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This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- en:help:1.4:maps [2013/06/13 16:36] – [Stored Maps] alpinequest
+++ en:help:1.4:maps [Unknown date] (current) – removed - external edit (Unknown date) 127.0.0.1
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-====== Maps ======
-AlpineQuest can handle different kinds of maps, that can be classified in two main categories:
-  * **Stored maps** are maps retrieved on-demand from an online map servers on the Internet, and stored on your device. All displayed areas are downloaded and remain available for display, even if there is no more network;
-  * **On-board maps** are file based maps, covering a particular area, pre-created and stored on the device memory.
-===== Stored Maps =====
-Stored maps are the easiest way to access maps with AlpineQuest. Once selected, the data associated to the displayed area is retrieved from the Internet and stored on the device memory. Everything that has been once displayed remains stored and available for off-line use.
-AlpineQuest offers you a wide range of stored maps, available using different manners:
-  * **Built-in stored maps** which are pre-installed stored maps, available as soon as you start AlpineQuest. All kinds of maps are available including topographic, road and aerial maps;
-  * **Community stored maps** which can be easily added to the built-in map list, provide an extended set of stored maps. These maps are usually requested or submitted by users, and can change without warn;
-  * **[[en:help:1.4:maps:stored-create|Custom stored maps]]** which allow you to create your own stored maps. [[en:help:1.4:maps:stored-create|Click here for more information]].
-[[en:help:1.4:maps:stored:store-area|How to store a complete map area for offline use ?]]
-===== On-board Maps =====
-Offline maps are useful in many ways:
-  * They can be created at home, using a hi-speed Internet connection, which is usually faster than a mobile connection;
-  * They are always available, even if there is no network access;
-  * They consist in a single file, which can be easily copied to or removed from the memory card. They can be easily exchanged over Internet.
-  * They have clearly defined bounds that makes clear which map is available at which location.
-[[en:help:1.4:maps:onboard-use|How to use on-board maps with AlpineQuest ?]]
-=== Which offline map formats are recognized by AlpineQuest ? ===
-AlpineQuest can read two offline map formats:
-== AlpineQuest Map Format (*.aqm) ==
-This format has been especially developed for AlpineQuest in order to be efficient on embedded devices with low memory.
-Key features are:
-  * Image compression (using JPEG or PNG compression);
-  * Multi-levels of detail;
-  * Low CPU and memory requirement;
-  * Unlimited area size;
-  * Fast displaying.
-You can create your own AQM offline maps using:
-  * [[http://mobac.sourceforge.net/|Mobile Atlas Creator (MOBAC)]], a free and generic offline map creator that can produce AQM maps from **online map sources**. [[en:help:aqm|A tutorial is available here]];
-  * [[http://www.the-thorns.org.uk/mapping/|MAPC2MAPC]], an offline map converter, which allows to **convert various offline map formats** in AQM format and to **calibrate maps on images** (free and paid versions available).
-== QuickChart Map Format (*.qct) from MemoryMap ==
-This is a common map format used by MemoryMap that allows users to use commercial maps in AlpineQuest.
-Key features are:
-  * Image compression;
-  * Single level of detail;
-  * Low CPU and memory requirement.
-It is possible to download QCT maps from the Internet or purchase them from various retailers.