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Custom Map File
This is the actual map format used by your GPS unit. MapCreate takes
the borders you drew (or saved as a Map Border File), extracts that area's
information from the raw atlas data, then converts it to a Custom Map
File, often called a Map File for short. We call this conversion process
"creating the map." The file extension is *.lcm.
By default, MapCreate will first save a Map File direct to your MMC memory
card. If you prefer, you can save a Map File on your computer hard drive. When
hard drive space is available, many users like to archive Map Files in the
C:\Program Files\LEI\MapCreate\Data folder. This allows you to change
maps on your card and reuse a map over and over without creating it each
time. If you save a map to the Data folder, MapCreate will remember that loca-
tion the next time you save a map, during the current work session. The next
time you start MapCreate, map saves will default back to the MMC card.
You cannot make changes to a Map File once it has been created. If you
want to make changes to a map, return to its original companion Map Bor-
der File or retrieve the map borders by opening the Map File (*.lcm). Make
your changes to the border, then create a fresh Map File. You can delete the
old one, or just save the new map over the old map.
Important Notes: File Encryption and Card Limits
We collect and purchase cartography data from several sources. Much of
this data is copyrighted, and our data suppliers require that we protect
our maps from illegal copying. One level of protection requires that you
have the MapCreate DVD in the disc drive each time you launch the pro-
gram. We also encrypt Map Files, and limit the number of MMC or SD
cards you can use to store maps.
Map File Encryption
All maps built by MapCreate are required to be encrypted (or locked) to
a specific memory card. This encryption process must be done on maps
saved both to a memory card and your hard drive. Once a map has been
encrypted to a specific memory card, you can make a backup copy on
your hard drive, but you cannot copy the map to a different card. (Well,
you can copy it to another card, but your GPS unit won't recognize it.
To work, the Map File must reside on the card it was encrypted to.)
Limited Number of Cards
All MapCreate users are limited to saving maps on a maximum of five differ-
ent memory cards. MapCreate tracks the number and identity of your cards
by "registering" each card with the program. The software needed to register
cards will not work with third-party card readers, so MapCreate will only
work with the card reader from LEI. Once you have registered a card, it can
never be unregistered and its place exchanged with another card.
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