Troubleshooting OkMap: Common Issues and Fast Fixes

How to Create and Edit GPS Maps with OkMap

Overview

OkMap is a Windows/macOS application for creating, editing, and managing GPS maps, waypoints, tracks, and routes. Below are step-by-step instructions to create a new map, import GPS data, edit features, and export for use on GPS devices or mobile apps.

1. Create a new map project

1. Open OkMap.
2. File → New map.
3. Set projection (usually WGS84) and map units (degrees/meters).
4. Save the project file (.okmap).

2. Add map layers and background maps

• Online maps: Map → Add online map — select provider (OpenStreetMap, Bing, etc.).
• Raster images: Map → Load map image — import scanned maps (GeoTIFF, JPG). When prompted, georeference the image.
• Vector overlays: Import GPX/KML/CSV as overlay layers (File → Open or Drag & Drop).

3. Georeference raster images

1. Load the raster image.
2. Tools → Georeference.
3. Set control points: click a point on the image, then its corresponding geographic coordinates (lat/lon) or click the same location on an already-georeferenced layer.
4. Add at least 3 well-spread control points; choose appropriate transformation (affine for simple shifts/rotations).
5. Save georeferenced image.

4. Import GPS data (tracks, routes, waypoints)

• File → Open → select GPX/KML/TXT.
• Alternatively, connect your GPS device: Tools → GPS → Connect, then download tracks/routes/waypoints.
• Imported items appear in the left panel; check details (timestamps, elevation).

5. Create and edit waypoints, routes, and tracks

• Add waypoint: Click Waypoint tool, click map, enter name/description/icon.
• Create route: Route tool → click sequential points on map → Finish. Edit by dragging points or right-click → Edit point.
• Edit track: Select track → right-click → Edit track. Split, join, smooth, or delete segments. Use Elevation profile to inspect altitudes.

6. Snap, merge, and clean GPS data

• Tools → Clean track to remove noise/duplicate points or to resample at regular intervals.
• Use snapping options when editing to align points to existing routes or tracks.

7. Add metadata and styling

• Edit properties for waypoints/routes/tracks: color, line width, symbols, visibility.
• Add descriptions, timestamps, and custom fields in the item’s properties dialog.

8. Use the elevation/profile tools

• Select a track → Tools → Elevation profile to view ascent/descent, gradients, and distance.
• Export profile data for analysis.

9. Export for devices and apps

• File → Export → choose format: GPX, KML, CSV, GeoTIFF (for georeferenced rasters), or DXF.
• For GPS devices, choose device-specific export if available or standard GPX.
• For mobile use, export maps as raster tiles or MBTiles where supported.

10. Backup and share

• Save project file (.okmap) to retain layers and settings.
• Export GPX/KML for sharing with others or uploading to mapping services.

Quick tips

• Always save a copy before heavy edits.
• Use multiple control points for accurate georeferencing.
• Resample tracks to reduce file size before exporting to limited-capacity devices.
• Check coordinate system compatibility when importing/exporting.