The CustomDraw Map guidebook is now available by download from the BlackBox website:

 

http://www.robbiemce...ides/customdraw

 

CustomDraw Map Guidebook documents use of the XML map variables available in FS9 and FSX and key differences between the two versions. This guidebook is a companion to the FS9GPS Module guidebook released in 2011.

 

Additionally, I discuss calibration of CustomDraw map and XML gauge scales so that the following types of applications are possible:

 

- Transform mouse X and Y into longitude and latitude

- Create map overlays for the CustomDraw base

- Coordinate rotation for TrackUp=1

- TAWS map

- TCAS map overlay using ITrafficInfo variables

- Mouse click distance, bearing, latitude and longitude

- Nearest search centered on a mouse click point rather than aircraft position

- Add a flight plan waypoint by mouse click

- Stationary Map vs. Moving Map

 

A fully functional XML gauge is also available that demonstrates all of the above applications. The example gauge requires installation of Tom Aguilo’s XMLVars which can be freely downloaded from:

 

http://fsdeveloper.c....do=file&id=105

 

This guidebook is a big file …. Lots of graphics.

 

I hope you enjoy working with the gps module. Those that master the information in these guidebooks will be capable of designing feature-rich XML navigation gauges - GPS units and MFDs – everything except Wx.

 

Feedback is solicited and welcome.

 

Bob

Thanks.

Something to digest!

As always Bob, you da man! Thanks -- A good read is in store.

 

Roman

Many thanks for the effort and help.

 

-Dai

Thanks, guys.

 

This turned out to be a bigger project than I thought it would be. There's more depth than meets the eye with many of the topics associated with the map module.

 

The interesting part of writing this guidebook was not documenting the variables - that took patience but was straight-forward.

 

Figuring out how to calibrate CustomDraw and XML scales, the former being measured by physical screen pixels and the latter by XML gauge units, so that accurately positioned overlays could be made was the fun part.

 

Overlays and the ability to translate XML gauge units into Lat/Lon and vice versa, opens the door to a variety of map applications that I have not seen out there before. TCAS (all-XML TCAS, but Arne is still King), stationary map-moving airplane, click distance and bearing, as examples. It would be interesting to see if this can be extrapolated to include real time moving map display of imagery from Google or public domain aero charts - eg sectionals, IFR charts, if appropriate approvals could ever be acquired. With the help of Robbie (out of university, off of Dad's payroll, and now a Google software engineer), maybe I can chip away at this too, although now that he's got a job, I dont have the leverage I used to have (write BlackBox and I'll pay your tuition). A real long shot certainly, but who knows?

 

My latest manifestation of the gauge included as a download brings up airport information as shown in the attached pic when I click on or just near an airport on the map - no need to enter an ident, ICAO, or name to search for the airport. In turn, all of the info displayed is a click spot. Click a frequency to tune Com or Nav radios, click on a Runway to bring up the instrument approach diagrams associated with that runway, etc.

 

I have gotten away from the gps_500 dial knob entry or keyboard entry and it is all point and click. It's not real-world, it's just fun.

 

I hope people enjoy playing around with both the gps module and making interesting applications for the map.

 

Bob

Oh, very nice indeed!

 

I kept hoping that someone would make a map utility that can be used in-game to display charts rather than the default map render. Imagine this integrated into the large map displays in the A2A Cub or Stratocruiser, along with the ability to scroll the map and not have the aircraft centered.

 

I'm drooling.

 

Hook

Bob,

 

Superb! This opens a whole new range of possiblilities. Gona do some digging for transferring those lat/lon to the addwaypoint for military use. Suppose Karol will be pleased as well for his Targeting Pod.

 

Thanx!

 

Slammer

It's a wonderful document that is superb in it's professional layout and presentation .

Have printed and had it bound as a reference.

 

Slammer

Attached shot has the Lat/Long nomination integrated into my radar , and the LL entry has been

incorporated into my Flight Plan Editor , still needs a little refinement.

In the shot "Wpt 4" has been slotted into an existing flight plan , if you look carefully you will see the red

nomination dot.

 

On screen radar nomination of a target alone does not provide sufficient accuracy.

What is needed is a 2 step process :

Step 1. nominate your target area Lat/Long on the radar.

Step 2. use that Lat/Long to position top down visual view instrument , then replace your initial

Lat/Long with a high precision Lat/Long.

The second instrument provides an actual visual image of the scenery enabling a specific house to be

targetted , and the crosshairs can be placed on either the front or back door depending on preferences.

 

Cheers

Karol