Using Maps in CE

OziExplorer CE - Using Maps

Important information about OziExplorer Maps

Just like PC OziExplorer, for each map two files are required to use the map in OziExplorerCE. The two files are the map image and the .map file. Both files must be copied to the maps folder on the PDA.
Map Image formats that OziExplorerCE can use are -
- OziExplorer formats (ozf2, ozfx3, ozf4) - This is the most efficient format for use on a mobile device. Maps may be supplied in this format. If not, most maps can be converted to this format using the Img2Ozf software (see below).
- ECW format. OziExplorerCE (on WinCE PDA's / Navigators with ARM cpu's only) can use maps in ECW format.
- The image formats jpg, png and bmp are also supported but are fully loaded into memory so the images must be small and only 8bit and 24bit color formats are supported. It is highly recommended maps in jpg, png and bmp format are converted to OZF4 using the Img2Ozf conversion software.

Maps come in various other formats. You may need to convert your maps so they can be used in OziExplorerCE. (See below on how to convert maps if necessary.)
Maps that can be converted to ozf4 format for use in OziExplorerCE are :
- BMP, PNG, TIF, JPG, GIF, MrSID, ECW
- To convert the above maps, use the "Img2Ozf" software which can be downloaded from this web site. More information about Img2Ozf.
- NOTE: Before a map can be converted using Img2Ozf, it must have a corresponding (.map) calibration file.
Note: OziExplorerCE cannot read proprietary maps in vector format used in auto-routing software.

If you do not have a (.map) file for your map, see the section "How is the map file created" below.

Converting Maps

Important Information - Please Read - It may be necessary to convert some maps. Some maps are very large and the memory available on the device may not be enough to load the map causing a memory error message. If this occurs, use the Img2Ozf (link above) to convert the map. Our "OZFx3" format only requires a small memory requirement when loaded.

Copying maps to the PDA / PND / Navigator

Please Note : when you copy the map image (.ozf2, .ozfx3 or .ecw) to your CE device, you must also copy the (.map) file for the map image.

Device connected as a Mass Storage device (disk drive) - When connected to the computer, Windows Explorer will see the device as a disk drive. Locate the "OziExplorer\Maps" folder and copy the maps (2 files for each map) to the folder.
Use a memory Card reader - When connect to the computer, Windows Explorer will see the device as a disk drive. Locate the "OziExplorer\Maps" folder and copy the maps (2 files for each map) to the folder.

Using a PDA with Activesync (Mobile Device Center) - In Windows 10 Updates Microsoft has dropped support for Activesync (Mobile device Center).
Connect your PDA to your computer and link it using Activesync. Open Activesync / Explorer file manager and navigate to the folder on the PDA where you want the maps stored. Use Windows Explorer to select the maps and drag and drop them on to the folder in Activesync Explore.

Using a storage card on your device to store your maps

You can place your maps on a storage card such as a SD card.
It is essential that you place the (.map) file and the map image together in the same folder, if you do this OziExplorerCE will always be able to find the map image to load it.
In OziExplorerCE configuration, make sure you set the Map File Path(s) to the folder(s) on the storage card where you have placed your maps and tick the Active box.
For more information on configuring OziExplorerCE, see the program Help. Also see the Map Searching FAQ link on the OziExplorerCE Support page on this website.

How is the map file (.map) created
(PC OziExplorer is used to do this)

The map file can be created two ways using the PC OziExplorer. Both options are items on the File Menu of OziExplorer.

Import Map - There are maps and charts available in digital form which have the calibration (georeferencing) for the map included either directly in the file or provided as information in an additional file. Importing these maps reads the calibration information from the map files and creates an OziExplorer map file.
Load and Calibrate Map Image - When you calibrate a map which does not have the calibration information discussed above, (such as a map you have scanned from a paper chart), OziExplorer creates a (.map) file which contains the calibration information and a link to the image you are using.
Please Note : Some .map files for popular Australian maps are available for download from the Australian page of our web site.

Additional Information

Img2Ozf Help can be accessed from the Img2Ozf program.

Read these sections of the OziExplorer Help

Tutorial
Map Related - Creating (Calibrating) Maps
Image Formats Supported

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