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ReefMaster How To
ReefMaster Software © 2012-2013
2013-04-12 V1.1.4.51
ReefMaster
How To ii
Table of Contents
Quick Start ................................................................................................ 1
Getting Started ....................................................................................................................... 1
A Quick Tour of ReefMaster ................................................................................................... 4
Start-to-Finish: Make a Fishing Map for your GPS ................................................................17
Fundamentals ......................................................................................... 22
How to Arrange Workspace Windows ...................................................................................22
How to Create a New Workspace .........................................................................................24
How to Collect Track Log Data on your GPS Unit .................................................................26
How To Import Track and Waypoint Data into ReefMaster ....................................................32
How to Create a New Map Project ........................................................................................39
Setting up ReefMaster ............................................................................ 47
How to Add a GPS Equipment Profile ...................................................................................47
How to Change Distance and Depth Unit Settings ................................................................51
How to Configure Required 3rd Party Applications ................................................................53
How to Set Up a Tide Station ................................................................................................55
Waypoints ............................................................................................... 60
How to Create a New Waypoint Set ......................................................................................60
How to Split a Waypoint Set into Smaller Sets ......................................................................63
Tracks ...................................................................................................... 66
How to Clean up Track Log Data ..........................................................................................66
How to Apply Tide or Water Level Adjustments to a Track ....................................................71
How to Split a Track ..............................................................................................................74
User Maps ............................................................................................... 76
How to Create a User Map from Map Contours .....................................................................76
ReefMaster
How To 1
Quick Start
Getting Started
A documentation road map to help you get started using ReefMaster.
The ReefMaster Application
ReefMaster is a Windows PC application that combines easy-to-use underwater
mapping and graphical waypoint management, with the emphasis on features that are
useful to anglers.
Underwater Mapping
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ReefMaster generates underwater maps using track log data collected on a GPS/depth
sounder combination unit. Once a map has been created, depth contour lines can be
exported back to compatible GPS devices where they can be viewed whilst afloat.
ReefMaster uses the data in the individual track-log track-points, which each contain the
boat’s position and depth, to create a 3D model of the sea or lake bed underneath the
boat. Detailed models can be built up with just a few hours of data, which can be
gathered whilst fishing. Over time, models increase in size and detail as further tracks
are added. There is no limit to the number of tracks that can be combined into a single
model, other than the resources of the computer system that is running ReefMaster.
Waypoint Management
ReefMaster offers comprehensive, easy to use, graphical waypoint management
including drag and drop of waypoints in both 2D and 3D.
Waypoints can be created either on a GPS unit or within the ReefMaster application.
Within the ReefMaster application, waypoints can be edited, have images and notes
assigned to them, and be freely copied and moved to different waypoint sets. Updated
waypoints can then be selected for export to a GPS unit.
Getting Started
Take the Quick Tour to get a feel for how ReefMaster hangs together.
Get an idea of the workflow within ReefMaster by reading through the start-to-finish
tutorial for creating a fishing map.
Read the reference manual.
Configuration
You may need to configure certain things before you can start using ReefMaster with
your own GPS data:
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If you are mapping tidal waters, think about setting up a tide station.
If you are using a Lowrance source device, you will need to configure third party
applications.
Before you start importing data, you will need to store parameters for your GPS
source device in a GPS Profile.
Choose the way the application displays distance and depth units.
Start using ReefMaster with Your Own Data
Read the tips on collecting your own track data.
Create a new workspace to hold your own data.
Import your own track and waypoint data.
Take another looks the start-to-finish tutorial for creating a fishing map and run
through it with your own data.
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A Quick Tour of ReefMaster
A quick tour of the demo workspace.
Launch the ReefMaster Application and Open the Demo
Workspace
Start the ReefMaster application, using either the start menu or the desktop shortcut
(1).
A startup window is shown (2), from where recent workspaces can be selected or a
new workspace created. Select the workspace workspace_demo (3) using a single
left click of the mouse.
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Loading the Demo Workspace
A progress indicator is shown as the demo workspace loads.
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The Demo Workspace
The demo workspace is a collection of tracks and waypoints centred around Sydney,
Australia. The tracks cover two inshore reefs, The Colours and Northerners, which have
been created as map projects. User maps for export to a GPS have been created for
each, as well a data set containing the maps and a set of core waypoints, derived from
waypoint sets collected over many trips.
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Explore the Assets in the Demo Workspace
The assets in the workspace are shown under their respective type headers in the
Asset Library. To expand or hide the different asset lists, use the expander toggle (1,
circled). The width of the asset library can be changed using the vertical sizing bar (2),
and the height of each asset list can be changed by dragging the horizontal sizing bars
under each asset section (3).
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Explore the Global View
Projects, tracks and maps can be selected and located in the global view using the
option Show in Global View from the right mouse button menu (1). Try selecting a
few different tracks, maps and projects using this option, to see how they look in the
global view.
Try panning and zooming the Global View graphical display by choosing the zoom
box and pan mouse modes (2), or zooming with the mouse-wheel.
With the mouse in select mode, hold the mouse pointer over the icons of different
workspace assets, such as tracks and maps (3). Explore the menu options
associated with different asset types by right-clicking on the asset icon.
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Adjust Waypoint and Map Display Options
Adjust grid-line density from none to maximum using the grid-line button (1).
Show or hide background maps with the Show Background Map button (2).
Try unlocking waypoints using the Waypoint Lock button (3). With waypoints
unlocked, drag a waypoint to move it (the mouse must be in select mode). The
waypoint move can be undone via the screen-level context menu; right-click in open
space and select the menu option Undo Move Waypoint (6).
Show or hide waypoint labels using the Waypoint Labels button (4).
Switch between small and large waypoint symbols using the Waypoint Size button
(5).
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Toggle Waypoint Set Visibility in the Global View
Show or hide individual waypoint sets by clicking the Show Hide Waypoints button
and selecting or de-selecting individual sets.
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Edit a Waypoint
Double-click a waypoint (with the mouse in select mode) or right-click the waypoint
and select Edit Waypoint. The Edit Waypoint window is shown, where you can edit
waypoint attributes such as name and symbol.
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Explore a Map Project
Open the "Northerners" map project by double-clicking on the list item in the asset
library, or right-clicking the list item and selecting the Edit Project option.
The project will open with the Contour View. Try changing the background palette
using the palette selector (1).
Explore the three different views that make up the project edit pane, using the
buttons in the view toolbar to the right of the edit area (circled); Define Map Area
(2), Contour View (3) and the 3D View (4).
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Explore the 3D Project View
Select the 3D View using the bottom most button of the view toolbar.
The 3D map can be rotated by grabbing it with the mouse, using the left mouse
button in select mode (1).
Zoom the map using the mouse wheel.
The map can be returned to its original position at any time using the Fit Window
button (2).
Show or hide grid-lines or contours with the Grid Lines or Contour Lines buttons (3,
4).
Try changing the vertical scale of the model to show changes in depth more clearly;
use the slider that is activated by the Z-Scale button (5).
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The palette can be changed using the Palette Selector (6).
Try unlocking waypoint, using the Waypoint Lock button (7), and dragging a
waypoint across the surface of the map with the mouse. The waypoint move can be
undone by right-clicking (away from a waypoint) and selecting the option Undo Move
Waypoint.
Open a Track for Editing
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Choose a track for editing and open it, either from the global view or the asset
library.
Explore the track edit options in the Edit pane, which can be opened using the Edit
button (circled).
Try changing values such as Cone Angle or Keel Offset (1). Note how the map
project that uses your selected track updates in the background as the values are
changed - the status of the map project update is show in the Status Bar at the
bottom of the application window.
Try filtering track points by depth by using the depth filter sliders, (2). Note how
filtered track points are greyed out in the graphical view, and the colours of the
remaining track points are updated to reflect their new relative depths. The filter can
be applied using the button with the funnel icon, and deleted track points can be
restored using the undo facility in the screen-level context menu.
Take a Look at a User Map
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Open one of the user maps from the asset library.
Open the edit pane and cycle through the paths using the path selection arrows,
(circled).
Try editing a selected path by dragging a path node with the mouse (select mode) or
drawing new path points with the mouse in Draw mode (circled).
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Start-to-Finish: Make a Fishing Map for
your GPS
Making a fishing map for your GPS, from start to finish.
Collect Track Data on your GPS Device
Before you can create a map, you need to collect some track log data on your
GPS/Sounder unit.
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Import the Data into ReefMaster
Set up a GPS Profile for your GPS device (read more about GPS profiles here).
If you are importing Lowrance data, you need to ensure that 3rd Party Applications
have been configured.
If the data has been collected from tidal waters, consider Setting up a Tide Station to
automate water level adjustments.
Import the track data.
Clean up the Track Log Data
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Although ReefMaster applies filtering algorithms as it creates the 3D model, bad
data may still sometimes have a negative affect. Examine newly imported tracks in
the track edit windows to look for obvious rogue data points. The most common form
of bad data in track logs is zero depth or very shallow depth points; How to Clean up
Track Log Data.
If some of the tracks you imported were large, and covered more than one area of
interest, it can be a good idea to split the tracks into map areas.
Apply tide or water level adjustments to tracks as necessary. Pay attention to water
levels, which can vary in sea, lakes or rivers - depth offsets need to be accurate in
order to create good map.
Create a Map Project
Select the tracks that are going to be used in the new map and create a new map
project.
Adjust grid smoothing and contour parameters to get the required contours.
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Create a User Map from Map Project Contours
Select the contours that you require on your GPS and create a new user map.
Export the Map
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Export the user map in the format you require for your GPS unit.
The Finished Map on your GPS Unit
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Fundamentals
How to Arrange Workspace Windows
Tabs within the workspace can be arranged in any configuration required.
Move a Tabbed Window within the Workspace
Make sure there are at least two assets opened for editing, so that there is more
than one tab open in the workspace. You can open an asset for editing by either
double clicking the asset list item in the asset library, double clicking the asset icon
in the Global View (the mouse must be in select mode), or right clicking the asset in
either the asset library or the global view, and selecting the Edit option.
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Increase the screen area available for the graphical edit area by collapsing the asset
library; click the Assets button (1, circled).
Multiple tabs can be arranged in the display area of ReefMaster. To arrange a tab,
click and hold on the tab with the left mouse button and drag the tab; a set of
possible destinations for the tab are shown as icons (circled), and the destination
position for the tab is highlighted as the mouse pointer is held on the destination
icon. It is also possible to drag the tab into a separate window completely outside of
the the main ReefMaster window.
The Multi Window Workspace
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How to Create a New Workspace
Create a New Workspace
Create a New Workspace from the Startup Window
Use the New Workspace button in the startup window Open Existing or Create New
Workspace
Create a New Workspace from the Main Toolbar
Use the New Workspace button in the Main Toolbar.
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The New Workspace Dialog
The New Workspace window is shown.
Enter a name for the workspace. The workspace name can be comprised only of
characters which are valid within filenames; invalid characters will be removed. The
name of the workspace must be unique in the disk location that you choose.
Enter a disk location for the workspace files in the Location field. You can browse to
a location using the Browse button, (circled).
The OK button will only become enabled when a name and location have been
entered.
Hit OK to create the new workspace.
The current workspace, if any, will close and be replaced by the new, empty
workspace.
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How to Collect Track Log Data on your
GPS Unit
Track-log data forms the basis of the 3D maps that ReefMaster generates.
General Principles
Track-logs consists of a series of Track-points, each of which contains a depth and a
location.
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With enough track-points, ReefMaster can generate an accurate 3D model of the sea
or lake bed.
Before collecting track-log data, it is useful to have a general idea of the areas which
you would like to map.
Whichever method you end up using to log the track data (see below), a good approach
is to start the logging once you reach the area of interest, and stop the logging as you
leave. This will result in a larger number of smaller saved tracks, and help avoid data
capacity issues as well as vendor specific issues with excessive track length (see
below). Shorter tracks also make tide adjustment easier - again, see below.
Over time, collecting track-log data as you fish an area will provide enough information
to build up a very detailed map. However it can be useful in the first instance to be more
methodical in your approach to mapping, traversing a grid pattern over the area of
interest to collect enough data to create a basic map of the area. When gridding, try to
approach each area from more than one direction, which helps with resolving features
of different orientations. The example image demonstrates this, showing a single track
with three sets of parallels.
Generating Track Log Data on a Humminbird GPS Unit
Logging Sonar Data
The preferred source of Humminbird data for import into ReefMaster is logged sonar
data. Sonar logs provide explicit time information for track-points which is important
when tide adjusting track data.
Ensure that you have a memory card with sufficient free space inserted into your
Humminbird unit.
On arrival at your area of interest, select the option 'start recording' to start logging
data.
Record the data. This step might simply involve drifting and fishing for a few hours,
or maybe a more systematic approach if you are mapping out a new area.
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Stop recording when you are done mapping an area.
Recorded sonar data is stored on the card in the RECORD directory. To import
Humminbird a sonar log file into ReefMaster, select the RNNNNN.DAT file.
Humminbird Tracks
Humminbird units save depth information as part of the breadcrumb trail that is
continuously produced when the unit is in use. This means that the unit is always
generating usable track-log data. Although this is very useful, there is one important
caveat; many older Humminbird units have a bug whereby they stop recording
depth data once the current track has filled. The 'current track' is the track that is
currently being recorded, and has a limit of some 21000 track-points. Once this limit has
been exceeded, the track is overwritten from the beginning and, in units that exhibit this
bug, all depth data is lost. The simple workaround to this problem is to ensure that you
start a fresh track for every new track-log, by clearing the current track, and to never
exceed the maximum number of track-points in a single track (with even the minimum 1
second track-point interval set, this still allows for nearly 6 hours of data per track).
Track-point Time Interval and Minimum Distance
The time interval between saved track-points is configurable on the GPS unit, down to a
minimum of 1 second. A minimum distance is also applied, which means that a new
track-point will not be saved if the vessel has not moved more than this minimum
distance since the last saved track-point. Set the minimum distance to the smallest
setting, to collect the largest amount of data. When setting the track-point time spacing,
it is important to remember that ReefMaster calculates the time of Humminbird
generated track-points using the track-point time interval. The time is important when
applying water height offsets in tidal waterways. If the track-point time interval is set low
(eg, 1 second), and the vessel is moving slowly (for example, drifting and fishing), the
Humminbird unit may fail to write a track-point because the vessel has not moved more
than the minimum specified distance from the last track-point within the time interval.
The calculated time of track-points will become increasingly less accurate, the more
track points are missed in this way.
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To Summarise:
Check your device settings for Trackpoint Interval and Track Min Distance, which
can be found in the Navigation Menu Tab*.
Set Track Min Distance to the lowest setting. A lower track point interval will give
you more data, but remember that track points are not saved unless the Track Min
Distance has also been moved. Bear in mind the speed that you will be traversing
the area of interest and try to set the track point interval such that you will have
moved the minimum distance during that period of time. This minimises the drift in
time track point time calculations, which makes for more accurate tide adjustment.
For example, if you are planning to drift and fish in light winds, use a higher
trackpoint interval than you would if trolling at a steady 5 knots.
Clear the current track on arrival at your area of interest. If you want to retain data in
the current track, Save the current track before clearing it.
Note the start time of the track, or take a waypoint. Taking a waypoint to record
the start time of the track can be useful to confirm that the track start time that
ReefMaster calculates using the Trackpoint Interval is accurate. The track start time
can then be overriden in ReefMaster if required.
Record the data. This step might simply involve drifting and fishing for a few hours,
or maybe a more systematic approach if you are mapping out a new area.
Save the current track. Once you have finished recording data, save the current
track.
Record multiple, short tracks. If recording for a long period of time in tidal waters,
consider saving the data as multiple, shorter tracks - say, one per hour or so. This
helps minimize timing errors for tide adjustment. Simply save the current track, then
clear the current track.
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Transfer the data. At the end of the day, transfer the data onto a memory card so
that it can be uploaded to ReefMaster. Choose the option Export All Nav Data from
the Navigation Menu Tab*.
* The precise names and menu locations of settings varies by unit. Consult the
documentation that came with your Humminbird device.
Generating Track Log Data on a Lowrance GPS Unit
Lowrance units do not save depth information in their breadcrumb trails, so depth
information has to be extracted from saved sonar log files. If recording data in tidal
waters, it is important that track points are assigned the correct time.Time information
for individual track points is stored as an offset from the beginning of the recording. For
this reason, it is important that the start time of the track is correct. ReefMaster uses the
modified time of the sonar log file as the end time of the track, and calculates the start
time by subtracting the sum of the track point time offsets. It can be useful to note the
start time of each period of data collection, so that the start time of the track can be
overridden in ReefMaster if required.
On arrival at your area of interest, select the option 'start recording sonar' to start
logging data.
Note the start time of the track, or take a waypoint. Taking a waypoint to record
the start time of the track can be useful to confirm that the track start time that
ReefMaster calculates using the individual track point offsets is accurate. The track
start time can then be overriden in ReefMaster if required.
Record the data. This step might simply involve drifting and fishing for a few hours,
or maybe a more systematic approach if you are mapping out a new area.
Stop recording when you are done mapping an area.
Transfer the data. If the sonar data has been logged to a memory card, then the
data there is nothing further to do. The data can be read from the memory card by
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ReefMaster. To transfer new waypoints made thoughout the session, follow the
manufacturers instructions for transfer to a memory card. Use only USR versions 2
or 3, or GPX as file format options when transferring waypoints.
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How To Import Track and Waypoint Data
into ReefMaster
How to import GPS data into ReefMaster.
1. Select Import GPS Assets
Click the Import GPS Assets button in the main toolbar. A file selection window will
open.
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2. Select Files for Import
Track-log and/or waypoint data is contained in files which have been exported from a
GPS unit (see Export Track Log data from your GPS)
Use the drop-down at the bottom right of the window (cirlced) to filter the displayed
files by supported file types.
Select the files containing the data you wish to import. You can select any
number of files, which can be any mix of the supported file types and contain a mix
of track-log and waypoint data.
Note that all files that form part of an import operation are imported using the same
GPS Profile (see below), tide data (where appropriate) and timezone, so do not mix
files that do not share these attributes in a single import operation.
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Press the Open button, or hit return, once you are happy with your selection. If required,
files can be removed, or further files added for import when the Import GPS Asset
window is open.
3. Review the Assets Selected for Import
The tracks and waypoint collections present in the selected files are shown in the Select
GPS assets for import list. There may be more than one asset per file. Select the assets
you wish to import using the checkboxes at the left of each asset row or the buttons
underneath the list.
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4. Review the General Import Options
The general import options apply to both tracks and waypoint sets.
Extra files can be added to the import, or removed, using the files list.
If the assets are from a time zone other than the default, set it here. All assets in a
single import share the same time zone. The time zones of an asset can be changed
after import.
Choose the appropriate GPS sounder profile. Profiles can be edited, or a new one
added, using the Edit Equipment Profiles button (circled).
5. Review the Track Import Options
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Track import options apply only to tracks.
1. Exclude Zero Depths.
Remove track-points with zero depths during import. These track-points are of no use
for generating maps and can occur frequently (eg, Humminbird units start each track
with a zero depth track-point). If you wish to retain zero depth track points, or import
tracks that do not have depth information de-select this option.
2. Apply Tide Adjustment
If all of the tracks that are being imported share the same tide station, this can be
applied now by selecting the check-box Apply tide adjustment and choosing the
appropriate tide station from the Tide station drop-down. Tide information can also be
added and changed later in the individual track edit windows.
3. Open Tracks for Editing After Import
Open a track edit window for each track immediately after import. This option is not
recommended if you are importing a large number of tracks.
6. Review the Waypoint Import Options
Waypoint import options apply only to waypoints.
1. Do Not Import Duplicate Waypoints
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Do not import waypoints that already exist in the workspace. Only position and time are
considered when determining whether or not a waypoint is a duplicate. To ignore time,
and just compare location, check the Ignore time checkbox (2).
3. Combine Single Waypoints
Combine multiple single snaphot files (Humminbird screenshots) into a single waypoint
set.
7. Import the Assets
Once you are happy with the import settings, click the OK (tick) button situated at the
bottom right of the window. A progress dialog will show as the selected assets are
imported into the database.
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8. After Import
The newly imported assets show in the Asset Library.
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How to Create a New Map Project
Create an underwater map using track data.
Locate Tracks in the Global View
Load the demo workspace and locate the existing project Northerners in the global
view, by right clicking on the Northerners project in the asset library and selecting
the option Show in Global View.
The Northerners project is selected in the global view, and the view zooms so that
the project fills the screen.
Zoom out slightly, using the mouse wheel, so that you can see the outline of all the
tracks that exist in the area.
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Select Tracks for the Project
Put the mouse into Region Select mode (circled) and, using the mouse with the left
button held down, draw a rectanlge around the icons of some of the "northerners"
tracks. Don't worry about selecting all of the tracks in the area, as they will be added
later.
The multi-select toolbar will be shown once you have finished selecting the region.
Select the option Add Tracks to Project followed by New Project.
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Name the New Project
Give the new project a name - anything will do. Names do not have to be unique
across projects or other assets, but it can be useful to make them descriptive.
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Define the Map Area
The new project is opened for editing, with the Define Map Area view selected. The
tracks there were selected to form the basis of the project are shown as trails
superimposed upon each other. A track can be seen in more detail by holding the
mouse pointer over the track icon.
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To create a map the area of the map first needs to be defined;
Select the Define Map Area mouse mode (circled).
Draw a rectangle around the area that you want to map by holding the left mouse
button down and dragging the mouse. The area does not need to be exactly right
first time as the map can be redefined as many times as you like. A good approach
is to draw an area around the highest concetration of track lines. Once the map has
been created, you will have a much better idea of where you want the map
boundary, and the map area can be defined again.
Once the selection is complete, the application will start to calculate the map. This
may take some time for larger maps. Map calculation takes place in the background,
so you can move to other windows etc whilst it completing.
When the map has been completed, a colour coded grid of the mapped area is
shown.
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Add Further Tracks to the Project
Open the project edit pane by clicking the Edit button (circled) at the top-right of the
window.
The tracks that have already been added to the project are listed under the
Component Tracks header (1).
Any tracks that are not already in the project, and that are in range of the project, are
shown under the Add Tracks header (2). Tracks that geographically overlap the
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project are shown in green, whilst those that are in range, but do not overlap, are
shown in orange. In this example, there should only be overlapping tracks available.
Add tracks to the project, either one-by-one, by clicking on the Add button that
appears on the track list item when the mouse is held over it, or add all overlapping
tracks at once using the Add all Overlapping Tracks button, (circled).
The project regenerates automatically each time a track(s) are added.
Explore the Contour and 3D Views
Move between the three project views using the project view toolbar, (circled).
Experiment with options available under the Map Settings header in the edit pane,
such as grid resolution, smoothing and contour spacing (circled).
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Alternative Methods of Creating Projects
You can also create a new project in a few other ways;
Use the New Asset button in the Projects header of the asset library. This creates a
new, empty project. Tracks can be added from the asset library or the global view, or
from the edit pane of the new project.
Use the right mouse button menu of one or more tracks in the asset library. Select
Add Track(s) to Project, New Project.
Use the screen-level right mouse button menu in the Global View, option New,
Project to create an empty project.
Use the right mouse button menu of one or more selected tracks in the Global View.
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Setting up ReefMaster
How to Add a GPS Equipment Profile
GPS Equipment Profiles group parameters associated with indvidual
chartplotter/sounder devices.
1. Open the Global Settings Window
Open the Global Settings Window using the button in the main toolbar (circled).
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2. Open the Edit Equipment Profiles Window
Open the Edit Equipment Profiles window by clicking the button Edit GPS Profiles
(circled), in the GPS Import section (1) of the global settings window.
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3. Add a New GPS Profile
The Edit Equipment Profiles window contains a list of all the existing profiles (1). To add
a new profile, click the Add button (circled).
4. Edit and Save the New Profile
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Enter a descriptive name for the new profile, and parameter values appropriate to your
GPS device. See the documentation on GPS Sounder Profiles for more information on
the meaning of the fields. Click OK (circled) once done.
That's it!
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How to Change Distance and Depth Unit
Settings
Change the global units display settings
1. Open the Global Settings Window
Open the Global Settings window using the settings button (circled) on the main toolbar.
2. Choose Your Required Settings
Choose your required settings for depth and distance units. Depth can be shown in feet
or metres, and distance in statute miles/yards or kilometres. Metric and English units
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can be combined; for example, depth can be shown in feet whilst distance is shown in
kilometres.
Click OK once you are done.
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How to Configure Required 3rd Party
Applications
Third party applications are required to import Lowrance sonar logs and for tide
information.
Download and Install WXTide
WXTide is a free program that provides tidal predictions for much of the world.
ReefMaster can import tide information from WXTide and save it in a tide station. Note
that WXTide does not provide tidal information for all world locations, and that the tidal
information that WXTide does provide may or may not be accurate. It is up to you to
determine the accuracy of the tide information that WXTide generates for your area. If
the data from WXTide is not of sufficient quality, you can provide tide information from a
text file, or enter tide heights manually for each track that needs tide adjustment.
Install WXTide by downloading the application from http://www.wxtide32.com and
following the instructions on that website.
Download and Install slg2txt.exe
Slg2txt.exe is a Lowrance utility provided as part of their SonarViewer application, and
freely available on the web. Slg2txt converts Lowrance sonar log files into text files that
can be imported by ReefMaster.
Locate and download slg2txt.exe from the internet. The slg2txt.exe file is installed as
part of the Lowrance SonarViewer application; search for "Lowrance SonarViewer"
to find the correct download.
Install the SonarViewer application.
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Locate the WXTide and slg2txt files using the Global View
Open the Global Settings dialog using the button in the main toolbar.
Locate the WXTide and slg2txt executable files using the appropriate Browse
buttons in the Third Part Application Locations section (circled).
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How to Set Up a Tide Station
Set up a tide station to easily adjust depth data across multiple tracks.
Create a new Tide Station
If you intend to use WXTide as a source of tide data, ensure that you have installed
it on your computer and located the application using the Global Settings.
Create a new tide station using the New Asset button in the header of the Tides
section of the asset library.
Name the new Tide Station
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Enter a descriptive name for the new tide station and hit OK.
Import Tide Data
Tide data can be imported from a text file (1) or using the WXTide application (2).
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Importing Tide Data from a Text File
Tide data is simply a collection of time/depth value pairs.
Data from a comma-delimited text file can be imported using the Import button, (1).
Times in the text file may be represented in local or UTC times. ReefMaster cannot
determine this on its own, so ensure that the option is set correctly here (2). Note the
time zone used is the time zone specified in the tide station properties, above.
Depths within the text file may be in metres or feet. Set this option here (3).
The format of the text file (4). The file must contain pairs of time/depth values as
shown above. There should be no units suffix to the depth values. The time can be
represented in any standard format. There must be only one comma character per
line.
Lines that are incorrectly formatted are ignored. Check the status bar after import
has completed to see how many values were successfully imported.
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The source file can have any file extension. By default, ReefMaster looks for files of
type *.txt and *.csv.
Importing Tide Data from WXTide
ReefMaster can invoke WXTide automatically and import tide information from a
specified tide station, for a specified time interval.
Data is imported using the import button (1).
The WXTide executable must be located before it can be used. This can be done in
the Global Settings or (2).
The list of available tide stations from within WXTide is shown (3).
The list of tide stations can be searched by typing a serarch string in the text box (4).
The list of tide stations adjusts automatically to match the entered search string.
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The date range for the import is specified using from (5) and to (6) fields. Dates can
either be typed in or selected using the data picker control. Importing long time
periods of data may take a significant amount of time.
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Waypoints
How to Create a New Waypoint Set
Creating an Empty Waypoint Set
Create a new, empty waypoint set using the New Asset button in the Waypoints
header of the asset library.
Alternatively, use the right click menu in the Global View, followed by options New,
Waypoint Set.
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Creating a Waypoint Set with Existing Waypoints
Select one or more waypoints in the Global View, either using the region select tool
or individually, with the mouse in Select mode.
Using either the multi-select toolbar, or the right mouse button menu, select Move or
Copy Waypoints to Set, New Waypoint Collection.
One or more waypoints can be selected in the waypoint edit pane Waypoint List and
moved or copied to a new collection using the right mouse button menu.
An individual waypoint can be moved to a new waypoint set from within the Edit
Waypoint window. Select the option New when assigned the waypoint to a set.
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The New Waypoint Set Dialog
Whichever method is used to create the new set, the New Waypoint Set window is
shown, where a name and a colour can be selected for the new waypoint set.
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How to Split a Waypoint Set into Smaller
Sets
It can be useful to sub divide waypoint sets by moving groups of waypoints from the
original set into new sets.
Splitting a Waypoint Set using the Graphical Display
It is easy to split waypoint sets by geographical area.
With the mouse in Region Select mode, select the waypoints that are to be moved
into a different set. Select the option Move Waypoints to Set from the multi-select
toolbar, or else right click the selected waypoints and choose the same option. You
can choose an existing set or create a new set to receive the selected waypoints.
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If the waypoints to be moved are not in a contiguous area, individual waypoints can
be selected in the graphical display with the mouse in Select mode, and the Control
key held down. Once the required waypoints have been selected, follow the same
process as above.
Splitting a Waypoint Set using the Waypoint List
Open the waypoint set for editing in the waypoint pane, by double clicking the set
name in the asset library, or right clicking and selecting Edit Waypoint Set.
The waypopints in the current set are shown in the Waypoints list. The list can be
sorted by clicking on any of the headers; the sort order reverses if you click again.
This can be useful, for example, if you want to select waypoints based on time or
depth, which cannot be done in the graphical area.
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Select the waypoints to move. Multiple waypoints can be selected using the Shift or
Control keys in conjunction with the mouse.
Move or copy the waypoints using the right mouse button menu.
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Tracks
How to Clean up Track Log Data
Edit tracks through filters and by cropping and cutting track points.
Open a Track for Editing
If you are using the demo workspace, try opening track "northerners_6", shown
above, which has a small group of suspect track points, (circled).
Open the edit pane and select one of the red trackpoints. The track-point is selected
in the track point list and it is clear that it is much shallower than its neighbours.
Local knowledge of that area is enough be convinced that these track points contain
invalid depths.
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Filtering Track Points by Depth
Slide the Minimum slider (1) in the Trackpoint Filters section to the right, to increase
the minimum depth. Keep moving the slider until all of the track points that you want
to remove have turned gray. This indicates that those track points will be removed if
the filter operation is applied.
When all of the suspect track points are gray, hit the Apply button (2).
The filtered track points will be removed and the colour scale of the remaining track
points will be re-calibrated within the new minimum and maximum depths of the
track.
The filter track point operation can be undone via the right mouse button menu in the
graphical track display.
Deleting Trackpoints Individually
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An individual track point can be deleted by right clicking on the track point and
selecting menu option Delete Trackpoint (1).
Alternatively, track points can be deleted from the track point list in the edit pane;
click on the trash icon shown on the row of the selected track point (2).
Cropping a Track
With the mouse in Region Select mode, draw a rectangle around the track points
that you would like to retain.
Hit the Crop button (circled) in the multi-select toolbar. Alternatively, right click on
one of the selected track points and choose the Crop to Range option.
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All track points other than the selected ones are deleted from the track. This action
can be undone via the right mouse button menu, Undo.
Deleting Trackpoints
Deleting selected track points is the inverse of crop.
With the mouse in Region Select mode, draw a rectangle around the track points
that you would like to retain.
Hit the Delete Trackpoints button (circled) in the multi-select toolbar. Alternatively,
right click on the selected track points and choose Delete Trackpoints.
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All selected track points are deleted. This action can be undone via the right mouse
button menu.
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How to Apply Tide or Water Level
Adjustments to a Track
It is important to adjust track point depths in tidal waters, or when tracks are gathered
over multiple visits to a lake or other body of water where the water level varies.
Using an Existing Tide Station
If you have an existing tide station that serves the area of the track then this is the
easiest way to apply a tide offset.
Create a tide station for the area of the track.
Open the track for editing and open the Edit pane. Expand the Tide header (1).
Select the option Tide Station (2). The Tide Station Selector (3) will become
enabled.
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Use the Tide Station Selector to select the required tide station. If the tide station
has data for time period of the current track, then the tide graph will populate with
tide data. The time period of the track is shown as a shaded gray area in the centre
of the x-axis.
Entering Tide Points by Hand
Tide points can be entered by hand for individual tracks. Any number of tide points can
be entered; ReefMaster uses a simple linear interpolation between points to calculate
the offset for a particular point in time.
Select the Manual option.
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Enter tide points using the edit field (2) and commit each tide point using the Add
button (3).
Tide points are shown in the tide point list (4), from where they can be deleted using
the Delete button (5).
To adjust the entire track by a single depth offset, enter a single tide point of
the required depth.
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How to Split a Track
How to cut a track into two or more sections.
Select the Track Points for the New Track
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It can be useful to sub-divide large tracks into a number of smaller tracks. For example,
if you have saved a single track for a days fishing that covers more than one area that
you would like to map.
Using the Region Select tool, select the track points that you would like to move to a
new track.
Select the option Create New Track from Selection from either the multi-select
toolbar or from the right mouse click menu (click a selected track point).
Create the New Track
Enter a name for the new track, and hit OK.
The new track is created, and opened for editing. Note that the selected track
points in the original track are not deleted. If you want to delete these track
points, use the multi select tool and the Delete Trackpoints command.
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User Maps
How to Create a User Map from Map
Contours
Create a user map for export to a GPS device.
Select the Required Contours
To create a user map from map project contours, it is first necessary to create a
contour map by creating a map project and defining a map area.
Open the map project for editing to the Contour View, selected using the middle
button of the Project View toolbar (1).
If required, fine tune the contours by adjusting the grid smoothing and contour
spacing in the Map Settings section of the edit pane (2, 3).
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Whe you are happy with the contours, select the required contours using the mouse.
Contours can be selected individually using the left mouse button in Select mode in
conjunction with the Control key, or they can be selected in groups by drawing a
region with the mouse in Region Select mode (4).
Create the User Map
Right click on the selected contour(s) and select the options Add Contours to
Map..New User Map.
Enter a Name for the New User Map
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Enter a name for you new user map and click OK.
The New user Map
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The new user map is opened for editing, containing the contours that were selected
from the map project. The map can now be exported, or further edited; individual
paths can be edited or deleted, or new ones added.