KC9XG's StreetCreator Project BETA
Adding New Streets to Undertow Software's Precision Mapping 8.0 with a GPS
Undertow Software's Precision Mapping Streets and Traveler 8.0 provides the ability to add new streets to the existing street network. The added streets are only visible at 2.0 miles zoom level and below. PMap 8.0 allows you to add streets using a mouse, however this can be very tedious at best. What follows is a description of an application I am developing which automates the generation of new streets with the use of a GPS and Laptop. This is currently an EARLY beta version and subject to change.
The image below includes both existing streets and streets added with KC9XG StreetCreator / PMap 8 OCX and a GPS. The added streets have a center line, while existing streets do not. The two streets to the left of Lawrence Ave were added using PMap and Traveler 8.0's Street Editor and a mouse. The added streets appear jagged in places. This is due to the accuracy of the GPS and can be greatly affected by antenna placement and/or nearby obstructions. For best results an external antenna is recommended.
The GPS must be initialized using the WGS84 datum (also used by PMap) and in NMEA mode. Once the GPS is operating, streets can be added with the Editor. The process is simple, but must be followed exactly for good results. Enter a street name and select a street type when you want to begin adding a new street. Position the vehicle at the begining of the street segment and press the "Start GPS Street segment capture".
Now drive along the street until you reach an intersection or the end of the street. Press "Stop GPS Street segment capture". If the Street name continues into the next block press "Continue GPS Street segment capture" to continue on. The example above shows multiple segments within the same block. There will be a new segment created after traveling the minimum distance (or in future versions, when your direction of travel changes while traveling more than 5 mph).
The capturing of streets definitely requires 2 people. The driver can concentrate on placing the vehicle at the correct starting point, and intersections or ending points. Don't even try to do it with one person since it is very unsafe. The mapper can enter the proper infomation by reading street signs etc and can direct the driver to the proper locations.
The Street Editor allows you to delete segments only at this time. This can be used to clean up a street segment somewhat.
The completed application could take two forms. One form would require a licensed PMap 8.0 OCX and related mapping data. The other would only require a licensed copy of PMap 8.0 but would display user created maps rather than maps supplied by PMap.. Either type would create a file which could be use in PMap and Traveler 8.0 or UiView/PMapServer7. Either type could use PMap Underlays, Shp files, and user generated street maps.
Detailed information on how to create maps is available by clicking here.