USING NATMAP RASTER IN OTHER APPLICATIONS

Using with GIS/CAD or graphics programs Using with GPS

USING NATMAP Raster MAPS IN GIS, CAD OR GRAPHICS PROGRAMS

The simplest method for using the NATMAP Raster images as a backdrop within a GIS environment or a graphics package is to obtain the appropriate ECW plugin for the software you are running from the ER Mapper web site. Geoscience Australia does not take any responsiblity for the use of these plug-ins. For more information or support, please contact ER Mapper.

If you don't want to use the ECW format, then the images will need to be exported using the Raster Exporter for Mapsheets or the exporting tool in the Viewer for Mosaic and/or Mapsheets. You can convert map images to GeoTIFF (to retain coordinate information) or TIFF, JPEG, BMP or PNG files.

If you want to access the vector information from which the NATMAP Raster images are made, then you will need to obtain GEODATA TOPO-250K data for your area of interest.

How do I reproject maps in NATMAP Raster for use in other applications?

NATMAP Raster does not have the functionality to reproject maps. You need to use a third-party imaging or GIS software (such as ER Mapper, ERDAS Imagine, or ESRI ArcGIS) to reproject the maps.

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USING NATMAP Raster MAPS WITH GPS

NATMAP Raster maps are an ideal set of base maps for use in conjunction with Global Positioning Systems (GPS). To use NATMAP Raster with a GPS you will require a GPS receiver and probably some additional software and a portable computer. Because NATMAP Raster has not been specifically designed to work with any particular GPS system, the integration of NATMAP Raster images into each system will be different. You should fully investigate what is required to make such a system work.

A quick option to see what is available in the way of software that will integrate GPS and NATMAP Raster, is to search the Internet for the category GPS,mapping,software and review the range of products on offer from different suppliers. Two major Australian software vendors who support NATMAP Raster images in their software are OziExplorer and Advantech Design (producers of TrackRanger). Alternatively, you could visit your local specialist map shop or GPS distributor for advice.

Many additional GPS software programs such as OziExplorer require additional calibration files in order to read the NATMAP Raster maps. Check with the software vendor for these; often, they are freely available.