Oziexplorer
For our Raster Maps we use Oziexplorer. This is a very versatile programme, a few of the functions are:
- You can use maps or charts which you scan yourself.
- You can create Waypoints, Tracks and Routes on maps and upload these to your GPSr. You can also download these from your GPSr and display them on one of your maps.
- You can print maps and lists of Waypoints.
- You can add information to your Waypoints in form of pictures or other files.
- You can use the moving map function to display your GPS position on the map and create auto-navigation.
- numerous other functions are available to you.
Oziexplorer is developed in Australia and used all over the world. You can download a trial version of the Software and play wih it to see whether it fits your needs. The full version is available at only US$ 85.
An alternative is TTQV. This German product is mainly used in Europe and and has many satisfied users. We did not buy this for two reasons:
- At the time (December 2006) we had to pay more then twice as much for this programme as Oziexplorer if we would have been based in Germany. But because we live in Switzerland we even had to pay 10% on top of that, compared to someone who downloaded the product in Germany, even though the VAT in Switzerland is 10% less than German VAT. It is truly amazing how stupid some marketing people can be!
- Most of the Digital Maps of Africa and Australia are already calibrated for use with Oziexplorer.
A very good Usergroup for Oziexplorer is on Yahoo. Although the software comes with an extensive Help-file, lots of Tips and Tricks are discussed in this Group. If you get stuck with the software, this is the place to go.
May 2007