which creates the comma delimited files for import to mapping programs.
Here are examples of how a SEARCH & RESCUE Operation can be plotted.
This line/grid search, in the mountains of Central Oregon, was performed
through the night to cover areas
that had not yet been done by searchers the day before. Using GPS coordinates plotted to a
computer map
provides superior tracking of search team progress and gives search coordinators a good
scene overview.
At one point the search team got bogged down in a swamp. Because they
were displayed on the map, they were
given a bearing to higher ground as shown on the topo map. We could also warn searchers of
steep ground.
Using DMAPPER files, all the points (Red Flags) you see would be
automatically plotted on the map.
You could add the lines and shading as needed once the DMAPPER file is imported.
Below is another Search and Rescue training exercise using 2 tracker
units
to plot team progress climbing Tumalo Mountain in Central Oregon.
This image displays the team assignments (A & B) followed by a timestamp so you can follow their progress.
(One of the team displays was later modified by the Maptech
"line" tool to connect the positions together.)
NOTE: You can have MapTech connect the dots for you by importing the
"dmapper.RXF" file
instead of MXF
This is an actual display of what you
would see on your computer screen
while DMAPPER runs in a
background window.
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Display of the Balloon route above was "just for fun" and was tracked, from our Bend location, throughout the day and night with DMAPPER (ver.2.0b) then the data file created was imported into TOPO USA. I have also imported this to Street Atlas, although SA apparently has a limited number of points it can import and only got the western part of the route. I didn't imported it to MapTech but, since DMAPPER was built first for MapTech, it shouldn't be a problem when using the MapTech files. Dave W7PDQ
Data file used for "Topo" import One of
several formats created by DMAPPER.
(Note: This is a comma delimited text file, as are others created by DMAPPER, for Topo
USA. You may be able to import this to other programs.)
For more info see.... Intro to Dmapper in “Search & Rescue”
Page last updated 04/23/2005