About OziExplorerPC
OziExplorerPC is an application that runs on devices that use an MS Windows operating system. It provides interaction between a georeferenced map image and tracks and waypoints data. The data may be sourced directly from a GNSS unit or from files. The application provides extensive map documentation features.
The OziExplorerPC system requires a computer device with a Windows operating system, a basic GNSS receiver that can be interfaced with the computer by a serial (unlikely), USB or Bluetooth link and a registered copy of OziExplorerPC software. The method would probably fit sensibly into a stable-office-team-members-collecting-field-data situation.
OziExplorerPC provides good documentation facilities. Documentation can readily be transferred electronically as OziExplorerPC or PNG image files.
Des Newman of D & L Software Pty Ltd developed OziExplorerPC software. Only a fraction of the features of OziExplorerPC are presented on this page. MapToGround's intention is to condense OziExplorer features to the particular requirements of the humanitarian aid worker.
Briefly described, OziExplorerPC allows the user to load and calibrate (georeference) an electronic map image so that interfacing with a GNSS receiver is meaningful. The sources of the electronic map images are diverse; computer constructed maps, scanned hard copy maps, aerial photographs or satellite images can be used. After calibration, data (waypoints and tracks) in the GNSS receiver can be transferred directly or indirectly to the map image and likewise data on the map image can be transferred to the GNSS receiver. Additionally OziExplorerPC will import and export data as GPX files.
The outcome of the OziExplorerPC map image calibration process is the creation of a MAP file. A MAP file relates grid references on the map image to pixel positions. It is a text file of several kB. MAP files can be transferred from user to user. It is not difficult to produce a MAP file, but it is more sensibly done at relative leisure off-field rather than during the pressure of deployment. MapToGround provides MAP files to accompany the maps produced by UNOSAT, WFP Logistics Cluster, WPF Map Centre ZKI, and MapAction. MapToGround also provides each appropriate map image as a JPEG file for loading by OziExplorerPC or alternatively provides a direct link to the appropriate map image file on the agency site. Occasionally MapToGround produced MAP files include additional cartographical information.
- Handheld GNSS receiver with computer interface ability (map display features not required) – "most Garmin, Magellan, Lowrance, Eagle, Brunton/Silva and MLR GNSS receivers".
OziExplorerPC details
- Computer with MS Windows operating system – "95/98/ME/NT4/2000/XP/Vista/7/10 (both 32 bit and 64 bit versions) /Windows 7 Starter/8 and 8 Pro (will NOT run in Windows RT)".
- OziExplorerPC software – OziExplorerPC is available on disc or by download. Two trial versions are available and allow an investigation of the software before registration.
MapToGround assumes that the user is running a registered version of OziExplorerPC. OziExplorerPC details
- Internet access – continuing internet access is not required, access is required initially to download a map image (typically several MB) and the map file (several kB), but not thereafter.
- A basic understanding of GNSS, map grid reference and datum. (See navigation basics.)
If possible, it would be sensible to do these exercises prior to humanitarian deployment.
1) Install OziExplorerPC, when you are satisfied that it is working in demo mode, register it. Work through the tutorial (Help → Tutorial). Skip the Calibrating a Map section (about two screens deep) – MapToGround has done the map calibration for you.
2) Adjust the configuration settings (File → Configuration) In particular –
System tab: set Data File Datum to WGS 84
Maps Tab: set as in figure below
GPS tab: set both datum boxes to WGS 84, set the GNSS parameters appropriately (refer to your GNSS receiver handbook and OziExplorerPC help)
COM tab: determine if your GNSS receiver uses USB or serial communication. If serial, determine baud rate from GNSS receiver data sheet. Serial ports are being discontinued. If there is a single serial port (DB9 male connector) on your computer it will most likely be COM1.
3) Check the MAP files supplied with OziExplorerPC (located in .. \OziExplorerPC\Maps\Example Maps – possibly in C:\Program Files\OziExplorerPC\Maps\Example Maps) to see if there is a map that covers your present location. Generate some waypoints and tracks on your GNSS receiver and test the uploading procedure.
If there's not a suitable map in the OziExplorerPC examples for you to experiment with, email MapToGround and provide your general location and the name of the aid organization you are associated with and MapToGround will try to generate a suitable test map image and MAP file.
Discussion on the use of OziExplorer software on Android devices can be found on the OziExplorer for Android page.
JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) files commonly have jpg or jpeg file extensions. Map Action JPEG files have jpeg extensions. Unfortunately the current version of OziExplorerPC does not recognize the jpeg extension, it is necessary to rename the jpeg extension as a jpg for use with OziExplorerPC.
The following boxes introduce some OziExplorerPC features that may be useful in the field. They represent only a small part of the capabilities of OziExplorer. This section attempts to show what is available, not how to do it. Comprehensive information can be found in OziExplorerPC help.
The following file types are particular to OziExplorerPC and OziExplorer for Android.
MAP: The principal purpose of a MAP (*.map) file is to provide calibration for the map image by relating geographical location to pixel position (georeferencing).
The MAP file can also contain user provided data (for example, notation) that will be displayed when the file is opened in OziExplorerPC.
In addition the MAP file can control the interaction of other files with the map image. In essence it manages the interaction of various components of a mapping project.
WPT: A WPT (*.wpt) file contains a list of waypoints saved from OziExplorerPC. The waypoints may have been entered into OziExplorerPC by the user or uploaded from a GNSS receiver.
Conversely a WPT file can be loaded into a map being displayed in OziExplorerPC and then uploaded into a GNSS device.
PLT: A PLT (*.plt) file contains a sequence of points that define a track saved from OziExplorerPC. The track may have been entered into OziExplorerPC by the user or uploaded from a GNSS receiver.
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The 'postcard' files illustrated in this section are available as maptoground.ccmaps.au/postcard/postcard.zip. The original map image. The images that follow were created from OziExplorerPC with the File → Save Map to Image File function. (The mouse-over features available in OziExplorerPC do not work on these images.) A more complex example of the use of map objects is presented in the OziExplorerPC tutorial available via Help → Tutorial (Demonstration Data). |
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The text on this image has been placed using the comment object. The user may specify text colour, background colour (including transparent), font size and normal or bold fold. The comment data are embedded (on saving) into the map file. |
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The two red dots on this static image do not give an adequate indication of the usefulness of the feature object. The feature object has these properties.
In the sample file set, maptoground.ccmaps.au/postcard/postcard.zip, a right mouse click on the bore feature will enable the user to access the bore report. |
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Waypoints may be displayed after they have been uploaded from the GNSS receiver, loaded from a file or have been entered by the user. Data files can be attached to waypoints. In the sample file set, maptoground.ccmaps.au/postcard/postcard.zip, a right mouse click on the view waypoint will enable the user to access the view. Waypoints can be saved as a waypoints (WPT) file. This file can be attached to the map file and on future occasions the waypoints will be loaded along with the map image. To attach waypoint or track files to the calibration file so that they will load automatically choose the Check Calibration of Map option on the File Menu, click the Options button in the calibration frame and the Map Advanced Options dialog will be displayed. Click the Open Folder button on the edit box (to the immediate left of the Add button)and select and add files one at a time. |
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There are two tracks displayed on the map – one is cosmetic and simply underlines the map title, the other indicates the access to the bore. Tracks can have originated from the GNSS receiver or they may have been entered by the user (clearly the underline is such a case). Tracks can be saved in a tracks (PLT) file. This file can be attached to the map file and on future occasions the tracks will be loaded along with the map image. The colour and width of the tracks is selectable. |
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Single leg and accumulated distances can be displayed. |
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The area is defined by successive mouse clicks. |
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OziExplorerPC has an effective arrangement for the user to construct her own map. Data are collected from site to be loaded into a blank template. OziExplorerPC generates a map file that sensibly positions the data and defines an appropriate scale. As further field data are connected they can be loaded onto the map. Layouts can be designed on the map and then transferred ground using a GNSS receiver. The map (extract to the right, full size available) was constructed with waypoints and tracks from the field. The access route, the water course and the three dams are field data. The boundary was added in OziExplorerPC by linking waypoints obtained in the field at the boundary corners. The dams were filled by selecting type polygon for each track around a dam and an appropriate fill colour. The map is at a relatively large scale (less than 1 metre per pixel, approximately 2,400:1 on my monitor, and is approximately 1.3 km by 0.9 km). As a consequence the tracks appear angular because they are formed from a small number of points. More careful use of the GNSS receiver track record options could have alleviated this effect. Click extract to view a complete image. The files used to build the 'blank' map are available as maptoground.ccmaps.au/blank_map/blank_map.zip. |
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