Basic Steps for Creating a Map

In getting started with BackCountry Navigator, we review the basic steps you use to create your own map for outdoor recreation.

There are a few basic steps involved in creating a map, in generally this order.

• Create and name a map datafile.
• Find one or more reference points for the map
• Select areas for download
• Choose and download map imagery.

Create and name a map datafile. 

While this step may seem too trivial to mention, it is important. Many people get confused if they try to download a bunch of map data and then name the file. You can also become frustrated if you cancel out of naming the file, and then find that some menu items aren't available. If so, just choose Program->File->Create New. 

It is recommended that you choose a file on your storage card for most capacity. If you are doing this with the Desktop Edition, create the file in a folder that you will remember to find. You can copy it over to your storage card later, and it will be ready to go.

Find One or More Reference Points for the Map

Finding one or more points of interest first helps you determine what area your map should cover. This does not have to be a tedious process; you can often find some points of interest for which you don't have to type in each coordinate.

These are ways you can define points of interest:

• Find A Place. Use the menu item "Program->File->USGS Places -> Find a place...". You will be able to find a place by name and state, then press okay to add it to the map. 
• Import a GPX file. This can be a file containing a bunch of waypoints from geocaching.com, or from many other places on the internet. You can take advantage of the fact that someone has been to the place of interest before. 
• Define one or more waypoints. This requires a bit of typing, but you may already know some coordinates that you would like to explore. Use the menu item Program->File->Import GPX.

Select Regions to Download  

Now that you have some points on the screen, you can easily choose where you want to sculpt a map. Your map doesn't have to be a perfect rectangle, and it doesn't have to be small either. Choose Action->Select->Type_>Rectangles and then tap the screen multiple times to select some rectangles.

Don't worry if the rectangles overlap, and don't worry if they overlap some data you've already downloaded. BackCountry Navigator can filter out any duplicates.

Choose and Download Map Imagery

Once you've chosen some areas to download, use the menu item Action->Select->Download Maps. You will be able to choose from Topo, Aerial, and Urban map tiles at varying levels of detail.  Let this run for a while, and you will have created your first map.