Section 1: Introduction
How this manual can get you into the field, fast!
Thanks for buying MapCreate 6.2! We know you're anxious to install the program and make some maps, but we have one more favor to ask. Before you grab that CD, please give us a moment to explain how our manual can help you get the best performance from our software.
Our goal is to get you on the road or out to the woods and water fast, with a minimum of fuss. We won't try to turn you into a computer expert. Like you, we'd rather spend more time on the water or in the woods, and less time reading a manual!
For First Time Users
If you are a first-time user, or if your computer skills are a bit rusty, we strongly recommend you start with the program's easy mode, which we call MapSelect. It's the quickest and easiest way to make pre- defined maps with maximum detail for your GPS unit. In MapSelect mode, all map borders are pre-drawn for you in approximately 8 MB chunks. Just click the one you want and save it. To use the easy mode, first install MapCreate 6.2 on your computer (install instructions begin on page 13). Then, choose the MapSelect option when you start the program. It's so simple, complete easy mode instructions are on the one-page yellow insert included in this package. For your convenience, the same instructions are repeated here in the manual, on page 21. If you're in a big hurry or just making basic maps, MapSelect is all you need…you can ignore most of the material in this manual. In fact, you should stop reading here and just skip on over the Section 2, Installation!
For Experienced Users
Our program's advanced mode, which we just call the MapCreate option, is required for managing GPS data such as waypoints, routes, trails and event marker icons. Unlike the easy mode, MapCreate does not use pre-defined borders when it generates a custom map. It includes option settings that allow complete control over a custom map's file size, the amount and types of detail included, and the specific area covered by the map.
You don't need to be a computer whiz to use these powerful tools, but you should be comfortable with basic Microsoft Windows computing tasks. This manual contains all the background and tutorial information you need to use all of the program's advanced features.
