Chart Scanning for Dummies

[bg9208]

Ok. I have a PC, I have an A4 scanner and I have a bunch of charts so where do I go from here? I can only scan bits of the charts due to size so how do I stitch the scans together seamlessly? What format do I save the scans in, jpg, tiff etc. what format do I save the stitched together mega chart in so it can be used by Maxsea or OpenCPN. How do I calibrate the scanned image file for Lat/Long so it means something to the Nav programme?
If anyone can point me to where I can find answers or - better still, give a straightforward walk through of how to do it, I would be grateful.
I don't doubt that the answers are all on this website somewhere but the few bits I have been able to find seem to need prior knowledge of the other parts of the process.
TIA, and a happy 2010 to everyone out there

[bewitched]

Sounds difficult

Why not just download C-Map charts and use with Maxsea?

[Don B. Cilly]

Is is rather difficult, but it could be worth the effort.
I put together a tentative manual on how to get a kap chart from an image using Linux, you'll find it in the OpenCPN wiki.

Using Windows it's much the same, the procedure doesn't change, it's a matter of getting the right version of the software,and it's explained on the mc2bsbh page.
For stitching bits of charts together, Cagney made a very nice script (*nix shell) which is linked in the manual.

D.

[Talbot]

Seaclear nav software used to include the tools to do this (and is free!)

[bg9208]

Thanks for the seaclear tip, I'll have a look at it.

[idpnd]

Note that you will not be able to use the seaclear charts with opencpn

[dacust]

Conversely, the charts made with mc2bsbh are only known to work in OpenCPN. So far anyone that has tried them in Seaclear, or in any commercial package has not had any success.

FYI: The stitching script that Cagney put together will only work for images that exactly match on the edges, so will not work well at all on images you have scanned as separate pieces. I think the lazy way would be to just create a separate electronic chart for each scan instead of trying to piece them together. But, to piece together, try gimp (or PhotoShop, etc.). It's gonna be time consuming.

-dan

[GPS-Marco]

Dan,

All the charts I've done with KapGen/mc2bsbh works with seaclear.

In fact Seaclear can open BSB charts...

Ciao, Marco.

[dacust]

Originally Posted by GPS-Marco

Dan,

All the charts I've done with KapGen/mc2bsbh works with seaclear.

In fact Seaclear can open BSB charts...

Ciao, Marco.

Sorry, I noticed that in another thread. I remembered I had said that in here and meant to come back and correct myself. But I forgot to. Thanks!

-dan

[dpex]

Hi all,

New boy on the block here.

I'm curious about something. Apart from the obvious time-saving and convenience of electronic nav systems (c-Map, etc) I'm not sure I understand the value of such over good old paper charts, a sextant, and a hand-held compass for close-quarters navigation. Is there something I'm missing here?

Cheers
Dpex.

[Extemporaneous]

Originally Posted by dpex

Apart from the obvious time-saving and convenience of electronic nav systems (c-Map, etc)
Is there something I'm missing here?

Nope, I don't think you missed anything.
Should note that most don't suggest that you give up paper charts even if you have a good chart plotter and good electronic charts.

Regards,
Extemp.

[barnakiel]

Originally Posted by bewitched

Why not just download C-Map charts ...

Why not. Where from?

b.

[GPS-Marco]

Hello,

I've submitted this post #513 in OpenCPN/Charts thread where you can find directions to compile yourself or to download the whole new zealand charts portfolio (derived from LINZ source images). You can also jump straight to MCE66 - Software where all the stuff can be downloaded.

Maps are not for navigation but, if you are interested, give it a look.

Ciao, Marco.

[dpex]

Yours is a gratefully received post.

However, I'm a bit of a PC dummy. I downloaded Seaclear but cannot get any file other than the manual, to open. Do you have any helpful hints? Cheers David.

[GPS-Marco]

Originally Posted by dpex

Yours is a gratefully received post.

However, I'm a bit of a PC dummy. I downloaded Seaclear but cannot get any file other than the manual, to open. Do you have any helpful hints? Cheers David.

I'm not sure I got the problem. To install seaclear:

1) download sc_setup.exe from SeaClear GPS Navigation Software

2) run the exe to install seaclear.

you should have now MapCal an SeaClear Icons on your dektop and a SeaClear menu entry on start->programmi.

3) build (with KapGen) or dowload (from deposit file link) the NZ charts

4) install the charts (following text is from NZ charts readme):

===================
Chart Istallation
===================

To install the charts, put them all in a folder of your choice and then:

1) to istall in OpenCPN, run OpenCPN and click the ToolBox icon, select Charts tab, find and select in Available Chart Directories the folder were charts have been placed, then click the button Add Selection to include the new chart folder to the chart database.

2) to istall in SeaClear II, run MapCal II, click Tools -> Set Directories and add in the Chart Directories list the folder were the new charts have been placed, then click Tools->Autoload List->Update. This will install all new charts in Seaclear.

Installation and usage on other Programs might work, but is not supported.

-----------------

Le me know.

Ciao, Marco.