Posted on 29 March 2013 by Thomas Schöps
Version 0.5.0 marks the next step in the development of the free mapmaking program. Again many new features made it into the release - see the list of highlights below.
Download
Windows installer (12.1 MB)
Windows ZIP archive (14.5 MB)
Mac OS X package 64 bit (15.1 MB, important note)
Ubuntu 12.04 package 32 bit (i386) (14.3 MB)
Ubuntu 12.04 package 64 bit (amd64) (14.0 MB)
You can always find the latest binary and source release on http://sourceforge.net/projects/oorienteering/files/Mapper/
Translations
Currently, English, German, Norwegian and Polish translations are fully up to date. Additional translations will be released on http://sourceforge.net/projects/oorienteering/files/Mapper/0.5.0/translations/ when they become available. You can simply open a downloaded translation file in the settings dialog.
If you are interested in writing a translation, find more information here.
Documentation links
Highlights in this version
Example maps
This version of Mapper comes with three example files:
You can open them from the second Tip of the Day, or find them directly in the examples folder of your Mapper installation directory, e.g. C:/Program Files/OpenOrienteering Mapper 0.5.0/examples.
Editing tools
New line edit tool. Allows to edit rectangular objects while ensuring that they stay rectangular, and to switch line segments between straight and curved.
Reworked rectangle tool, now supports drawing 45 degree angles and snapping to previous lines.
New cutout and cut away tools
New experimental tools: convert to curves and simplify path
New panning tool for users without mouse wheel or keyboard
Path and rectangle drawing tools: Ctrl+Click on existing objects to pick a direction from them
Path closing tool: now connects open ends always to the closest other end
Import & Export
Improved OCD, DXF and GPX import
Image templates should now be correctly located in exported OCD files
OMAP file format is now XML-based
Display
Overprinting simulation, based on spot color support
Improved display of lines, especially with sharp angles
Other
Extensive, updated program documentation
Reworked color window & color editing dialog
Reworked georeferencing dialog
Reworked home screen
Support for multi-page printing
Improved selection possibilities in the symbol pane
Course setting symbols now included in all symbol sets, including a basic all-in-one line symbol for start, controls and finish
Program logo included in symbol sets
Improved program icon
Option to load most recent file on program startup
Persistent toolbar and dock widget positions
Program switched to Qt5 toolkit internally
Many, many bugfixes and usability improvements
Note about overprinting
For existing OpenOrienteering maps, you need to update the symbol set to benefit from the new overprint feature. To do so, choose Symbols -> Replace symbol set… from the menu and choose the new symbol set from the location where Mapper is installed, for example C:/Program Files/OpenOrienteering Mapper 0.5.0/symbol sets/5000/ISSOM_5000.xmap. Then check if all symbols are replaced correctly and confirm with Ok. Now you can activate overprinting by clicking View -> Overprinting simulation.
Note for Mac users
Mapper requires Mac OS X 10.6 or newer.
On systems with activated Gatekeeper (10.8 Mountain Lion and partly also 10.7 Lion) the app has to be started once by right clinking on the file and choosing Open. This is because it is not code signed, which would require an annual license fee.
Documentation
In addition to the user forum, there is now also a user wiki. It is pre-filled with the program manual. If you have hints to share with the mapper community or want to extend the program documentation, please create a SourceForge account and start editing it!
A presentation “Mapmaking with OpenOrienteering Mapper: first steps for beginners” is now available to get you started quickly.
Contributing
If you want to work on a translation for Mapper, are a programmer with experience in C++ / Qt, or want to help in any other way, we would like to welcome you at our developer mailing list. Other useful places with resources are:
Git repository with the latest code
Bug tracker, the right place to lookup and report all kinds of issues with the program
Developer wiki with information about the code, or how to start a new translation