MAPSERVER HELP

Contents of this page:
 Selecting a location
 Viewing maps and charts
 Choosing a scale - different map
 Changing zoom level - same map
 Moving around on a map - panning

 Place an Icon with "My Maps"
 Saving in a personalized "My Maps" list
 Printing maps and charts
 E-mailing maps and charts 
 Buying maps, charts and software

IMPORTANT NAVIGATION WARNING: The maps, charts, photographs and images provided on the MapServer are intended as reference information only.  These maps and charts are NOT FOR NAVIGATION.  

For navigation purposes - please use one of Maptech's mapping and charting CD titles and award winning software - with GPS integration, 3-D views, GIS support, advanced printing, and much more (see "Buying Maps and Charts" on this page).

SELECTING A LOCATION

From the MapServer:

The MapServer will return a list of all place names that match your request. Click on one of the place names (for example, West Bangor, ME), and the MapServer will display the corresponding topographic map. The latitude and longitude of the image’s center is provided. Remember that once you display a desired location, you can switch between map and chart coverage types without losing your place- just press any of the coverage type buttons (Topo Map, Nautical Chart, Aeronautical Chart, Nav Photo, etc.).

OR, INSTEAD OF A CITY OR PLACE:

Enter a zip code in the lower box and click the red Go! button.

The MapServer will return a map (of the type you are currently on) centered on the city for which the zip code matches.

 Related page - More about place names searches 

Tip: If your place name search produces no results, or if you are unsure of a place name that matches your desired location, try typing in a city or town that is nearby, and then use the Pan Arrow Buttons to move around and find the desired location.

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VIEWING MAPS AND CHARTS

If you are interested in looking at topographic maps for the US, click on the button.

For nautical charts covering US coastal and offshore areas, click on the button.

For aeronautical charts of the US, click on the button.

If you are interested in looking at aerial photographs and satellite images covering US coastal areas, then click on the button.

The selected map type will be highlighted in red. For example, clicking on Topo Maps will highlight the button.

Tip: For many areas, you may switch back and forth between Topo Maps, Nautical Charts, Aero Charts and/or NavPhotos by clicking on the respective buttons.

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For each map scale being viewed the MapServer allows you several zoom options. Clicking the vertical bars between the + and - magnifying glasses just below the MapServer window will allow you to select the zoom magnification you like best. Next to the click to zoom controls the scale and zoom levels you have selected are displayed.

Tip: Most NOAA nautical and aeronautical charts look best at 50% zoom. USGS Topographic maps typically look best at 100% zoom. NavPhotos generally appear equally crisp at either zoom level.

CHOOSING A SCALE

The Maptech MapServer provides you with maps or charts at various scales for your requested location. In the previous example, three different topographic maps are available for West Bangor, ME: one each at 1:24,000 scale, 1:100,000 scale, and 1:250,000 scale. The scale of the map being displayed is shown beneath the MapServer window. To switch to a map or chart at a different scale or zoom level, select the scale and zoom options available in the drop down list below the image. After you make a selection click on the red Go! button to the right of the selection boxes and a new image will be drawn in the MapServer window at the same center lat/lon as the previous image.

Tip: Clicking the different Scale buttons is a quick way to home in on a specific location or back away to see a larger geographic area.

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Tip: To pan quickly over the map or chart image, switch to a less detailed scale. This will let you pan over more area with each click. (For example, switch from a 1:24,000-map to a 1:100,000-scale map, pan in the desired direction, and then switch back to the more detailed 1:24,000 scale once you have reached your point of interest.)

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The drop-down menu allows you to perform several useful functions. Click on the drop-down menu and this is what appears:



From the menu you can choose "MY MAPS Tutorial", "Place an Icon", "Print MY MAPS", "Save MY MAPS", "Email MY MAPS", "Manage MY MAPS", and, if you have previously saved a map, the name of the map you have save will appear. You will automatically be taken to the option you select when you click on any of the options from the menu.

Place an Icon:

The MapServer "Make My Maps" feature lets you mark and label locations on maps, charts or aerial photos, then save them in your personal "My Maps List" and share them with your friends and fellow workers. You may also link the icons to any web site URL.

First, select a map, chart or photograph that covers the location you want to mark.  This will be the "background" for placing an icon. (See the directions above for selecting a location; choosing a map, chart or photograph; choosing a scale; zooming; and moving around.)

Second, select the "Place an Icon" option from the "Fun Features" drop-down menu. This will start a simple step-by-step "My Maps Wizard" that will guide you though the process of marking a location, selecting a customized icon, naming it, linking it, and saving it to your My Maps collection.

To return to a previously saved My Map - just select it from your My Maps collection in the "Fun Features" drop-down menu.

Save MY MAPS:

Printing Maps and Charts:

E-Mailing Maps and Charts:

  Related page - Maptech's Privacy Policy

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