth and position data from tracks and sonar logs. Map Projects can be viewed in 2D and 3D, and can be exported for use on a GPS device or within other GIS applications. Map images can also be exported in a range of formats.

Map Projects are composed of a set of Map Layers, each of which contains map components of a certain type. A typical Map Project might contain layers for major and minor contours, isobaths, shorelines and land and water areas, and further layers can be added as required, either by creating them manually, copying from other map projects or importing from file.

Making a Map

The general process for making a map within ReefMaster is as follows:

1.Create a new Map Project.

2.Add tracks to the map project for use as a data source. Tracks must first be imported to the workspace from existing sonar log files, trails or other data sources.

3.Add and configure shorelines and islands, if required. Spot depths can also be added to fill in any gaps in the source data.

4.Configure map project build settings, such as the required contour interval, smoothing amount and maximum interpolation distance.

5.Specify the geographic region over which to create the map by defining a map area.

6.Generate the map. A set of Map Layers will be created and displayed in the Map View.

7.Edit map layers as required. Editing can include toggling layer visibility, moving layers forwards or backwards in the drawing (Z) order, editing line widths and colours, or adding, editing or deleting individual map components.

8.Export the finished map in one of a range of formats so that the map can be used in a GPS device or another GIS application, or save a high-resolution image of the map.