Lowrance MapCreate 6 Installation And Operation Instructions Manual
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Lowrance MapCreate 6 Installation And Operation Instructions Manual

Lowrance MapCreate 6 Installation And Operation Instructions Manual

Custom mapping software for gps
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Pub. 988-0147-382
www.lei-extras.com
MapCreate 6
Custom Mapping Software for GPS
Installation and Operation
Instructions

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Summary of Contents for Lowrance MapCreate 6

  • Page 1 Pub. 988-0147-382 www.lei-extras.com MapCreate 6  Custom Mapping Software for GPS Installation and Operation Instructions...
  • Page 2 Copyright © 2003 LEI Extras, Inc., a division of Lowrance Electronics, Inc. All rights reserved. MapCreate is a trademark of Lowrance Electronics, Inc. Points of Interest Data in this unit are by infoUSA, copyright  2001-2003, All Rights Reserved. infoUSA is a trademark of infoUSA, Inc.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Find Highway Exit Services ... 9 Find Points of Interest... 9 Find an Address ... 10 How to Use this Manual: Typographical Conventions... 10 Sec. 2: Installing Mapcreate 6.2... 13 System Requirements ... 13 Installation Types ... 13 Installing Mapcreate... 14 Care of your Mapcreate CDs ...
  • Page 4 Appendix 1: Mapcreate Command List ... 57 Searching Help... 58 Appendix 2: Map Category List ... 61 Appendix 3: Mapcreate 6 Symbol Key ... 63 Appendix 4: Considerations When Planning Highway Routes A CAREFUL NAVIGATOR NEVER RELIES ON ONLY ONE METHOD TO OBTAIN POSITION INFORMATION.

  • Page 5: Sec. 1: Introduction

    8 MB chunks. Just click the one you want and save it. To use the easy mode, first install MapCreate 6.2 on your computer (install instructions begin on page 13). Then, choose the MapSelect option when you start the program.
  • Page 6 After you've gained some experience with the program, you may want to try some of the really advanced features. That brings us to the Command Reference, which is available only in the MapCreate 6 Help file on the CD-ROM. It contains — in alphabetical order — every command function in MapCreate 6.

  • Page 7: How Mapcreate Works

    How MapCreate Works You'll be making maps faster if you understand the hoops MapCreate must jump through to cram a high detail map into your GPS unit. First of all, those CDs you just purchased contain a whole bunch of raw computerized cartography data.

  • Page 8: File Formats & Functions

    File Formats & Functions Well, now you know what makes MapCreate tick. You may be ready to skip forward to where we explain how our text formatting makes the manual easy to skim. If that's the case, move on to "How to Use This Manual"...

  • Page 9: Gps Data File

    4. The GDM file extension is *.low. Although MapCreate 6 is designed to load and read older GPS Data Files in the *.low format, MapCreate 6.0 also allowed users to choose to save new files in the older format (though the program could not actually save them). This has been corrected in version 6.2.

  • Page 10: Atlas File

    GlobalMap 3000 prior to March 2002, your unit will need a software upgrade to work with MapCreate 6. The upgrade is available for free download from the web site, www.lowrance.com. If you have questions, call Lowrance customer service at 1-800-324-1356, toll free in the USA.
  • Page 11 This solid-state, flash memory device is about the size of a postage stamp. (SDC [Secure Digital] cards are also compatible with any Lowrance or Eagle product that uses MMCs.) The MMCs shipped with Lowrance and Eagle GPS units are 16 MB size.
  • Page 12 The amount of development in an area is something you can't control. For example, one square mile of city streets will make a larger file than one square mile of wilderness with a few hiking trails. The amount of territory you include in a map is a major factor. The more square miles or acres you include, the bigger the file size.

  • Page 13: Mapping Detail: There's More Here Than Meets The Eye

    Mapping Detail: The Custom Map Files you make with MapCreate contain more mapping detail than what is visible on your computer screen. Your MapCreate 6- compatible GPS unit takes full advantage of this extra information. Find Highway Exit Services For example, move your mouse pointer over a highway exit symbol on the computer map, and all you'll see is a pop-up tool-tip box listing the name of the exit.

  • Page 14: Find An Address

    How to use this manual: typographical conventions Most Windows-based computer programs offer several ways to perform a task, and MapCreate 6 is no exception. With mouse and keyboard, you can access some commands four different ways! We'll show you all of them, but we save the most detailed information for our online Command Reference section.
  • Page 15 In the printed Quick Reference and the online Command Reference, the actual command clicks and keystrokes appear as sans serif, boldface type. So, if you're in a real hurry (or just need a reminder), you can usually skim the instructions and pick out where to click by finding the boldface commands.
  • Page 16 File Name text box," you would click in the text box, type the name you want to use for the file, then press the key. Enter This manual is written specifically for MapCreate 6.2, but for simplicity, the program is often referred to as "MapCreate" or "MapCreate 6."...

  • Page 17: Sec. 2: Installing Mapcreate 6.2

    You will also be prompted to remove disc 1 and insert disc 2 to complete the installation. NOTE: If you already have MapCreate 6.0 or MapCreate 6.1 installed on your computer, you must uninstall it before installing MapCreate 6.2. Some MapCreate 6.2 functionality will not be included and the ...

  • Page 18: Installing Mapcreate

    program will not operate correctly if you choose to modify an existing installation. To uninstall MapCreate, use the standard Windows EMOVE ROGRAMS uninstall, open your Windows Help file and search for the phrase "Removing Programs.") For Typical or Compact installations of version 6: The high detail map data is organized into two overlapping regions.
  • Page 19 3. Type D:\setup.exe Type the setup command directory path and file name. 4. Click to begin installation. NOTE: If you are using Windows 2000 or Windows XP Professional, you may receive an error message if you are not logged on with administrator privileges.
  • Page 20 C. Read the License Agreement. D. Choose a destination folder for the program. You can accept the default or you can choose another location. E. Select the type of setup.
  • Page 21 F. If you picked Custom install, select the components to install. G. Select a program folder. You may accept the default or choose another folder. H. With all your preferences determined, InstallShield will begin copying files. A progress window is shown.

  • Page 22: Care Of Your Mapcreate Cds

    USA-East CD (disc 2) and click OK to continue the setup. 6. When the installation program is finished, the progress windows disappear. You can then start MapCreate by double-clicking the program icon in the MapCreate 6 program group. NOTES: •...

  • Page 23: Starting Mapcreate (Easy Mode And Advanced Mode)

    Do not leave your discs in direct sunlight or in a hot, humid location. Starting MapCreate (Easy Mode and Advanced Mode) MapCreate 6.2 includes both an easy mode called MapSelect and an advanced mode called MapCreate. Both modes are useful at different times depending on your needs and computer skill level.
  • Page 24 To add a direct shortcut to your desktop: Right-click and drag the desired icon to your desktop, then release the mouse button. When you do so, a selection list will pop up asking you what you wish to do. Choose .

  • Page 25: Sec. 3: Working With Mapcreate

    Section 3: Working With MapCreate Easy Mode Quick Start Reference If you're really in a hurry, this summary will tell you how to work MapCreate's easy mode, MapSelect. (If you haven't installed the program yet, see those instructions on page 13. Before you start, make sure your MMC card reader is installed and working, and you know the card reader's drive letter.) How to select and save a pre-defined custom map...

  • Page 26: Advanced Mode Quick Start Reference

    Advanced Mode Quick Start Reference If you have some computer experience and want to do more with your mapping software, this 10-step summary will get you started with MapCreate's advanced mode. For detailed explanations, read through the lessons in this section. Before you start, make sure your MMC card reader is installed and working, and you know the reader's drive letter.

  • Page 27: Starting Mapcreate

    CD, be sure you have the correct version of the CD in your drive when working with the two programs. Running MapCreate 5 with the version 6 CD or running MapCreate 6 with the version 5 CD will generate an error message when you try to build a map.

  • Page 28: The Mapselect Screen

    MapCreate to make more advanced custom maps of exactly the areas and sizes you desire, or to manipulate other GPS data such as routes, waypoints, trails and event marker icons. MapCreate 6.2 mode selection screen. NOTE: To skip the mode selection screen, double-click the icon of the desired program in the MapCreate program group window (MapSelect or MapCreate), or create a direct shortcut as described on page 20.

  • Page 29: The Mapcreate Screen

    If you choose to use MapCreate, the opening splash screen appears while the program is loading. It will take a moment or two for the program to load the map detail. MapCreate 6 splash screen appears while program is loading. NOTE: Load time depends heavily on your computer's processing speed and the amount of RAM (Random Access Memory) available.
  • Page 30 If they were all opened or turned on, the program interface would look like this (labels have been added for illustration): MapCreate 6 GPS text list windows. You can drag the borders of these windows to resize them to suit your viewing preferences.

  • Page 31: Closing Mapcreate

    under the Window menu. When you close the program, MapCreate remembers the windows and map you were using. The next time you start MapCreate, the program opens the previous map and windows, just as you left them. Closing MapCreate To close or exit MapCreate click or click the X LOSE button at the top right corner of the screen.
  • Page 32 Waypoint Button Border Master Map window shows a rectangle map border around Lake Eufaula, along with a route, waypoints and event marker icons. The Zoom Range is 50, which indicates that it's 50 miles across the map. Tips: • You can use the Print Master Map command to print what's displayed in the window.

  • Page 33: Main Menu

    Tip Box Pop-up Tool Tip box. When the cross-hair pointer hovers over the visible wreck symbol, a red border surrounds the symbol and the tip box appears. This wrecked vessel is the "Three Brothers." Main Menu MapCreate's main menu is similar to that of other Windows programs. It consists of the File, Edit, Insert, Tools, View, Window and Help menus.

  • Page 34: Map Category Options Window

    MapCreate 6.2 main menu and toolbar. The numbering below corresponds to the numbers in the figure above, and describes the toolbar buttons: 1. Center Master Map: centers the map on the point you click 2. New GPS Data File: opens a new map with no GPS data 3.

  • Page 35: Waypoint List Window

    Custom Map File is created. Turning off unneeded information categories can help reduce file size if you are trying to fit a very large map onto an MMC with small amounts of memory. For example, if you're simply taking a cross-country highway trip across several states, you can turn off categories such as rural roads and/or minor city streets.

  • Page 36: Icon List Window

    Waypoint List Window Icon List Window This window shows the event marker icons on the Master Map in a text list format. The symbol, symbol label, latitude and longitude are listed. Except for the symbol label, these elements can be edited either on the Master Map or in the list window.

  • Page 37: Route Waypoint List Window

    Route List Window Route Waypoint List Window (This is not shown when the program starts for the first time; a route must be created first. With the Route List window open, double-click on the route name to open the Route Waypoint List window.) This window shows the waypoints that make up a route on the Master Map, in a text list format.

  • Page 38: Trail List Window

    Trail List Window This window uses a text list format to show trails (imported from your GPS) that are displayed on the Master Map. The name, number of points in the trail, origin (starting point's latitude and longitude) and trail number are listed. To open this window click trail name can be edited in the window.

  • Page 39: Center Master Map

    Center Master Map You can instantly move any location on the map to the window's center with the Center Master Map command. To center the map, click the ENTER ASTER toolbar. The mouse pointer turns into a cross-hair. the part of the Master Map you want centered in the map window. This command's cross-hair pointer is sometimes used with other functions.

  • Page 40: Creating Rectangle Map Borders

    The other most common method uses the Zoom-In and Zoom-Out buttons, which are located at the bottom right corner of the Master Map. Zooming in lets you see less territory, but more detail. Zooming out lets you see more territory, but less detail. Zoom Out, Zoom In buttons, with Zoom Range Window.

  • Page 41: Creating Corridor Map Borders

    Handle Box Map Border Click and drag to draw a Map Border around Corpus Christi Bay area. 4. When the green border surrounds the desired area, release the mouse button. 5. To stop the command, click the button. If you are satisfied with this map and want to finish processing it for use in your GPS unit, skip forward to the lesson on "Saving a Map Border File"...
  • Page 42 2. If needed, click the Zoom In or Zoom Out buttons so you can see the entire area that you want to draw a map border around. 3. Click the pointer becomes a pencil. 4. Move the mouse pointer to where you want your corridor map to begin.

  • Page 43: Saving A Map Border File

    7. Now move the mouse pointer off at an angle, in the new direction needed follow terrain. You'll see that the active corridor border box now rotates around the last anchor point you set. This lets you move off in any direction, with the new segment of the corridor attached to the previous segments.

  • Page 44: Creating A Custom Map File

    Save Map Border File dialog box. 2. Type a name in the File Name text box and click That's all there is to it. The file was placed in the "data" sub-folder located within the MapCreate folder on your hard drive. You can now start another map border (click button) or you can ORDER...
  • Page 45 Lowrance or Eagle GPS unit. Here's how: (Refer as needed to the Toolbar figure on page 30.) 1. Open a Map Border File by clicking the button. 2. Click the appear while MapCreate extracts the necessary information and builds the Custom Map File. Building Map Progress dialog box.
  • Page 46 NOTE: After a map has been "built," the Custom Map File size also appears in the status bar at the lower left corner of the MapCreate screen. The status bar also tells you whether or not a custom map file has been built and saved. Map not built message, left, and map file size message, right.

  • Page 47: Creating A Waypoint

    to hit the road, but if you'd like to add a little GPS navigation information to your unit, read the following lessons. Creating a Waypoint Waypoints are the building blocks of GPS navigation. A waypoint is simply an electronic "address," based on the latitude and longitude of a position on the earth.
  • Page 48 Create a waypoint: First, find the location on the Master Map. The longer arrow shows the location of a public hunting area parking lot. Move the pointer arrow tip over the location (left) and click to create the waypoint. The waypoint appears (right) with the default waypoint symbol and name, both of which can be changed.

  • Page 49: Creating An Icon

    Waypoint and Edit Waypoint in the online Command Reference section. If this is all the GPS information you need for now, skip ahead to the lesson "Saving a GPS Data File" on page 50. But, if you want to add icons or a route, check out the next two lessons.
  • Page 50 Create an icon: First, find the location on the Master Map. The bottom arrow shows the location of a public boat ramp on this river. Move the pointer arrow tip over the location (left) and click to create the icon. The icon appears (right) with the default waypoint symbol but no name.

  • Page 51: Creating A Route

    U.S. interstate highways. Routes are powerful tools for planning and then navigating your journeys. With your GPS receiver, you can automatically navigate from one waypoint to the next along your intended course. You can start at either end of a route, or even begin navigation in the middle of a route.
  • Page 52 Tip: As you move along your intended course, you may need to pan the Master Map and periodically zoom in and out to see where to place route waypoints, and where you are going next. The pan and zoom buttons will always work, even when the Create Route command is active.
  • Page 53 along your intended route and click to create additional route waypoints as needed. Basically, you will set a new waypoint every time you need to change direction. 6. To close the Create Route command, right-click or press Finished route with six waypoints. Notice the straight line-of-sight line connecting the waypoints that make up the route.

  • Page 54: Saving A Gps Data File

    • In a hurry? You can erase a route by deleting each waypoint, one after the other. Click the cross-hair pointer over a route waypoint and right-click. In the pop- up menu, click the waypoint and the magenta line linking the waypoint to the route. Now that you've created all the GPS information you want, you need to prepare it for use in your GPS unit.

  • Page 55: Creating A Corridor Map From A Route

    MapCreate and return another day. To open this GPS Data File later on, just click the it's location) from the list. Now you're ready to load that GPS Data File into your GPS unit. Refer to your GPS unit's manual for instructions on inserting the MMC and loading your GPS Data File into its memory.
  • Page 56 2. Open the Route List Window: click OUTE 3. Right-click on the route name. In the pop-up menu, click the REATE command. ORDERS ROUND OUTE The Create Borders Around Route pop-up menu appears when you right-click a route name in the Route List Window. In this example, we are creating a corridor map border for a route from Dallas to Corpus Christi, Texas.
  • Page 57 You can save this as a Map Border File and then create a Custom Map File. (Click the button.) Tip: You can control the width of any corridor map. Click , and the Map Display Options dialog box appears. ISPLAY PTIONS Click on the Corridor Width slider bar back and forth along the scale to increase or...

  • Page 58: Creating A Route From A Trail

    Creating a Route From a Trail A trail is a line drawn on the map by your GPS unit as you travel. It's a record of the path you've taken, showing where you've been. This feature is also called a plot trail. In the field, the trail will extend from your present position back to where you began recording the trail.
  • Page 59 This example shows a portion of Trail 2, recorded during a business trip from Afton, Oklahoma to Kansas City, Missouri. The trail appears as a green line on the Master Map. It follows Interstate 44 to Carthage, Missouri, then Highway 71 north toward Kansas City. For easier viewing, roads, highways and other features have been turned off.
  • Page 60 MapCreate converts the green trail line into a magenta route line with red waypoints. It does this by transforming thousands of position points in the trail to 25 route waypoints. See the illustration below, showing the trail and route before and after the command is performed. Trail segment through Joplin before conversion to a route (left) and the route created automatically from the trail (right).

  • Page 61: Appendix 1: Mapcreate Command List

    Appendix 1: MapCreate Command List Complete documentation on all MapCreate commands is available in the program's online Help File. To access Help and its Command Reference section, press F1. An example entry from the Command Reference (for the Help Command) appears at the end of this command list. About MapCreate Arrange Icons Arrange Windows...

  • Page 62: Searching Help

    Help Topics Command Menu: Submenu: n/a Menu Command: OPICS Menu Command Sequence: OPICS Hot Key Sequence: Alt+H|H Shortcut Key(s): Toolbar button: n/a The Help Topics command opens the on-line Help system in your default web browser. Our help information is in HTML format, but it runs from the CD or your hard drive, not from the Internet.
  • Page 63 3. In the IND WHAT looking for, adjust any options such as up or down, then click Search a Help document for the term "map border." Netscape 6 browser: 1. Click somewhere on the help page you intend to search. This makes sure your browser will search the correct page.
  • Page 64 Notes...

  • Page 65: Appendix 2: Map Category List

    Appendix 2: Map Category List This list contains the different categories of mapping information available in MapCreate 6. These categories and their subcategories can be turned off or on. Only those categories turned on (displayed in the Master Map) will be included in Custom Map Files for your GPS unit.
  • Page 66 RV Parks Resorts POI-Marine Boat Dealers Equipment Marinas Other Services Rental/Charter Repair POI-Restaurants Asian Banquet Rooms Barbecue Coffee Shops Delis Fast Food Chains Ice Cream Italian Mexican Miscellaneous Pizza Sandwiches Seafood Steak Houses POI-Services Gas Stations RV Services Road Service/Wrecker Truck Stops POI-Shopping Auto Parts...

  • Page 67: Appendix 3: Mapcreate 6 Symbol Key

    MapCreate 6 Symbol Key MapCreate 6 contains hundreds of mapping symbols used to represent items ranging from geographic features to commercial Points of Interest (POI). The following list displays these symbols and the name of the item the symbol represents.
  • Page 68 Shopping Center Summit Tower Trail Name City, Community, or Subdivision Name Land Feature Name Water Feature Name Miscellaneous Landmark Name Square Green Daybeacon (Navaid) Square White or Unidentified Daybeacon (Navaid) Red Triangle Daybeacon (Navaid) White Triangle Daybeacon (Navaid) Green Lighted Buoy (Navaid) Red Lighted Buoy (Navaid) White or Unidentified Lighted Buoy (Navaid)
  • Page 69 Amusement Place, Billiards or Ice Cream Parlor (POI) Casino (POI) Pizza (POI) College or University (POI) Fishing-Related (POI) Hall or Auditorium (POI) Lodging (POI) Hospital (POI) Camp or Campground (POI) Medical Service (POI) RV Park or RV Service (POI) Miscellaneous Attraction (POI) Marina (POI) Museum or Historical Place (POI) Boating Dealer or Service (POI)
  • Page 70 Hardware Store (POI) Stadium, Arena or Athletic Field (POI) Sporting Goods or Sportswear (POI) Airport (POI) Golf Course (POI)

  • Page 71: Appendix 4: Considerations When Planning Highway Routes

    Appendix 4: Considerations When Planning Highway Routes Tips on Making Better Routes for Highway Navigation How you make a highway route depends on your type of travel and whether you prefer to use the GPS unit's compass rose screen, the map screen or both for navigation.
  • Page 72 The amazing capabilities of GPS navigation can tempt first-time users to build highly detailed highway routes. These "high res" routes are fun to use, but they have some drawbacks. They require placing a route waypoint at practically every curve in the road. This takes a relatively large number of waypoints for the distance traveled.
  • Page 73 For example, you could be traveling toward a destination to the south, but following a highway curve around a mountain. As you take the curve to your right, your car will actually be pointing west as you follow the pavement. However, the compass rose is accurately pointing to that next southern waypoint, now 90 degrees off to your left.
  • Page 74 Notes...
  • Page 75 LEI DATABASES LICENSE AGREEMENT THIS IS A LEGAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE END-USER WHO FIRST PURCHASES THIS PRODUCT AS A CONSUMER ITEM FOR PERSONAL, FAMILY, OR HOUSEHOLD USE ("YOU") AND LEI EXTRAS, A DIVISION OF LOWRANCE ELECTRONICS, INC., THE MANUFACTURER OF THIS PRODUCT ("WE", "OUR", OR "US").

  • Page 76: Databases Limited Warranty

    DATABASES LIMITED WARRANTY "We", "our", or "us" refers to LEI Extras, a division of Lowrance Electronics, Inc., the manufacturer of this product. "You" or "your" refers to the first person who purchases the product as a consumer item for personal, family, or household use.
  • Page 77 LEI SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT AND ONE-YEAR MEDIA WARRANTY NOTICE TO USER: THIS IS A CONTRACT. BY INSTALLING THIS SOFTWARE, YOU ACCEPT ALL THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT. This LEI Extras* ("LEI") End User License Agreement accompanies the software contained on the CD-ROMs ("Software").

  • Page 78: How To Obtain Service

    How to Obtain Service… …in the USA: We back your investment in quality products with quick, expert service. If you're in the United States and you have technical, return or repair questions, please contact the Factory Customer Service Department. Before any product can be returned, you must call customer service to determine if a return is necessary.
  • Page 79 Accessory Ordering Information for all countries LEI Extras, Inc. is the accessory source for sonar and GPS products manufactured by Lowrance Electronics and Eagle Electronics. To order MapCreate and GPS accessories such as computer cables, MMC cards or MMC card readers, please contact: 1) Your local marine dealer or consumer electronics store.
  • Page 80 Visit our web site: www.lei-extras.com   For Lowrance and Eagle Products Lowrance Pub. 988-0147-382 © Copyright 2003 All Rights Reserved Printed in USA 011703 LEI Extras, Inc.

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