Windows maps download tool for MapThis! by in7ane

[PSPLawyer]

@PSPLawyer, I'm guessing that you're running Windows Vista and you tried to "extract all", am I correct? I had the same problem, if in fact that is the case.

Instead of using the Vista's built-in support for zip files, I had to use WinRAR to extract the contents of the gmdl zip file, that solved that problem. It's weird, only In7ane's zip files gave me this problem, all others are fine.

@In7ane, how are you zipping the files? Are you running Mac OS X?

@zsc and in7ane: Actually, I'm on XP. But I did try zsc's idea of using winrar and it worked. Thanks. However, I'm still getting the error when I click on "geodata" button once inside gmdl tool.

I was able to find a geodata file of CA on a thread. But how it this functional/practical? I was able to find a location but I'd like to know how to get to that same location from wherever I am using GPS. Kinda like getting directions. How is this possible? Is there anyway to get turn-by-turn directions?

[AZImmortal]

Hi in7ane, thanks for implementing my suggestions, they're super. I have another idea that I think would be great for GMDL. Instead of having the midpoint text simply say "Midpoint", would it be possible to implement an option to have it say what the next upcoming turn will be so that we'll know what to look ahead for? Something along the lines of this:

2.0 Mi
Upcoming turn: Left at Main St

[zsc]

PSPLawyer, does it gives any specific error message? See if you can take a screenshot of the error, hold down ALT and press PrntScrn, paste image into MS Paint, save as JPEG, put it up on photobucket or something, then link it here.

[zsc]

the geodata file for CA contains all addresses and the associated geographical coordinates i think. if you're in LA like me, you probably dont need addresses for Sacramento and such. I'll post the one i made for my big map, it has LA county, Orange, Ventura, San Bernandino, ... and two other counties that I cannot remember. As for directions, since the maps are just images, I don't think it's possible to get turn-by-turn directions just yet. Unless you use GMDL to create a set of POI and use them as waypoints, haven't tried it yet. Then again, most of the time I used the geodata address lookup is when I'm running errands and didn't plan in advance to go to where I wanted to go. The thing with geodata address lookup is that it put a marker on the address you're trying to get to, that i think is half the battle.

While MapThis isnt as good as your over-the-counter GPS Nav System, it's perfect for someone who are used to the Thomas Guides, those big map books, like me. I don't like having someone or something telling me where to turn, it's annoying. This is not to say that the feature is not welcomed though. I hope MapThis gets to that point one day.

[Mystheryman]

Mysteryman, most EU countries do not make available the source data that would be needed to create geodata.dat files (Denmark is an exception to this I think), see: http://www.publicgeodata.org

Uhm.
That's really bad.
Are there any alternative methods out there?

Like reading the Streetnames out of the Maps?

[PSPLawyer]

Deleted.

[PSPLawyer]

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s...Screenshot.jpg



Here is the screenshot zsc. Thanks for all your help.

[zsc]

so this happens every time you click the geodata button?

[taspankya]

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s...Screenshot.jpg



Here is the screenshot zsc. Thanks for all your help.

i also get an error along those lines when i choose to add geodata for a map that i have already created that doesnt have any geodata. if you create a map from scratch and remember to check the 'add geo data US only' or whatever it says button when you make a map from the get go it will work and a geodata file will be created i noticed.

[PSPLawyer]

so this happens every time you click the geodata button?

every time, without fail.