Howto: Import Raster Map Images directly from Google Earth

Google Earth is a great tool and it makes geo information available for everyone. Many applications will be built around Google Earth and Run.GPS is one of them.

This is how Run.GPS interacts with Google Earth:

• import Google Earth raster image maps into Run.GPS - no calibration required
• import Google Earth placemarks as Run.GPS waypoints
• import Google Earth Plus paths as navigation routes for Run.GPS NEW
• export Run.GPS tracks to Google Earth NEW

The following is a step-by-step guide on importing Google Earth raster maps to Run.GPS. The whole procedure takes about 30 seconds per map once you have understood how it works.

Quick summary to give you an idea:

1. start Google Earth
2. scroll to area you want to export
3. save map file as JPEG
4. create placemark
5. save placemark file (.KMZ)
6. copy both files to Run.GPS
7. done!

And now in detail:

Step 1: Turn off terrain

You must turn off the terrain layer. Plain 2D is required here. Otherwise you'll have a distortion in your view.

From the other layers you can use whatever you want. In some cases it might be helpful to have streets on your map in others it will be not.

Step 2: Northing the map

The map's top must point exactly to north. To make it easier, turn on grid:

Now adjust the map so the top is pointing northward. As you will notice in the below image, the top grid line is parallel to the window frame.

Now turn off grid again.

Step 3: Saving the raster image

Now save the image and give it a meaningful name.

TIPP: If you turn off all bars (sidebar, toolbar) in Google Earth, you'll get a bigger image - and thus better resolution.

Step 4: Create a placemark

Next thing is to create a placemark which describes the current view. This saves us from measuring positions or typing in data.

Give the placemark the same name that you have used for the JPEG image.

No other settings should be changed - press "OK".

Important: Do not move the placemark or the map or zoom in or zoom out. The placemark describes the exact position and size of the map you're currently displaying. Therefore, you have to create the placemark (it will be positioned in the middle of your map), press OK and then directly save it without moving.

Save the placemark file.

The filename must be the same as the JPEG's filename.

Now you have two files:

• a raster image ("myNowherePlace.jpg")
• a placemark file ("myNowherePlace.kmz")

Step 5: Finally copy the files to your Pocket PC

To import the files in Run.GPS you just need to copy them to your device into the folder:

\My Documents\Run.GPS\map_images

1. Connect your PDA to your computer
2. Open ActiveSync
3. Press "Explore"
   
4. Copy the files to "map_images"
   

The next time you start Run.GPS, the following dialog will pop up:

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