Calibrate maps (Convert an image into a digital map)

Among all your maps, we are sure you still keep some paper map that you are not ready to throw away. If so, it may be time to convert it to a digital format with the help of Land, so you can use it on other devices. It’s easier than you think. Just follow these instructions:

1 - Start by scanning your paper map. You can scan it in sections, or even ask for professional help.
 

2 - From this moment on, your map is already digital. Tap ‘Main Menu > Maps > Calibrate Image’ to calibrate it.

3 - Select the map you want to calibrate. Land allows you to work with the following formats:

4 - The calibration editor will then open. Fill in all the required information under “Projection”:

• Projection: Maps are approximate representations of the Earth’s surface on a flat plane. Creating any map requires a method that associates each point on Earth with a corresponding point drawn on the map. There are different cartographic systems used depending on the area covered. If you don’t know the projection of your map, select “Automatic”. Land will use UTM, as it is the most commonly used projection worldwide.

• Datum: Datums are used to translate the positions of elements (waypoints/routes) to their exact position on Earth. These reference systems are essential because Earth is an imperfect ellipsoid.

5 - If you want, you can remove the borders and the legend from the map, leaving only the map area. Using maps without legends is highly recommended, as legends around the map usually break the continuity of the terrain. This operation is generally done to remove the frame around the map and make it fit perfectly with the rest of your maps.

6 - Position your map on top of the Earth’s surface. To do this, you must set at least 2 coordinates from your map onto the world map below. In “Point 1”, enter the information for the first calibration point.

For each point you need two pieces of information:

• Image coordinates → the position within the image
• Real coordinates (map) → the geographical position of the same point

To add the image coordinates, simply click on the map at the exact point you want to use (for example, a road junction, a summit, etc.).

Note: If the Image coordinates field is empty → calibration will always fail, even if the real coordinates are correct.

7 - Repeat the same process for the second calibration point under “Point 2”. Land will locate the exact position of the map by combining the information from the bitmap (map) with the software’s coordinate system.

8 - It is recommended to use at least 3 calibration points to obtain an accurate calibration. To add more calibration points, click “Create additional point”.

9 - Land will automatically georeference the exact position of your map on the globe. To finish, click “Save map”.

Check the calibration of a map

If you overlay a waypoint, route, or track on a calibrated map and notice that these references appear shifted or misplaced, it is very likely that the map calibration is incorrect. In such cases, you do not need to rescan the map or repeat the entire calibration process. Simply follow these instructions:

1 - In the map window, open the context menu on the map you want to adjust.

2 - Select “Move map calibration” and adjust the location by entering the variation on the X (horizontal) and Y (vertical) axes.