MapStar Version 5.0

MapStar Version 5.0
User Guide
Part No. 875-0086-002 Rev. D1
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
•
•
This device may not cause harmful interference.
This device must accept any interference that may cause undesired operation.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
Hemisphere GPS LLC Precision GPS Applications
© Copyright Hemisphere GPS LLC (2007). All rights reserved.
No part of this manual may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval
system or translated into any language or computer language, in any form or by any
means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical, manual or otherwise, without
the prior written permission of Hemisphere GPS.
TRADEMARKS
Hemisphere GPS and the Hemisphere GPS logo, Satloc and the Satloc logo, Mapstar, Air
Star Outback Guidance and eDrive are trademarks of Hemisphere GPS LLC. Other
trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.
NOTICE TO CUSTOMERS
Contact your local dealer for technical assistance. To find the authorized dealer near you,
call or write us at:
Hemisphere GPS LLC
4110 9 Street SE
Calgary, AB Canada T2G 3C4
Telephone number: (403) 259-3311
Fax number:
(403) 259-8866
E-mail address:
sales@hemisphereGPS.com
MapStar User Guide
Table of Contents
1: ABOUT MAPSTAR
. . . . . . . . . .1
Product Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Supported File Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2: INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Installing MapStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Activating MapStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3: GETTING STARTED
. . . . . . . . .9
The MapStar Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Menu Bar 11
Main Toolbar 11
Data Management Toolbar 15
Status Bar 16
Desktop Icons 17
Setting Display Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Setting Zoom Options (View Zoom Mode) 20
Setting Sprayed Area Display Options (Display of
Sprayed Areas) 20
Displaying Non-Spray Positions (Display Non-Spray
Trace) 21
i
Warranty Notice
COVERED PRODUCTS
This warranty covers all products manufactured by Hemisphere GPS LLC (the "Products").
HEMISPHERE GPS LLC LIMITED WARRANTY
Hemisphere GPS LLC hereby warrants solely to the end purchaser of the Products,
subject to the exclusions and procedures set forth herein below, that the Products sold to
such end purchaser shall be free, under normal use and maintenance, from defects in
material and workmanship for a period of 12 months from delivery to such end purchaser.
Repairs and replacement components are warranted, subject to the exclusions and
procedures set forth below, to be free, under normal use and maintenance, from defects
in material and workmanship for 90 days from performance or delivery, or for the balance
of the original warranty period, whichever is greater.
PURCHASER'S EXCLUSIVE REMEDY
The end purchaser's exclusive remedy under this warranty shall be limited to the repair or
replacement, at the option of Hemisphere GPS, of any defective Products or components
thereof. The end user shall notify Hemisphere GPS or a Hemisphere GPS approved service
center immediately of any claimed defect. Repairs shall be made through a Hemisphere
GPS approved service center only.
EXCLUSIONS
Hemisphere GPS does not warrant damage occurring in transit or due to misuse, abuse,
improper installation, neglect, lightning (or other electrical discharge) or fresh/salt water
immersion of Products. Repair, modification or service of Hemisphere GPS products by
any party other than a Hemisphere GPS approved service center shall render this
warranty null and void. Hemisphere GPS does not warrant claims asserted after the end
of the warranty period. Hemisphere GPS does not warrant or guarantee the precision or
accuracy of positions obtained when using Products. Products are not intended for
primary navigation or for use in safety of life applications. The potential accuracy of
Products as stated in Hemisphere GPS literature and/or Product specifications serves to
provide only an estimate of achievable accuracy based on:
•
•
Specifications provided by the US Department of Defense for GPS Positioning
DGPS service provider performance specifications.
Hemisphere GPS reserves the right to modify Products without any obligation to notify,
supply or install any improvements or alterations to existing Products.
NO OTHER WARRANTIES
THE FOREGOING WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER
WRITTEN, ORAL, IMPLIED OR ARISING BY STATUTE, COURSE OF DEALING OR TRADE
USAGE, IN CONNECTION WITH THE DESIGN, SALE, INSTALLATION, SERVICE OR USE OF
ANY PRODUCTS OR ANY COMPONENTS THEREOF, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO,
ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
THE EXTENT OF HEMISPHERE GPS' LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES OF ANY NATURE TO THE
END PURCHASER OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY WHETHER IN CONTRACT OR TORT
AND WHETHER TO PERSONS OR PROPERTY SHALL IN NO CASE EXCEED, IN THE
AGGREGATE, THE COST OF CORRECTING THE DEFECT IN THE PRODUCT OR, AT
HEMISPHERE GPS' OPTION, THE COST OF REPLACING THE DEFECTIVE ITEM. IN NO
EVENT WILL HEMISPHERE GPS BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS OF PRODUCTION, LOSS OF
PROFITS, LOSS OF USE OR FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL
OR CONTINGENT DAMAGES, EVEN IF HEMISPHERE GPS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE
POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, HEMISPHERE
GPS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES OF ANY KIND RESULTING FROM
INSTALLATION, USE, QUALITY, PERFORMANCE OR ACCURACY OF ANY PRODUCTS.
GOVERNING LEGISLATION
To the greatest extent possible, this warranty shall be governed by the laws of the State
of Arizona. In the event that any provision hereof is held to be invalid by a court of
competent jurisdiction, such provision shall be severed from this warranty and the
remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
OBTAINING WARRANTY SERVICE
In order to obtain warranty service, the end purchaser must bring the Product to a
Hemisphere GPS approved service center along with the end purchaser's proof of
purchase. For any questions regarding warranty service or to obtain information
regarding the location of any of Hemisphere GPS' approved service centers, contact
Hemisphere GPS at the following address:
Hemisphere GPS LLC
7560 East Redfield Road, Suite B
Scottsdale, Arizona 85260
Phone 480.348.9919 Fax 480.348.6370
techsupport@hemisphergps.com
http://www.hemispheregps.com/main/
Table of Contents
Displaying Markers (Display Markers) 21
Marking Logged Positions (Mark Logged Positions) 22
Adjusting Spray Display Options (Spray Display Options) 22
Displaying Latitude/Longitude Marks (Display
Latitude/Longitude Marks) 23
Displaying the Map Scale in the Map Window (Display
Scale Bar) 23
Setting the Size of the Mark Labels (Marker Font Size
(mm)) 23
Formatting the Latitude and Longitude Display (Lat/Lon
Display Format) 24
Setting the Units (Display Units) 24
Selecting Background Maps (Background Map Setup) 25
Setting Printing Options (Printing Setup) 26
Selecting Colors for Displaying Variable Rate (Color
Setup) 26
4: WORKING
WITH
LOG FILES .31
Importing a Log File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Viewing Log File Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Opening a File 34
Viewing a Log Map 36
Printing a Log Data Report 45
Printing a Flow Report 47
Exporting a Log File
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Exporting to ASCII 49
Exporting to DXF 51
Exporting to MID/MIF 52
Exporting to SHP 53
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MapStar User Guide
5: WORKING
WITH
GIS FILES
.55
Importing a GIS File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Editing GIS Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Creating a Satloc JOB File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Saving a GIS File as a Satloc JOB File 60
Creating a New JOB File 61
Job Combining and Editing Satloc Job Files . . . . . . . . 65
Creating Prescription Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
6: PROGRAMMING ROUTES &
WAYPOINTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83
About Routes & Waypoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Programming Routes & Waypoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
7: GENERATING A
PRESCRIPTION MAP . . . . . . . . . .87
About Prescription Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Importing GIS Files with Vrate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Viewing Prescription Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
A: APPENDIX:
SAMPLE FILE TYPES
. . . . . . . . .97
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
iii
Table of Contents
Sample Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
LOG 99
SWA 100
VRC 101
SHP 102
Spray Block with Map Underlay 103
Examples of Hard Copy Printout 104
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
iv
1: ABOUT MAPSTAR
Product Overview
Supported File Types
1: About MapStar
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
MapStar PC software enhances Satloc guidance systems through
its mapping and file conversion capabilities. MapStar is a
pre-application mapping and post-application log replay software.
MapStar allows you to display a variety of GIS-based file formats as
background maps on Satloc guidance systems. It also reads and
displays Satloc log files so you can analyze and convert application
data to GIS-based file formats. In addition, MapStar's new
functionality allows you to convert shape files to prescription maps
for use in Satloc's flow control enabled products and to enter
waypoints and routes directly in MapStar.
MapStar:
•
graphically displays, prints, and analyzes data logged with a
Satloc guidance system - you can view log details such as:
•
precise time and date record
•
vehicle ground speed, track, and altitude
•
GPS position quality
•
precise measurements of swaths, gaps, or entire
application areas
•
exact positioning and rate of spray application, including
support for variable rate flow control. You can even define
different colors and display options for different spray
rates, resulting in easy-to-read maps
•
displays detailed log data and maps for LOG, SWA, VRC, and
SMS files
•
imports GIS files viewable as background maps, including
Satloc BMF, JOB, and PMH files; ESRI SHP files; MapInfo
MID/MIF files; and CAD DXF files
•
exports GIS files, including spray/flight/drive path data, to
JOB, DXF, MID/MIF, SHP, and ASCII
2
MapStar User Guide
•
allows you to edit or create new GIS files to save as Satloc JOB
files for use in Satloc applications
•
allows you to enter waypoints and routes directly into the
software for use in Satloc applications
•
generates prescription maps from SHP files to drive variable
rate flow control software
Figure 1-1. Sample MapStar Screen.
3
1: About MapStar
SUPPORTED FILE TYPES
Satloc’s MapStar for Windows is used to graphically display, print,
and export data logged in Satloc guidance programs. You can also
open GIS files as an underlay, and edit and save them as JOB files
for use in other Satloc applications. MapStar also allows files to be
exported in other formats.
These files can be grouped together with an SMS extension for
ease of loading multiple files for presentation.
Table 1-1: Viewable Files.
File Type
Description
LOG
Generated by AirStar, ForestStar, SwathStar,
Satloc Lite, and Outback 360 systems
SWA
Generated by FreeTrac Windows programs
VRC
Generated by VRC Windows programs
Table 1-2: Map Underlay Files.
File Type
Description
BMF
Hemisphere GPS vector map information
JOB
Hemisphere GPS AirTrac/AirStar JOB boundary
files
DXF
in WGS-84 coordinates from GIS packages
MIF
in WGS-84 coordinates from GIS packages
PMH
generated by Hemisphere GPS MapStar program
SHP
from GIS data (ESRI Shape)
4
2: INSTALLATION
System Requirements
Installing MapStar
Activating MapStar
2: Installation
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
MapStar for Windows is designed to run on an IBM-compatible
computer with Windows 95, 98, 2000, NT, or XP. The computer
running MapStar must meet the following minimum requirements.
Requirements
•
Pentium 100 MHz + CPU
•
Windows-compatible mouse or other pointing device
•
Parallel port (for hardware key)
•
54 MB+ of hard disk space
•
64 MB + RAM
•
VGA, SVGA, or better video card displaying 24-bit color at 800
x 600 screen resolution
•
PCMCIA card reader to read Satloc log cards
•
Inkjet or other graphics-capable printer
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MapStar User Guide
INSTALLING MAPSTAR
You can purchase MapStar on CD or by downloading the demo
version from the Satloc Web site (http://www.satloc.com).
If using MapStar, you will need a key code to run the full
functionality. Without the code, MapStar will operate in Demo
mode (allowing you full functionality only on the included demo
files). See “Activating MapStar” on page 8.
To install software:
1.
Unzip the downloaded file if you have downloaded the MapStar
Demo from the Web site. If you have purchased MapStar on
CD, proceed to Step 3.
Note: If you downloaded the individual disks instead of the
one large file, save each zip file to a single directory however, you only need to unzip Disk 1.
2.
Run SETUP.EXE in windows (located in the "Disk 1" folder).
This will open the installation wizard.
Note: If you purchased MapStar on CD, a MapStar
installation wizard will automatically run upon inserting the
CD.
3.
Accept all the defaults to copy the program files to the
C:\SATLOC\MSW directory. The log files to run with the
Demo will be copied to C:\SATLOC\LOGS\MSW_DEMO.
4.
MapStar icons will automatically be placed on the desktop for
easy program launch. You can also open the MapStar program
by clicking on the Windows Start button and choosing
Programs > Satloc > MapStar for Windows.
7
2: Installation
ACTIVATING MAPSTAR
To enable full functionality of your MapStar software, you need a
software license (referred to as a key code). The dealer you have
purchased the product from will provide a key code.
A key code activates the MapStar license on a specific computer.
Activating MapStar:
1.
Open MapStar in Demo Mode.
2.
On the Help menu, select Key Code Entry: You will see the
following screen:
3.
Enter your key code and press the Submit Code button.
4.
MapStar is now fully enabled.
8
3: GETTING STARTED
The MapStar Display
Setting Display Options
Setting Printing Options
3: Getting Started
THE MAPSTAR DISPLAY
The MapStar display consists of a display area, Menu Bar, Main
Toolbar, Data Management Toolbar, and Status Bar.
Menu Bar
Main Toolbar
Data Management
Toolbar
Status Bar
Figure 3-1. MapStar Display Screen.
In addition to the main display area, the MapStar installation places
two shortcut icons on your Windows desktop - MapStar for
Windows and Log Copy, discussed later in this section.
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MapStar User Guide
Menu Bar
The Menu Bar at the top of the display screen allows you to access
all of the features of MapStar through the five main menus:
•
File - create a new file, open an existing file, load a log, setup
printing options, or print
•
View - turn the Main, Data Management, and Status toolbars
on/off and set display options for different flow rates
•
Data Management - import/export log files, enter waypoints,
and run flow control reports
•
Vrate - import SHP files and view as prescription maps
•
Help - find instant answers to software questions in the online
help menu
Main Toolbar
The Main Toolbar consists of shortcut keys for commonly used
functions:
Figure 3-2. Main Toolbar.
Table 3-1: Main Toolbar Keys.
Key
Action
Open a new file while you have an existing file
open.
11
3: Getting Started
Table 3-1: Main Toolbar Keys.
Key
Action
Open an existing file.
Note: You can open multiple files by pressing and
holding the CTRL key on your keyboard while
clicking on the desired files in the Log Open popup window.
You can sort the list of files in the Log Open popup window in ascending or descending order by
clicking on the appropriate radio button.
Add an additional existing log to the active
window.
Save any files in the active window (LOG, SWA,
VRC) to a single SMS file (Map Set).
Note: The SMS file contains a list of the log files
and maps the path to the log files - it does not
contain the actual log data. So, when you open the
SMS file again, it can only display log files in their
original locations.
Print the map display. The Print Setup window
will appear, asking for the Company Name/Title
and Plot Title to be printed on the printout. This
window will also allow you to select Auto scale
(automatically fits the area currently displayed on
the screen onto the paper size when printing) or
Fixed scale (you define a specified printout scale.
Note: If a page contains more than one channel, a
page will be printed for each channel trace.
Preview the print format.
12
MapStar User Guide
Table 3-1: Main Toolbar Keys.
Key
Action
Select objects on the screen. Also, click this to
deselect the zoom/pan buttons.
Zoom to center and display all data in the log
file(s) on the screen.
Zoom in/out. Place the cursor over the area of the
map you wish to zoom in on. Press the left mouse
button to zoom in; press the right mouse button to
zoom out.
Pan the map display. To pan, click on a point on
the map, hold down the mouse, and drag in the
desired direction.
Measure distance between a start point and an
end point. Designate the start point by clicking on
the start point. Release the mouse and click on the
end point. The distance is shown in the Status Bar
at the bottom of the window.
Measure the area of a polygon. Define the
polygon by clicking three points on the polygon
with the left mouse button - after the third point is
clicked, the measured area is highlighted in the
Status Bar. To abort the polygon and start again,
press the right mouse button.
13
3: Getting Started
Table 3-1: Main Toolbar Keys.
Key
Action
Display the log trace for different channels in a
VRC application.
Display a list of currently loaded log files in a popup window. From this window you can remove
active log files, show log details and print a report,
and export a log file.
Import GIS files - JOB, PMH, DXF, MIF, and SHP.
See “Chapter 5: Working with GIS Files” for more
information.
Setup configuration options for MapStar - zoom
mode, sprayed area displays, logged position
displays, latitude/longitude, scale, background
maps, units, and print setup. See “Setting Display
Options” on page 18.
Display MapStar software version number and
build code (an encoded timestamp of the program
build). The “Sys Info” button in the pop-up window
will open a second window displaying all of the
version numbers of the files needed to run
MapStar that are currently installed in the system.
14
MapStar User Guide
Data Management Toolbar
The Data Management toolbar consists of shortcut keys to
frequently used tasks, such as importing/exporting log files,
running a flow report, and entering waypoints.
Figure 3-3. Data Management Toolbar.
15
3: Getting Started
Table 3-2: Data Management Toolbar Keys.
Key
Action
Import log files from the PCMCIA card into your
computer’s hard drive or other disk/directory.
Note: We recommend creating a separate
directory for each job or account.
Export log files to different file formats - ASCII,
DXF, MapInfo MID/MIF files, ESRI Shape (SHP)
files from LOG, SWA, or VRC files.
Generate a printable Flow Report for a Log file.
Enter waypoints.
Status Bar
The Status Bar allows you to view important measurement
information at a glance, such as latitude/longitude of a particular
point, flow rate, area, and volume.
Latitude/Longitude
Flow
Rate
Area
Spray
Volume
Figure 3-4. Status Bar.
16
Mode
MapStar User Guide
In addition, when using the Measure Distance (
Measure Polygon (
) or
) tools, the distance or area will appear in
the latitude/longitude box on the Status Bar.
Distance
Area
Desktop Icons
The MapStar Installation Wizard installs two shortcut icons on your
Windows desktop for easy access.
MapStar Quick Start - Double-click this icon to open the MapStar
software.
Log Copy - Double-click this icon to copy files off of your card
reader onto your computer’s hard drive.
Warning!
If you select Wipe Card in the Log Copy screen you will
delete any logs. You will first get a warning screen asking
you to confirm that you wish to delete them.
17
3: Getting Started
SETTING DISPLAY OPTIONS
The
shortcut icon on your Main Toolbar allows you to setup
MapStar display options. Upon pressing this key, you will see the
following window:
Figure 3-5. Display Options Window.
18
MapStar User Guide
The Display Options window allows you to configure:
•
zoom options - configure what the Zoom All (
) button
shows in View Zoom Mode. Center and display all log data or
only sprayed positions, and whether or not to include GIS
maps
•
display options for different spray rates in variable rate
applications
•
how sprayed areas are displayed - colors, filled in spray blocks,
outlines only, display where spray was on when it should have
been off (e.g., good for identifying a leaking flow valve)
•
display of non-spray positions
•
display of logged markers, such as A, B, and C points,
waypoints, marks, boundary area, etc.
•
whether to mark logged positions with a triangle
•
log file display options - such as log delay compensation,
overspray %
•
display of latitude/longitude marks
•
display of map’s scale in the Status Bar
•
height of displayed marker text
•
background maps to display on the screen
•
printing options
This section covers each part of the Display Options setup
window in more detail.
19
3: Getting Started
Setting Zoom Options (View Zoom Mode)
View Zoom Mode controls the Zoom All (
) shortcut key
settings. View Zoom Mode has the following options:
•
All Logged Positions - select this to enter and display all log
data currently loaded in the Map Window.
•
Sprayed Positions - select this to center and display all
sprayed positions only (not all log data).
•
Include Job/GIS Positions - check this to center and scale
all loaded data in the display (rather than just log data),
including any GIS maps.
Setting Sprayed Area Display Options (Display of
Sprayed Areas)
Display of Sprayed Areas has the following options:
•
Actual Spray Rate displays the real-time spray value. The
Actual Spray Rate should match the prescription map values.
•
Show Track Only displays the spray path line.
•
Desired Target Rate displays when the spray is on at the
target rate. Desired Target Rate will display the target flow rate
before entering the corresponding prescription map rate block
because it includes compensation for the time it takes for the
spray to reach the ground.
•
Outline Spray Blocks causes an outline to be drawn around
each spray block (from logged position to logged position)
when the box is checked. If the box is unchecked, spray blocks
are drawn without outlines.
•
Display Flow Rate Colors will display the spray blocks in
different colors depending on flow rate, if box is checked. If
this box is unchecked, all the spray blocks will be displayed as
one color.
20
MapStar User Guide
•
A. Display Spray On will display when spray is turned on.
•
B. Display Non-Zero Flow Rates will display the path as
being sprayed wherever spray was off yet had a flow rate
greater than zero. This option makes it possible to detect a
leaking flow valve.
•
A or B - will display both spray when turned on and non-zero
flow rates with spray turned off.
Displaying Non-Spray Positions (Display Non-Spray
Trace)
When this box is checked, the path trace for non-spray positions is
displayed in addition to the sprayed positions. When this box is
unchecked, only the sprayed positions are displayed.
Note: This feature applies to AirTrac/AirStar/ForestStar/LiteStar
LOG files only.
Displaying Markers (Display Markers)
When this box is checked, user-defined markers are displayed.
These could include A, B, C points, waypoints, marks, boundary
area, etc.
21
3: Getting Started
Marking Logged Positions (Mark Logged Positions)
When this box is checked, a mark (triangle) is drawn at each
logged GPS position. Remember, a GPS position is logged by
default every 5 seconds.
Adjusting Spray Display Options (Spray Display Options)
If the spray map does not accurately reflect the time delay
between when the spray leaves the boom and hits the ground, or
spray overlap (this could be caused by incorrect settings in the
AerialACE parameter setup for VRate Lead Time and Edge Lead
Time), you may wish to adjust the spray display accordingly.
•
Real Time Projection is not a selectable option. Real-time
projection reflects the actual settings in your guidance system.
It shows how early the guidance system reacted to reach the
proper rate at the proper location.
Note: If the Real-Time Projection settings in your
guidance systems are correct, Spray Compensation
(below) should be “0.”
•
Spray Compensation displays a value in decimal seconds
used to compensate spray on/off positioning for processing
delays in the guidance system, positioning of the antenna
relative to the spray booms and lag in spray on to spray on the
ground dispensing.
Note: This feature applies to AirTrac, AirStar, ForestStar,
and LiteStar LOG files only.
•
Overspray % specifies the percentage to increase the
displayed swath width by to cover spray drift, etc. This does
not affect the calculated area sprayed.
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MapStar User Guide
Displaying Latitude/Longitude Marks (Display
Latitude/Longitude Marks)
When this box is checked, latitude and longitude marks and labels
are drawn around the margins of the map display.
Displaying the Map Scale in the Map Window (Display
Scale Bar)
When this box is checked, a bar showing the scale of the map
display is displayed in the lower left corner of the map display.
Setting the Size of the Mark Labels (Marker Font Size
(mm))
This value sets the height of displayed marker text. Set this value
higher if you have trouble reading the displayed mark labels. (i.e.
A, B, C points, boundary area, waypoints, marks)
23
3: Getting Started
Formatting the Latitude and Longitude Display (Lat/Lon
Display Format)
This box allows the user to choose the format of the latitude and
longitude values when shown on the Map display.
You have three options:
•
DD.DDDDDD° - decimal Degrees
•
DD°MM.MMMM’ - Degrees and decimal Minutes
•
DD°MM’SS.S” - Degrees, Minutes, and decimal Seconds
Setting the Units (Display Units)
Select U.S. (feet, acres, miles/hour, etc.) or Metric units (meters,
hectares, kilometers/hour, etc.) for displayed values in MapStar.
24
MapStar User Guide
Selecting Background Maps (Background Map Setup)
Select Background Map Setup to designate maps to display as
the background of the MapStar screen.
To select a background map:
1.
Select the Background Map Setup button in the Display
Options window. You will see the following screen:
2.
In the Maps Directory field, select the directory where you
keep your maps. By default this is C:\Satloc\Maps.
Note: If you have any problems reading these files please
contact Satloc Technical Support.
3.
In the Map Serial Number field, enter the eight-digit serial
number if you have purchased an encrypted, Satloc BMF file.
4.
In the Map Display Control fields, select from the following:
•
No Map Display
•
Selected Map (via keyboard or Browse entry) - use a
single map
•
Automatic Map Display - show all maps in the Maps
directory that cover the area containing the displayed log
data
Tip! - To add or remove a displayed map, select View > Map Files
from the main menu bar.
25
3: Getting Started
SETTING PRINTING OPTIONS
(PRINTING SETUP)
Press the Printing Setup button in the Display Options window
to set your printing options. You will see the following window:
1.
In the Company Name/Title and Plot Title fields, enter the
Company Name/Title and Plot Title, respectively. These will
print on any logs/reports you print.
2.
In the Auto Scale or Fixed Scale radio button options, select
Auto Scale to automatically scale all open logs to the printed
paper size. Choose Fixed Scale to designate the print ratio to
print at (e.g., 1:100).
Tip! Use Print Preview to see how a file will print.
Note: See the appendix for sample printouts.
Selecting Colors for Displaying Variable Rate (Color
Setup)
You select different colors for different spray rates in MapStar as
follows:
•
Default - MapStar automatically assigns colors for pre-defined
rate ranges
•
Apply Range - MapStar selects colors based on the
maximum/minimum rate ranges in the map
26
MapStar User Guide
•
custom - manually change any display color for a desired flow
rate range by clicking on the color block and selecting a
different color.
Apply Range - To have MapStar automatically select flow
rate colors:
Press the Apply Range button. MapStar will automatically
select colors for the maximum/minimum rates from the map in
the Range Minimum/Maximum fields (if defined) in this
window.
Figure 3-6. Min/Max range from map.
27
3: Getting Started
Custom - To select custom flow rate colors:
MapStar will support up to 12 flow rate ranges – the 11 you
define, plus anything above your last set range.
For example, in our sample data shown in the following figure
we selected the radio button labeled “3,” because we only want
to report on the following four flow rate ranges:
•> 2.5
•1.5 - 2.5
•0.5 – 1.5
•< 0.5
Note: If you want to define four ranges, you would select
radio button “3.” This allows you to enter values in ranges 1
– 3. Notice if we do this, the radio buttons above “3” are not
selectable – we can only set values for ranges 1 – 3. Had we
selected “11,” we would have been able to set values for
ranges 1 – 11.
28
MapStar User Guide
Notice that the top color (black) is not selectable - it defaults to
display anything over our last set value (in this example, >
3.0):
Figure 3-7. Default Value.
You can also change the actual colors associated with each
button. To change the color associated with the spray rate
value, double-click on the color box. For example, in the
example on the following page, we double-clicked on the color
box next to radio button “1.” The Color window opened and we
selected brown to represent spray rate values associated with
radio button “1” (< 0.50).
Tip! Don’t see a color you like? Select Define Custom Colors
>> in the Color Window to select from the entire color range
available on your screen.
Note: You must have at least a 24-bit color display screen
to use this feature.
29
3: Getting Started
Figure 3-8. Custom Color Picker.
30
4: WORKING WITH
LOG FILES
Importing a Log File
Viewing Log File Data
Exporting a Log File
4: Working with Log Files
IMPORTING
A
LOG FILE
Use the Import Log shortcut icon on the Data Management
Toolbar to import a Satloc application log file from a PCMCIA card,
Compact FLASH, or other drive into the desired directory on your
computer hard drive.
Note: We recommend creating separate directories for each job
or account to avoid confusion.
To import a log:
1.
Press the
icon on the Data Management Toolbar. You will
see the following window:
Tip! You can also access this window without opening MapStar simply select Start > Programs > Satloc > Log Import from the
Start menu on your Windows desktop.
2.
Select an import option. The Satloc Log Import window
allows you to:
32
MapStar User Guide
•
copy and/or move log files from your card reader
(D:\drive) to the computer hard drive (placed in the
Satloc\Logs directory by default)
•
select multiple files by clicking once on each desired file, or
you can click on Select All Files
•
clear selections if you have made a mistake
•
delete selected files
Warning!
If you delete a file, it will be permanently deleted from
memory.
33
4: Working with Log Files
VIEWING LOG FILE DATA
MapStar gives you the flexibility to view log file details in a graphic
display or detailed report, and to view general or detailed map and
GIS information.
Opening a File
To open a file in MapStar:
1.
Select from the following options:
•
select File > New to open a new page to display Satlocgenerated data - this command is not needed if you only
wish to view one set of maps at a time. This command
opens a new window. To switch between multiple windows,
open the Window menu and choose one of the windows
listed at the bottom of the menu.
Tip! Now you can open multiple files at once using the File
> Open or File > Load Log command, rather than
opening them one by one with the File > New command.
To select multiple logs, press and hold the CTRL key on
your keyboard while using the mouse to click on the
desired files. To select a block of files, click on the first file
of the block of files. Next, press and hold the SHIFT key
and click on the last file in the block of files.
•
•
select File > Open to open an existing log file in a new
window
select File > Load Log (
to the active window
34
) to add an additional log file
MapStar User Guide
Upon selecting File > Open or File > Load Log, you will see
the Log Open window.
You can sort the list of files in ascending or descending order
by clicking on the appropriate radio button. To select multiple
files to open, press and hold the CTRL key while clicking on the
desired files.
Tip! To select a different directory folder to open a log from,
press the Select Folder button.
35
4: Working with Log Files
Viewing a Log Map
Upon opening a log file, you will see the map of the log data
displayed in the main window:
Figure 4-1. Sample Log Data Map.
and
tools to zoom in/out and
pan the display. Left-clicking the mouse on the zoom tool
zooms in; right-clicking zooms out.
Reminder! Use the
This map allows you to:
•
view general map information, such as an overview of the
spray pattern and rates, latitude/longitude, area, flow volume,
and spray rate information, and whether the spray represents
wet or dry application
36
MapStar User Guide
•
view more detailed position info at a particular point on the
map - latitude/longitude, ground speed, swath #, time,
heading, altitude, differential age, etc.
•
measure distance or area between selected points on the map
•
view individual spray channels
•
view variable rate application details - control spray rate
display colors, spray on/off tracks, log data for application
rate/rate per area
Viewing General Map Information - In addition to an at-aglance overview of your spray pattern(s), coverage, rate, and
volume, you can get general status information by looking at the
bottom right-corner of the MapStar window.
The Status Bar shows the latitude and longitude of the current
cursor position, *flow rate, area, and *spray volume of all opened
logs in the active window.
Latitude &Longitude
(at cursor position)
Flow rate
Area
Spray
Volume
Mode
Figure 4-2. Status Bar.
Note: These items are only shown where Satloc Flow
Control was used. The accuracy of these values is
dependent upon correct use of calibration values in the
system.
Directly above the status bar, you will see the Chemical Volume
Box:
37
4: Working with Log Files
Chemical volume
Figure 4-3. Chemical Volume Box.
The chemical volume box tells you the total spray volume and
whether or not you were using wet or dry chemical (wet will show
Liters or Gallons; dry will show Pounds or Kilograms).
Viewing Detailed Position Information - In addition to viewing
the basic map information, you can view more detailed position
information by clicking on any area in the map window. A detailed
Log Position Window appears, showing:
•
prescription map file
•
volume sprayed
•
area sprayed
•
time
•
latitude/longitude
•
spray on/off status
•
boom control on/off status
•
weather info (Avantec)
•
altitude
•
heading
•
speed
38
MapStar User Guide
•
swath number
•
swath width
•
cross-track distance
•
SV mask
•
DOP
•
differential age
•
actual flow rate - time rate (application rate) and *area rate
(application/area)
Note: Pressing the App/Area button in the Log Position
Info window will show a breakdown of application/area rate
by channel.
•
target flow rate
•
compensation delay (seconds)
•
meter calibration value
•
boundary area
39
4: Working with Log Files
The video recorder icons in the Log Position Info window are
used to move through the file. The Log Position Info window may
be dragged to other areas of the screen if desired.
Figure 4-4. Log Position Info Window.
Tip! To change units, select
field.
40
and change the Display Units
MapStar User Guide
Figure 4-5. Application/Area Rate by Channel.
Figure 4-6. Weather Data.
41
4: Working with Log Files
Measuring Spray Distance or Area - You can measure the spray
distance or area between selected points on the map.
To measure distance between two points on the map:
icon on the Main Toolbar.
2.
Select the
3.
Designate the start point by clicking on the start point.
4.
Release the mouse and click on the end point. The distance is
shown in the Status Bar at the bottom of the window.
To measure the area of a polygon on the map:
icon on the Main Toolbar.
1.
Select the
2.
Define the polygon by clicking three points on the polygon with
the left mouse button - after the third point is clicked, the
measured area is highlighted in the Status Bar.
3.
To abort the polygon and start again, press the right mouse
button.
42
MapStar User Guide
Viewing Individual Spray Channels - When multiple products
have been applied, you can view each product on the map as an
individual spray channel.
To view individual spray channels:
1.
Select the
icon on the Main Toolbar. You will see the
following window:
2.
Select the radio button(s) next to the spray channels you wish
to display.
Viewing Variable Rate Application Details - MapStar provides
support for variable rate applications. The map will designate
different colors for different spray rate ranges, depending on how
43
4: Working with Log Files
you configure MapStar (see “Chapter 3: Getting Started” for more
information on setting spray rate display colors).
Different colors
indicate rate change
Figure 4-7. Sample Map: Color Variations Represent
Rate Changes.
You can even select to display when spray is on or when spray is
on, but you are not getting a zero flow rate (indicating a potential
leaky valve).
44
MapStar User Guide
Printing a Log Data Report
To print a log data report:
1.
Select View > Log Files. This displays a list of currently
loaded files. You can remove a file from the list by left-clicking
on the file name to highlight it and then pressing the Remove
button.
2.
Press the Show Log Info button to show details of the
individual file.
45
4: Working with Log Files
3.
Press the Print Report button to print out data.
Note: Data shown and printout formats vary depending on
the content of the selected LOG, VRC, or SWA file and the
version number of the software that created it.
46
MapStar User Guide
Printing a Flow Report
To print a flow report:
1.
Select the
icon on the Data Management Toolbar to run
a Flow Report. You will see the following screen:
2.
Select Browse to select a file.
3.
Select to View, Print, or Save the generated report.
Tip! Click Options to change units and to enable extended fields
(Swath time, ‘Loop’ time, starting latitude, longitude, and altitude).
47
4: Working with Log Files
EXPORTING
A
LOG FILE
Use the Export Log shortcut icon on the Data Management Toolbar
to export a Satloc application log file (LOG, SWA, or VRC) from
your computer hard drive.
Figure 4-8. Satloc Log Export Window.
Log spray data and flight/drive path data may be exported to the
following file types:
•
ASCII text
•
DXF
•
MID/MIF
•
SHP - three types of Shape files can be generated differing in
polygon size and data included.
48
MapStar User Guide
Tip! You can also access this window without opening MapStar simply select Start > Programs > Satloc > Log Import from the
Start menu on your Windows desktop.
Tip! You can now export multiple files at one time. Press and hold
your CTRL key while clicking on any desired files. Then press Open
to export all selected files at once.
Figure 4-9. Export Multiple Logs.
Exporting to ASCII
ASCII files can be used to import log data into a spreadsheet or
graphing program. They are a common format for storing or
manually examining data. The format can be either Tab or
Comma delimited, or a Listing that shows the occurrence of the
more important logged events as well as all logged positions.
49
4: Working with Log Files
To export to ASCII:
1.
Select the
icon from the Data Management Toolbar. This
opens the Satloc Log Export Window.
2.
Set up the format of the output file (which information is to be
written, and in what order) by selecting the ASCII Format
button. You will see the following screen:
3.
Select the items you wish to display by highlighting them and
using the arrow (>, >>, <<, <) buttons to move chosen fields
to the right, and the order of display via the Move Up/Down
buttons. An ASCII header line can also be written at the
beginning of the file if selected.
Only the data fields that are available in the type of file you are
converting are shown as options for the ASCII output.
Tip! You can view all data types by checking the box next to
Show all fields. But, be warned that data types that are not
available in the original file type will not be able to be produced
for the ASCII export.
4.
Press OK when done selecting your options. The format
options are saved as defaults for future use.
5.
Press Select Log to choose the file that you wish to convert.
50
MapStar User Guide
6.
Press Write File to name the new ASC file. The program will
start the export and the Progress bar will show the status.
Exporting to DXF
To export to DXF:
1.
Select the
icon from the Data Management Toolbar. This
opens the Satloc Log Export Window.
2.
Press DXF Options to open the following dialog window:
3.
Click the Spray-on segments only if you want the DXF file to
consist of only the spray segments of your map. Leave the box
de-selected to export all paths (Spray On and Off).
4.
Press OK.
Note: You can now export flight/drive path data in addition
to spray data. Data will be combined into one export file.
51
Exporting to MID/MIF
To export to MID/MIF:
1.
Press MID/MIF Options to see the following dialog
window:
2.
Select Individual Polygons for each spray position to
create a separate polygon for each log record (usually
once a second); or select Combine spray positions into
larger polygons to check neighboring polygons - if
possible, MapStar will join them into one larger polygon.
This creates a smaller file size.
3.
In the MID File Format radio buttons, select the type of
delimiter to use when separating fields in the MID/MIF file
(Comma, Tab, or Space Delimited).
4.
In the Number of Spray Channels field, select the number
of channels to convert to MID/MIF.
Note: You can now export flight/drive path data in addition
to spray data. Data will be combined into one export file.
MapStar User Guide
Exporting to SHP
There are three Shape file options for exporting logs:
•
ESRI Shape (SHP) - this is the basic ESRI shape file
•
Detailed Shape (SHP) - this is the flow controller information
•
Spray Shape (SHP) - this is the full money handle information
ESRI Shape - To export to ESRI SHP:
1.
Press the SHP Options button to set your SHP polygon
preference. You will see the following window:
2.
Select Individual Polygons for each spray position to
create a separate polygon for each log record (usually once a
second); or select Combine spray positions into larger
polygons to check neighboring polygons - if possible, MapStar
will join them into one larger polygon. This creates a smaller
file size.
Note: You can now export flight/drive path data in addition
to spray data. Data will be combined into two separate
files.
53
4: Working with Log Files
Detailed Shape (SHP) - This will export the SHP file with full flow
controller information.There are no format options for this
selection.
Spray Shape (SHP) - This will export the SHP file with money
handle information. There are no format options for this selection.
54
5: WORKING WITH
GIS FILES
Importing a GIS File
Editing GIS Files
Creating a Satloc JOB File
Job Combining and Editing Satloc Job Files
Creating Prescription Maps
5: Working with GIS Files
IMPORTING
A
GIS FILE
MapStar supports several GIS file formats, including DXF, SHP, and
MID/MIF which can be exported as Satloc JOB files.
The DXF, SHP and MapInfo MIF files are polygon underlay files in
WGS-84 coordinates over which spray data can be displayed. They
can be exported in JOB format for use in FreeTrac and ForestStar as
underlay maps, and in AirStar and ForestStar as JOB polygons.
To load a JOB, PMH, DXF, MIF, or SHP file:
1.
Select the
icon to Add, Remove, create a New Job,
Edit, Save As or Zoom All Job and GIS files to the current
map display.
2.
Select the appropriate viewing option for your GIS file. For
optimum display and file size, select “Compatible with AirTrac”
or “Compatible with AirStar.”
•
Vertex Reduction allows you to manually reduce the
number of polygons when saving the .job file. Select a
distance between points in the box below this radio button
56
MapStar User Guide
(in Feet) that MapStar will use to look for unnecessary
polygon points.
•
Compatible with AirStar automatically reduces the
polygon points.
•
Compatible with AirTrac automatically reduces the
polygon points.
•
All Points will save all polygon points - this may result in
a very large file size, however.
Note: Click on Display Attributes to view attributes for
SHP and MIF files.
3.
Select Add to browse to the desired file and open it. Once
opened, the file is added as an underlay to the current window
display.
The map will zoom to include every JOB or GIS file that has
been added.
57
5: Working with GIS Files
EDITING GIS FILES
You can edit existing JOB or GIS files and then export them to
Satloc JOB files for use in Satloc applications.
To edit a GIS file:
1.
Select the
2.
In the Job and GIS Files Window, select Edit. You will see
the following window:
icon.
3.
Click on the object to be modified in the main Map Window.
For Polygons, click on one of the border lines. For *Patterns,
click on the A-B line. For Markers, click on the marker symbol.
The selected object will be highlighted. You can also select an
object by choosing it from the Select Object pull down box.
*Note: Currently, only the first 10 swath lines are
shown in a pattern.
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MapStar User Guide
An extension of the dialog box will appear for the various
editing operations that may be performed on the selected
object.
59
5: Working with GIS Files
CREATING
A
SATLOC JOB FILE
A Satloc JOB file is used in AirTrac, AirStar, and SwathStar M3 - it
allows you to use/modify existing GIS files to define your spray
area and individual polygons in the MapStar software. Then, you
can recall the JOB file in the Satloc application, such as AirStar, and
begin receiving guidance according to this file.
Saving a GIS File as a Satloc JOB File
You can save any GIS file as a JOB file for use in AirTrac, AirStar,
ForestStar, or FreeTrac systems.
To save a GIS file as a Satloc JOB file:
1.
Select the
icon.
2.
In the Job and GIS Files Window, select Save As
3.
Save the file with a .job extension. If the Job file contains more
than 99 polygons or 999 vertices per polygon (98901 vertices
total are allowed in a job), you will see the following message:
Note: The JOB file name must be a number from 1 to 999.
For example, 36.job is a valid JOB file name.
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MapStar User Guide
Warning!
AirStar, AS2000, ForestStar, and FreeTrac
programs use this JOB file only if named between1 and
500.
AirTrac uses this JOB file only if named between1 and
999.
Creating a New JOB File
You also have the option of creating a new JOB file.
To create a new JOB file:
1.
Select the
2.
In the Job and GIS Files Window, select New Job.
icon.
3.
Press New to create your first Polygon, Polyline, Pattern or
Marker.
61
5: Working with GIS Files
4.
In the Job File Objects radio buttons, choose the type of object
and click OK.
•
To create a polygon:
Click to insert new points (vertices) that will comprise the
edges of the polygon. Move or delete points as needed:
62
MapStar User Guide
•
To create a polyline:
Click to insert new points (vertex) that shape the polyline.
Points can be added or removed as needed. Right Click to end
the polyline.
•
To create a marker:
Click to insert a new marker. From the dialog box, you can
define the type of marker, and define a label.
Note: A marker is simply a “landmark” that appears in the
Map Window - it is not a guidance waypoint.
•
To create a pattern:
63
5: Working with GIS Files
Click to insert an A point, and then click on the map to insert a B
point. Change other values in dialog box as needed.
5.
Click OK to exit.
6.
In the Job and GIS Files Window, select Save As.
7.
Save the file with a .job file extension.
Note: The JOB file name must be a number from 1 to 999.
For example, 36.job is a valid JOB file name.
Warning!
AirStar, AS2000, ForestStar, and FreeTrac programs
use this JOB file only if named between1 and 500.
AirTrac uses this JOB file only if named between1 and 999.
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MapStar User Guide
JOB COMBINING AND EDITING
SATLOC JOB FILES
The job combination tool allows you to:
•
Combine multiple job files into one job file
•
Select specific polygons to mix into a single job file
•
Edit a job file with many polygons into a job file with fewer
polygons
To combine multiple job files into one job file:
1.
Click the
button to bring up the Job Dialog window.
2.
Click
to bring up a browser window in which you
will select the file that you wish to add. You will see the file
name and directory location in the Dialog box when a file is
selected.
65
5: Working with GIS Files
Note: You will repeat this step if you are combining multiple
job files. Move to Step 3 if you are editing a single file.
3.
Click
in the Job Dialog window to open the
Combine Dialog window. You will find a list of polygons and
options for how to format the files.
66
MapStar User Guide
4.
Click the option button next to the appropriate format that you
want the job to be compatible with.
Note: Selecting “All Points” will leave the polygons as they
are. “Compatible with AirStar” allows 250 polygons, 250
points per polygon, 5000 points total. “Compatible with
AirTrac” allows 99 polygons, 999 points per polygon, 98,901
points total. “Vertex Reduction” requires you to enter the
distance in feet or meters that you would like to reduce. Any
points that are less in distance from each other than what
you have selected will be removed from the polygon.
5.
Click and highlight all of the polygon numbers in the list in the
Dialog window if you want to combine multiple job files into
one larger job file. One click will select a polygon. Another click
will deselect a polygon.
6.
Click and highlight the polygons on the map screen that you
want to select if you want to select specific polygons to mix
into a single job file. This also applies if you are editing a job
file with many polygons into a job file with fewer polygons. Left
click will select the polygon. Right click will deselect the
polygon.
7.
Click
8.
Name the new job 1- 99 for AirStar, or 1 - 999 for AirTrak, in
the browser window that appears. Save the job to the desired
directory.
to save the new job.
Note: Naming the new job file the same number as an
existing file in the same directory will overwrite the existing
file.
67
5: Working with GIS Files
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MapStar User Guide
CREATING PRESCRIPTION MAPS
To create prescription maps:
9.
Open the MapStar program.
10. Select the
screen.
icon from the tool bar at the top of the
11. Select the
icon on the top of the screen to open the Job
and GIS Files window.
69
5: Working with GIS Files
12. Press the
button in the Job and GIS
Files window to open the Edit window.
13. Press the
button in the Edit window to bring up
the Create New Object window.
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MapStar User Guide
14. Select the “Inclusion Polygon” button under the Job Files
Objects in the Create New Object window.
15. Press the
button.
16. You will now be in the main screen to create a polygon.
•
The cursor will turn into a cross hair.
•
Position the cursor over the location of the first vertex in
the polygon and left-click the mouse.
71
5: Working with GIS Files
•
Repeat for each vertex until you have a complete polygon.
17. Repeat steps 5 to 8 to create more polygons.
18. Press the
button in the Edit window when you
have your desired map.
19. Select the location you would like to save the file to in the
“Save In” portion of the Save As window.
•
Give the file a name.
72
MapStar User Guide
•
Select the “Shape File (*.shp) in the “Save As Type” combo
box.
•
Click the “Save” button.
73
5: Working with GIS Files
20. Press the
21. Select the
window again.
button in the Edit window.
icon to open the Job and GIS Files
74
MapStar User Guide
22. Click on the open file label to highlight it (the file background
will turn from white to grey).
•
Press the
screen.
button to clear the map
23. Press the
window.
button to close the Job and GIS Files
24. Click Vrate > SHP (SHAPE) at the top of the MapStar task
menu at the top of the MapStar screen.
25. Find the directory where the newly created shape file is in the
Open window.
•
Click on the shape file to highlight it.
•
Click the “OK” button.
26. Click RECORDNUM to highlight it.
75
5: Working with GIS Files
•
Put a check in the box next to the label “Display Numeric
Values” in the Shape in DBF file window.
•
Press the
button to proceed.
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MapStar User Guide
27. Enter a Field Name, a Chemical Name and select the units of
measurement from the drop down lists in the Generate VRC
Map window.
•
Select the “All Polygons” radio button.
•
Click the
button to generate a VRC map.
77
5: Working with GIS Files
•
The map will be created in the same directory that the
original is located in.
28. Click VRate > Log > Edit Pmap from the task bar menu.
29. Select the location of the Prescription Map that was created in
the Open window.
•
Click on the Prescription Map file to highlight it and select
“Open.”
30. Enter a Field Name, Chemical name and select the units of
measure in the Edit window that you want to display.
31. The Map screen will display the polygons created in steps 5 to
8 and the Edit window. The cursor changes into cross hairs.
•
Place the cursor over the edge of the first polygon and left
click it. The polygon edge will highlight and the polygon
will be selected in the Edit window.
32. Change the number in the Edit window’s Value text box to the
rate that you wish the polygon to be sprayed at. The default
78
MapStar User Guide
number will be the number in the order of which this polygon
was created.
79
5: Working with GIS Files
33. Repeat steps 23 and 24 for each remaining polygon.
34. Click the
button in the Edit window.
35. Select the location you would like to save the file to in the
Save As window.
•
Name the file in the Save As window.
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MapStar User Guide
•
Save the file as type “Prescription Map Files (*.pmh) in the
Save As window.
36. Click
button to close the Edit window.
37. Select Vrate > Prescription Map Viewer from the task bar
menu.
38. Locate the Prescription Map file in the Open window.
•
Click the file to highlight it.
•
Click the “Open.”
•
You will see the prescription map on the screen. Each
polygon will display the spray rates they were changed to.
81
5: Working with GIS Files
39. You can now load your Prescription Map files (*.pmd and
*.pmh) onto your card for use in AirTrac.
82
6: PROGRAMMING
ROUTES &
WAYPOINTS
About Routes & Waypoints
Programming Routes & Waypoints
6: Programming Routes & Waypoints
ABOUT ROUTES & WAYPOINTS
Now you can easily pre-program Waypoints in MapStar for use in
any Satloc application.
A Waypoint is the GPS coordinate (latitude and longitude) of a
significant location. For example, you might wish to set a waypoint
along a route as a marker for you to stop or change course.
MapStar allows you to number and name each waypoint you create
and associate it with a particular route.
A Route is made up of individual waypoints. You cannot create a
waypoint without creating a route - even if only setting a single
waypoint.
Note: If setting a single waypoint, use Route 1. If defining
multiple routes, associate each waypoint with the desired route.
Note: MapStar allows you to set a maximum of 99 routes and
99 waypoints in each route.
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MapStar User Guide
PROGRAMMING ROUTES &
WAYPOINTS
To program a Waypoint and Assign It to a Route:
1.
2.
Select the
icon on the Data Management Toolbar. You
will see the following screen:
•
Select Create a new file to create a new waypoint file. To
add a waypoint, you can either click on the desired location
in the map (this auto-populates the latitude/longitude
fields), or manually enter the coordinates. Once you have
entered the waypoint coordinates, assign a route number,
waypoint number, and name.
•
Select Open an existing file to edit an existing waypoint
file. Browse to the file and open it. To edit a waypoint,
double-click on the waypoint.
Save the file with the .DAT extension.
85
7: GENERATING A
PRESCRIPTION MAP
About Prescription Maps
Importing GIS Files with Vrate
Viewing a Prescription Map
Saving a Prescription Map
7: Generating a Prescription Map
ABOUT PRESCRIPTION MAPS
MapStar software can convert an infrared satellite digital image or
other Shape (SHP) file of a field into a prescription map.
A SHP file converts a geographical picture into vector coordinates.
A SHP file allows a computer program to easily read these
coordinates and redraw the lines and areas that make up the twodimensional representation of the geography, such as a farm field.
Areas are represented in a SHP file as a closed loop polygon - it is
these areas that allow you to tell variable rate flow control software
where to stop/start/change application rates.
MapStar first converts the SHP file to a prescription map. MapStar
then reads one of the themes in the SHP file to assign specific
application rates to different areas of the map as needed.
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MapStar User Guide
IMPORTING GIS FILES
WITH
VRATE
The Vrate menu allows you to import GIS files and associated spray
rates and create a prescription map (PMH/PMD files) for use in the
field.
Note: Your display screen must support 24-bit or higher
color settings for Vrate to display colors correctly. If your
settings are lower than 24-bit, you will see the following
error screen:
To change your settings, right-click on your Windows
desktop. Select Properties to bring up your display screen
settings. Make sure the Color quality setting is set to 24bit or higher color.
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7: Generating a Prescription Map
To import a SHP file:
1.
Select Vrate > SHP (SHAPE).
2.
Select the SHP file you wish to import.
3.
Once you have selected a SHP file, you will see the following
window displaying the appropriate DBF file channels:
Note: If the Display Numerical Values box is checked,
you will see the actual numeric values displayed on the
shape file graphic.
Note: DBF files can be made up of several data channels.
Only valid numerical channels are selectable. In our
example, Rate_Cal is the desired rate channel in the DBF
file.
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MapStar User Guide
4.
Click OK, you will see the following screen:
Note: If the file contains more than 99 polygons or 999
vertices in a polygon, you will see the following message:
Click OK to continue.
5.
In the Field Name and Chemical Name fields, enter a field
name and chemical name if you want these to appear in your
map.
6.
Select to display All Polygons or Outside Polygons Only.
Selecting Outside Polygons Only allows MapStar to display
only the outside border of the group of polygons. This allows
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7: Generating a Prescription Map
MapStar to quickly redraw the display during screen updates
from data in the PMH file.
Note: VRC and AirTrac limit the number of polygons to 99.
Because these are real-time applications, having a large
number of polygons will cause a slow re-draw on the screen.
We recommend selecting Outside Polygons Only whenever
you have more than 20 polygons. Note that choosing this
option only affects the display on the guidance system; all
of the rate information is still used – it just won’t be
graphically displayed on the guidance system.
Note: Notice the Resolution Sensitivity is automatically set
to “Default.” The resolution sensitivity determines the grid
size of the polygon display in the PMD file. This cannot be
manually changed. MapStar automatically determines the
best resolution sensitivity for the file type.
7.
Select Yes to generate a VRC map. You will see a prescription
map displayed in MapStar (shown on the following page).
MapStar will also generate the PMD and PMH files in the same
directory as the SHP file. These files are used in Satloc realtime applications.
Notice that the status bar for the SHP file does not show the flow
rate at the point on the prescription map your cursor is on- only the
GPS coordinates. In addition, the Status Bar shows the total area
and total volume of chemical used (if flow control is enabled) in the
map.
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MapStar User Guide
In the SHP file, only
the position is shown
at the point your cursor is
on
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7: Generating a Prescription Map
VIEWING PRESCRIPTION MAPS
The Prescription Map Viewer menu allows you to view
prescription maps created through the Vrate function to check your
data. Placing your cursor anywhere on the prescription map will
show you both the GPS coordinates and the flow rate at the point
your
cursor is on.
To view a prescription map:
1.
Select Vrate > Prescription Map Viewer.
2.
Select the prescription map file you wish to import. You will
then see the selected prescription map.
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MapStar User Guide
In the Prescription Map,
position and flow rate
is shown for the point
your cursor is on
Notice that the Status Bar for the Prescription Map shows the GPS
coordinates and the flow rate at the point on the prescription map
your cursor is on. In addition, the Status Bar shows the total area
and total volume of chemical required in the map.
95
A: APPENDIX:
SAMPLE FILE TYPES
Overview
Sample Files
A: Appendix: Sample File Types
OVERVIEW
This section provides some samples of various file types that you
might find in MapStar:
•
LOG
•
SWA
•
VRC
•
SHP
•
Spray Block with Map Underlay
•
Examples of Hard Copy Printout - Log file and Prescription Map
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MapStar User Guide
SAMPLE FILES
LOG
Log files are generated by AirTrac, AirStar, ForestStar, SwathStar,
AS-2000, and Lite DOS programs. A typical display is as follows:
Figure A-1. Sample LOG File.
99
A: Appendix: Sample File Types
SWA
SWA files are generated by FreeTrac and AirTrac Windows
programs. A typical display is shown as follows:
Figure A-2. Sample SWA File.
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MapStar User Guide
VRC
The Windows VRC program can adjust a variable rate controller and
log up to 10 channels of chemical application in real time. This is an
example of an as-applied map.
Figure A-3. Sample VRC File.
101
A: Appendix: Sample File Types
SHP
This is an example of a Shape file (SHP). The file is made from a
series of polygons for every county in the United States. SHP files
can be used as a background map in MapStar or saved as a JOB file
and used in other Satloc applications. SHP files can be edited inside
MapStar if desired. Contact Satloc for sources for SHP maps.
Figure A-4. Sample SHP File.
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MapStar User Guide
Spray Block with Map Underlay
Figure A-5. Sample Spray Block with Map Underlay.
103
A: Appendix: Sample File Types
Examples of Hard Copy Printout
You can print MapStar files in either Portrait or Landscape Mode to
suit your needs. The sample files below show a Log file and a
Prescription Map in Portrait Mode. The data shown in the header of
the printout depends on the type of file printed and the data
entered in the Print Setup box.
Sample Log File - Notice that the Log file printout shows total
area sprayed and chemical amount used if flow control is enabled.
Figure A-6. Sample Log File Printout.
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MapStar User Guide
Sample Prescription Map - Notice that the Prescription Map
printout shows how much chemical is needed.
Figure A-7. Sample Prescription Map Printout.
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MapStar User Guide
Marks 23
INDEX
Display Markers 21
Display Non-Spray Trace 21
Symbols
Display Scale Bar 23
_Toc501961179 22
Display Units 24
Lat/Lon Display Format 24
main MapStar window 10
A
Marker Font Size 23
area 13, 42
options 14, 18
ASCII 2, 48, 49
View Zoom Mode 20
distance 13, 42
DXF 2, 4, 48, 51, 56
B
BMF 2, 4
E
ESRI SHP. See SHP.
C
CAD DXF. See DXF.
channels 14
F
Chemical Volume Box 37
files
creating, JOB 60
editing 58
D
exporting 16, 48
DAT 85
Data Management Toolbar 10, 15
DBF 90
opening 12, 34
saving 12
desktop icons 17
viewing 34
display
flight/drive path data 48
Background Map Setup 25
Display
importing 32, 89
Latitude/Longitude
107
Flow Report 16, 47
Index
G
marker 63
GIS 2, 14, 56
Menu Bar 10, 11
MID/MIF 2, 4, 48, 52, 56
I
P
installation 7
panning 13
pattern 63
J
PMD 89
JOB 2, 4, 56
PMH 2, 4, 56, 89
polygon 13, 42, 62
polygons 91
L
polyline 63
LOG 2, 4, 99
prescription maps 89, 94
Log Copy 17
printing
Log Copy icon 17
files 12
Log Data Report
Flow Report 47
45
log files 45
Log Position Window 38
print preview 12
Logs. See files.
sample printouts 104
setup 26
M
Main Toolbar 10, 11
R
map underlay 103
route 84
MapInfo MID/MIF. See MID/MIF.
MapStar 17
MapStar demo 7
S
MapStar Quick Start icon 17
SHP 2, 4, 48, 53, 56, 88, 102
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MapStar User Guide
SMS 2, 12
W
spray block 103
waypoints 16, 84
spray channels 43
spray data 48
Status Bar 10, 16, 37
Z
SWA 2, 4, 100
zooming 13
system requirements 6
T
toolbars
Data
Management Toolbar.
See Data Management
Toolbar.
Main Toolbar. See Main Toolbar.
Menu Bar. See Menu Bar.
Status Bar. See Status Bar.
U
units 24, 40
V
variable rate 43
Vrate 89
VRC 2, 4, 14, 92, 101
109