Bitmaps on Ipad anyone using with Hema?

[dullbird]

Hi Guys

I was thinking of downloading the Bitmap app for the ipad as I have Hema raster maps here

the only thing im not sure of is it does say that some newer versions of OZf2/3 file formats are not supported but they dont specify what they mean buy newer??

I have the Hema raster map pack on DVD which the hema maps are on OZf2 and the Geoscience maps are on ECW (which they dont say whether they support at all) the CD is quite old so I wonder whether I would be OK.

has anyone else downloaded this map app? and used with Hema?

I have noted in the reviews that some have had issues and some haven't but the ones that havent have not got a refund or a solution.

Is it possible to convert my maps to a file that does work and they support? they support PNG, giff, TIFF, Jpeg and some OZf2 and some OZf3 file ext's

[OffTrack]

It's not 100% compatible with the Hema maps. The map projections Hema use aren't supported. This is the result of the library which provides .ozf2 support being written by a European, and support for Australian map projections weren't considered important.

The maps will load but they are align to longitude and latitude rather then grid the maps were projected on. This results in a variable position errors across map sheets.

Ozf3 is not supported, nor is ECW.

Androzic, Bit Map, Multiplans, GDAL etc all suffer from this issue.

[dmdigital]

You should be able to find a converter for OZf2/3 and ECW to JPEG or TIFF. I suspect you will need one for ECW and another for the OZf's.
From distant memory the ECW is a marked up TIFF (possibly Geospaitial TIFF format). Just be careful that the convert doesn't go to JPEG2000 as this will probably be incompatible.

[OffTrack]

You should be able to find a converter for OZf2/3 and ECW to JPEG or TIFF. I suspect you will need one for ECW and another for the OZf's.
From distant memory the ECW is a marked up TIFF (possibly Geospaitial TIFF format). Just be careful that the convert doesn't go to JPEG2000 as this will probably be incompatible.

You'll struggle to find a convertor for ozxf3 apart from OziExplorer itself, as the developer of OziE has gone to lengths to "protect" ozxf3 maps from conversion to other formats by third parties. This is the main reasons Bit Map et al cannot read ozxf3 maps.

If you purchase a full version of OziExplorer you can convert to png or .bmp, neither of which retain calibration information. http://www.oziexplorer3.com/eng/help/save_map_to_image_file.html

ECW is a different format to TIFF.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ECW_(file_format)

[mikehzz]

I was using Bitmap with the oz2f version of the Hema maps on iPad in the Flinders ranges a few years ago and the position was off by about 1cm on screen. Around Sydney with the 25k or 100k NSW topo maps it was ok. The screen draws slow and it doesn't behave sometimes. Also it doesn't support some route files. You get what you pay for, it's ok without being great.

[dullbird]

Can anyone recommend using an App where I can utilise my Maps?

I have a map CD here that did cost a quid when we first bought it seems a waste to not use it.

[OffTrack]

Can anyone recommend using an App where I can utilise my Maps?

I have a map CD here that did cost a quid when we first bought it seems a waste to not use it.

Until OziExplorer finally gets around to working on the iPhone/iPad version they have been promising, you are stuck with apps which will work with the limitations noted when reading .ozf2/.map pairs.

You can avoid many of the issues by converting the .ozf2 files to images, then manually calibrating the maps.

NIXANZ :: Files Acquisition Guide (http://nixanz.com/bitmap/bit-map-files-acquisition-guide/)

As the above page notes it is a tedious process.

Memory Map also allows you to convert maps, but you need to purchase a $50 license for their PC only app to do so. The Memory-Map website suggests you'd be better off buying the maps you need from their webstore, and having attempted to find a way to convert Ozi maps without manually calibrating each map I'd be inclined to agree.

If you only want to use the maps on you iPad, you can buy maps for each region for $40 or the complete package for $140. I bought several regions (Eastern Australian and Great Desert Tracks to cover a Flinders Ranges trip) early last year when the 2011 maps were current and found the update to the 2012 maps was free. The updated maps were also available 4-5 months earlier than the CD release.

http://memory-map.com.au/digital-maps/topographic-maps-australia/hema-maps-australia-4x4-maps.html

[Fluids]

I spoke to Ozi about 4 weeks ago re the iPad version .... Many months away.

I'm just going to bide my time .... Patiently :)

I have plent of maps to cover most of what I want, and don't feel like being hassled trying to convert, or paying for more of what I already have. I'll keep using the unit I have now until it's done for the iPad.

Sent from my iPad using Braille

[OffTrack]

I spoke to Ozi about 4 weeks ago re the iPad version .... Many months away.

I'm just going to bide my time .... Patiently :)

I have plent of maps to cover most of what I want, and don't feel like being hassled trying to convert, or paying for more of what I already have. I'll keep using the unit I have now until it's done for the iPad.

Sent from my iPad using Braille

I'd asked Ozi yesterday and got a similar response, except there is an additional "many" and a "At best" qualifier.


At best, it will be many many months away.

which tells me that the iPhone app is something they put up on their FAQ with good intentions but is unlikely to eventuate in a meaningful timeframe.

[Utemad]

I'd asked Ozi yesterday and got a similar response, except there is an additional "many" and a "At best" qualifier.

which tells me that the iPhone app is something they put up on their FAQ with good intentions but is unlikely to eventuate in a meaningful timeframe.

They are doing the Android version first and it is still in beta form. I have it on my phone and love it. Use it nearly every day for work hunting down CSG wells as well as for personal use.

[Fluids]

I'd asked Ozi yesterday and got a similar response, except there is an additional "many" and a "At best" qualifier.

which tells me that the iPhone app is something they put up on their FAQ with good intentions but is unlikely to eventuate in a meaningful timeframe.

Agreed

The reason I agreed to let Mrs F buy me a 64G 3G iPad was to use it as a GPS offroad. The BIG screen would make life much easier, and means I can get email & web whilst away .... I'm comfortable using Ozi on my Logicgear XL488 ... Have 2 x 4GB cards of maps in Ozi format and it's enough for my intended use ... the 10" Retina display was a big seller on the new iPad.

IF its going to be that long, and it could very well be (I used to beta test for a music software company for many years - I know just how long this stuff can take) ....

... what's 2nd best to Ozi that runs on the new iPad ?

If I have to buy some new maps, well so be it.

$150 is alot to drop on the App Store for MUD / Memory to find its not for me!

[OffTrack]

I'm pretty happy with Memory-Map. The app itself is free, and you can run the Hema AusTopo 250 maps for free (or could at least) indefinitely. You can demo paid map sets for 10 days so that gives you a reasonable chance to evaluate the app. The Hema maps come in regions so you can buy what you need, when you need.

I picked up a 64Gb iPad 1 for cheap to run as a GPS device but I find it's too big for dash mounting in the D2. I suppose if there was a decent mount that didn't require a long articulated arm arrangement I could be swayed. If the 7-8" iPad Mini eventuates I'll probably jump on one of those as that seems to be a good compromise size.

In the interim I mainly use a 6" chinese GPS with Ozi and Memory Map. I mainly run Ozi with 100K map set for Victoria because it offers the best detail/readability. The company that sell this map set has been working on a iPad solution for the Vic CFA so I'm hoping that these maps turn up in a iPad friendly format with the next release.

cheers
Paul

[Fluids]

I've been looking at something like this ... Ebay item 230768663442 or item 370645493027 & 400287909370 (sorry these item nos aren't linked but I'll be ****ed if I can find how to get a link from the iPad eBay app and paste it in here!????)

I've got an Otterbox coming for the iPad. Not sure if the first item I listed will fit an iPad that's wearing an Otterbox, but it's a pretty neat idea as I'd only want to mount it when offroad, and it keeps it below the dashboard if required.

The second mount is a RAM, flexible gooseneck style . ... Both will encroach a little into the front passengers space, the first one less than the RAM.

IMHO windscreen suction cup mounting is completely out of the question!

Still lots of research to do .... And Memory-Map now costs $7.49 ..... Bit of a stretch for the budget ! ;)

Sent from my iPad using Braille

[dullbird]

I have an otterbox and I intend on getting the ram mount with gooseneck and a suction cup simple because I don't know which be is going to work better in my work car but which ever one I use in the work car I can put the other be in the disco.

Ram do what's know as a tile that will fit the iPad with otterbox on and the mounts are interchangeable

I like the look at the look of the first one you posted but just be cautious as I have just measured my iPad with case on and it came in at 196mm and the opening on that mount is 195mm you might be able to compress the rubber to hold it enough for that mm but it could also be tight. Just thought you would like to know :)

[Fluids]

Thanks for that Lou

I'll check when the OB turns up for the iPad. There's another mount I found on eBay as well that fits the RAM gooseneck and ball and is similar to the RAM slim mount, but is sized for an iPad with an otterbox fitted. Ita a clip in style holder. Ill post a
Link to it when i get home later. It's much less bulky than the RAM holder for an OB fitted iPad.

Just today fitted an OB defender to my iPhone 3GS. Bulks it up a little, but it's a really robust piece of gear.

Sent from my iPhone using two tin cans and a length of twine

[dullbird]

have you actually seen the tile mount for the otterbox from Ram in person? they are not bulky at all I dont think and are shaped quite nicely plus they are designed for quick release. but I guess its all down to where your going to mount it

yeah I got an otterbox as well for Ians HTC andriod wouldnt be without them

[Fluids]

You mean this one ... RAM-HOL-TAB8U RAM Tab-Tite Holder for Apple iPad, iPad 2, new iPad 3 in Otterbox | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/360466921601)

Not in person. But it certainly is an option.

This one peaked my interest ... SlipGrip RAM Mount For Apple iPAD 2 & 3 Gen Using OtterBox Defender Case | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/400287909370)
as it is a bit "less" than the first RAM one .... simple and looks like it would work well, with no moving parts.

Using this ... RAM Universal Car Mount with Cradle for the Apple New iPad, iPad 2 & HP TouchPad | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/370645493027) to mount from the passengers seat mount bolt. A windscreen mount on the D2 for an iPad is just plain silly imho :)

Then I found this ... (better link than the one I posted earlier) Exogear Exomount Tablet Super Car Mount Holder iPad 1/2/3 Galaxy Tab Playbook | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/130725422046) ... can be half above the dash to make use of the iPad camera/video, then lowered to be below dash height. Can be swivelled, raised, lowered & tilted. It will certainly carry the Otterboxed iPad in Landscape mode, Portrait mode may be questionable, like you said. I'd prefer Landscape orientation when using it as a GPS for a better "look ahead".

When the iPad Otterbox arrives I'll take some accurate dimensions and do a bit more research.

Thanks for the heads up !

[dullbird]

I dont know about the D2 but discowhite had his ipad mounted on a windscreen mount in his disco and it did not obscure his view at all...but thats a D4 so pitch of the windsceen could be very different

[tastrax]

Another thing to note is that the developer of Bitmap is in the process of a major update

NIXANZ :: Maps n Trax (http://nixanz.com/maps-n-trax/)

He will be offering upgrade deals if you have Bitmap. Also working on being able to use Ozi maps much easier...plus lots of other features.

[dullbird]

yeah he has already discussed all this with me but it still carries the same limitations although converting maps is going to be a little easier but I will still not be able to use the ECW maps etc....

He has also said that he doesn't think it will be released for another few months