Free Routing Software. qtVlm

[donradcliffe]

I've been playing with routing programs this week, warming up for Transpac.

I tried to install qtvlm 5.5-4, on a W10 computer, but when I go to download maps, it tells me that I don't have enough storage space (400 mb) and then crashes. Any hints on how to get past this bug?? I did use an older version working on an XP computer for the last Vendee Globe, so I am fairly far up the learning curve on that version.

I am also working with Expedition, but its pretty user unfriendly--getting undecipherable error messages instead of routes. It turns out that it routes across the dirt unless you explicitly define the dirt as an exclusion zone--a PITA.

I did get the plug-ins installed for Open Cpn, and with a little work got a Transpac routing going last night.

My goal is to compare the results from the routers when I give them the same input.

[maitai]

Hi,
That's I think the 3rd or 4th time since qtVlm started that someone reports this. First time on Windows, other times were all on MacOS.
It is either a bug of ours, or that you are trying to install qtVlm on a read-only area, or that your anti-virus is blocking qtVlm for some (false) reason.

Try to check all these points.

If nothing works, you can always download gshhs maps directly from here:
http://download.meltemus.com/qtvlm/qtVlmMaps_v234.zip
Unzip it somewhere and just choose "select existing map folder" when prompted for downloading maps.

Looking forwards for your comparison between routing algos..

[skipperearly]

I am using qtVlm on Win10 for weather routing from La Rochelle to Gibraltar and have drawn in OpenCPN the various TSS off cap finistre etc , exported them as gpx and tried to import into qtVlm as barriers. In the routing I aim to avoid the TSS areas.
Unfortunatly I always get error "incorrect gpx file"

Any advise how I could achieve what I aim to do?

[maitai]

Hmmm can you post the gpx file so I can have a look?

Btw you cannot import gpx files as barriers. QtVlm converts only routes or tracks from gpx files, so I am afraid you have to draw the TSS again manually in qtVlm.

If you send me the gpx file, I'll see what I can do for that.

Philippe.

[skipperearly]

Originally Posted by maitai

Hmmm can you post the gpx file so I can have a look?

Btw you cannot import gpx files as barriers. QtVlm converts only routes or tracks from gpx files, so I am afraid you have to draw the TSS again manually in qtVlm.

If you send me the gpx file, I'll see what I can do for that.

Philippe.

Thanks Philippe for swift reply. Have now redrawn the TSS around Spain/Portugal - took me some trials to get them proper but I managed.
But to have import from the watchdog/draw plugin of ocpn would be realy beneficial. I attach the gpx file for your analysis.

[maitai]

I had a look, and indeed these files are in a very specific gpx scheme belonging to opencpn-draw. Nothing standard here, so I wont convert them into qtVlm, sorry.

[skipperearly]

Thanks Philippe for your efforts! I understand your decision and will raise it with the ocpn/draw developers.

BTW: it there a little tool to measure distance and direction in qlVtm? Was looking for it, as it would be handy to analyse the routes.

[maitai]

Yes of course, just right-click anywhere on the map or on an object and choose "draw a heading".

[skipperearly]

Originally Posted by maitai

Yes of course, just right-click anywhere on the map or on an object and choose "draw a heading".

Silly me 😥 thanks, great support👌👋

[skipperearly]

Maybe I have overlooked it but how can I print a calculated routing or route with all the details like coordinates/heading/target speed etc like shown in the dialogue.

When I print the route I only get the summary data not the details.
Would like to keep printed version it as a backup in case system is down.

[maitai]

There is no print function as such in qtVlm.
But you can export the route's as a csv file and print it from your favorite spreadsheet editor.
Another way is to export it on a qtVlm mobile version (iOS or Android) in case the PC is down.

[skipperearly]

I knew that but unfortunately even when I select full details I only export coordinates no speed, time or winddirection details. So it's not full details just some - why not?

[donradcliffe]

Expedition puts out a very useful optimization results matrix with full details, including time, boat heading, wind direction, wind speed, TWA and target, boat speed, suggested sail, Lat/Lon, and a couple more I don't recall.

[maitai]

Originally Posted by skipperearly

I knew that but unfortunately even when I select full details I only export coordinates no speed, time or winddirection details. So it's not full details just some - why not?

Most probably you are not using the correct function. I guess you are using the export function in a text file.
You should go to Edit Route->Route logbook tab, and choose export to CSV

It will include every thing you can dream of and maybe more

[skipperearly]

Originally Posted by maitai

Most probably you are not using the correct function. I guess you are using the export function in a text file.
You should go to Edit Route->Route logbook tab, and choose export to CSV

It will include every thing you can dream of and maybe more

It does indeed. was not obvious to find though, maybe it would be nice to have a rightclick menu item to the routebook when a route is selected. - ... just an idea.

Anyhow, thanks for your great software!