Adding maps

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The simplest way to add maps to GPSS is to download predefined map data beginning on the GPSS site's download page: GPSS Download

For more detail, see Downloading Maps

But there are times when you might want to add your own maps, perhaps taken from a CD-based mapping program such as Microsoft Streets & Trips or from commercial map data sources.

You can also add aerial photos, drawings of your neighborhood (often available from your city or town offices), and the like.

Adding your own - Overview
You have to manage a set of files to add maps. as follows:

BMP Windows bitmap file of the map you're adding DIR GPSS directory of maps. GPSS scans this on opening to "know" which maps are available to it. DES Created by GPSS, this describes the map in terms that GPSS understands WAW "Where Are We" files that hold geographic information about any town, city, or point of interest you want to find from within GPSS

What's with these BMP, DIR & WAW files?

General procedure
For specific step-by-step procedures, click on the links below.

You add your own maps by

1.

Making a list of features on the map that you want GPSS to know about

2.

Scanning or bringing to your screen the maps for those places

3.

Picking two points, one near the top right (northeast) and one near the bottom left (southwest) and determining each one's exact latitude and longitude.

4.

Saving the graphic as a .BMP (Windows Bitmap) file

5.

Adding the BMP filename to a DIR map index file in GPSS

6.

Running GPSS and selecting your known latitude and longitude points at the top right and bottom left

7.

Adding to (or creating) a WAW file so that GPSS can tell you where you are (WAW = "where are we")

For step-by-step instructions:

Picking the 2 points

Making the BMP file

Editing the DIR file

More about the DES file

Editing the WAW file

By Dave Gehman
© Copyright 2004, Robin Lovelock
Send changes, suggestions to Dave Gehman