DMAPPER (C)

GPS Conversion Program

Tracking people, whether on the ground, in vehicles, or in the air,
just got easier using the DMAPPER packet conversion program.
The gps radio tracking and mapping alternative to all your Search & Rescue needs!

*FREE* DOWNLOAD A DEMO VERSION NOW! (read on...)

then PURCHASE A REGISTRATION or CD FOR DMAPPER (8 callsign now available)

Visit our new Frequently Asked Questions page.

Intro to Dmapper in “Search & Rescue”

Recommended Mapping Software to use with Dmapper:

** MapTech Terrain Navigator or National Geographic's (Topo! or Back Roads) **

Now Here..... Version 2.17b1  !

Preview of the NEW main DMAPPER screen. (Click anywhere on the display or scroll down for an explanation of each item)

Do you have a favorite mapping program that you would like to plot radio transmitted gps positions to?
ISSUE: UNTIL DMAPPER... software written for mapping packet GPS data from a radio just didn't have the detail and options needed for many Life and Death tracking operations. It is also unfortunate that many of the "detailed" mapping programs don't have the ability to take GPS data from a radio and display it to their maps.

DMAPPER was written specifically to connect the radio GPS tracking technology to the higher quality mapping programs, so you can now get automatic position plotting/tracking of your Search & Rescue, Fire, or other personnel using the mapping software you prefer or are already using.

DMAPPER sits as the translator/interface between today's GPS units hooked to a packet radio modem AND your favorite mapping programs. (It also does some other cool stuff which is detailed below.)

Great for all your SAR Operations!

View Topo USA & MapTech maps created with data captured by DMAPPER

On Sept. 5, 2004 Dmapper watched AC7TK summit the South Sister Mountain in Central Oregon. The climb was plotted by Dmapper to MapTech Terrain Navigator. See the screen capture image (Blue going UP, Red coming down)

KEY BENEFITS

• FLEXIBLE - Uses your favorite mapping program by converting incoming packet data strings to something your program understands.
• SPECIFIC - Track selected multiple units at the same time by entering only the callsigns you want tracked.
• SMART - Detects and decodes several popular packet GPS transmissions including Mic-Encoded, APRS, and raw NMEA strings.
• SAFETY - Alerts you to units/personnel that are overdue or no longer transmitting coordinates.

KEY FEATURES

POSITION STRING DETECTION AND CONVERSION.... Back to Screen shot

• DMAPPER will detect the following position string types. (Version 2.06b)

MIC-Encoded * NMEA (GPGGA, GPRMC) * APRS (Moving @) * APRS (Fixed = !) *

• The string TYPE is displayed next to the last incoming "valid" position callsign for easy viewing.
• Ability to ignore any of the strings as needed for more specific tracking by selecting specific string formats.

DATA FILE CREATION FOR IMPORT TO MAPPING PROGRAMS....Back to Screen shot

POSTING TO MAPS is fully automated for some of the programs. It will even update your map display on timed intervals. If auto posting is not available, DMAPPER will at least create files that you can manually import to your map program. DMAPPER will WRITE, and archive, text files for import to the following programs. (Version 2.06b) View a map created by data from DMAPPER which creates map data for..... MapTech Terrain Navigator ( TRACK txf, MARKER mxf, ROUTE rxf) * (Shows a trail of the units route) Delorme TOPO USA Ver3.0 (Text Import) * (Shows a trail) OziExplorer (WAYPOINT wpt, TRACK POINT plt) * Street Atlas 5.0* (Creates a NOW position of the current unit so you can track only where they are NOW instead of a trail) National Geographic TOPO!* (Creates 2 display formats, a NOW position of the current unit so you can track only where they are NOW , and a TRACK file so you can see a trail of a unit's progress.) NOTE: NEW Version 2.13... Post to map using TACTICAL or CALLSIGNS Some of these files will probably work for import to "other" programs such as "ArcView" We plan to create specific files for these and other programs in future versions but you can probably import existing data files to most any program that has an import function for ASCII Text type files. Data files can be VIEWED or EDITED directly from the DMAPPER program. DMAPPER even creates a HISTORY FILE of the entire session's incoming data for later reconstruction of events.

ASSIGNING UNITS FOR TRACKING....Back to Screen shot Up to 8 CALLSIGNS can be AUTOMATICALLY ASSIGNED by DMAPPER as they are detected and posted to screen for tracking. CALLSIGNS can also be manually entered/removed from the DMAPPER program screen for tracking by just typing them in. Displayed callsigns can be selected for SAVE TO DATA FILE by selection of check boxes next to units. Each unit is assigned a unique COLOR or SHAPE based on the needs of the mapping program. Double clicking on the Callsign box will clear it. Units can also be tracked only if they are moving (GREEN) so map clutter is avoided for non-moving units.

GPS COORDINATE DISPLAY....Back to Screen shot Coordinates for each individual "tracked" unit will be displayed next to it's assigned box. Coordinates for other Non-tracked (unchecked) units will also display to a box as they are received. Display shows the Decimal Degree format used by all APRS/GPS units for communications but will not affect the display of other GPS data formats shown on your maps or gps units. UTM COORDINATE MAP DISPLAY WILL WORK WITH DMAPPER! Even though the Dmapper screen shows the Lat/Long format, your mapping program does the conversion to UTM and other formats.

OVERDUE WARNING & LAST HEARD TIME....Back to Screen shot DMAPPER displays the TIME a unit was last heard next to other unit information. An OVERDUE WARNING can be set if a unit isn't heard from for 1-999 minutes. The time display will change colors (yellow) if a unit is not heard from in the specified time. Know the last incoming station. A fresh station heard will turn the time box bright white until next station is heard. You get a RED display of any units that are heard but NOT MOVING You get a GREEN if a unit has movement of 300-400 feet and Gray if moving less than that.

DATA FILE MANAGEMENT....Back to Screen shot

• Data files can be written to archive files named in a numerical order for later import/append to data already plotted.
• A "History" data file is also written that allows import of all data gather from the entire tracking event.
• Data files can be deleted individually or as a group from the DMAPPER Menu.
• A menu FRESH START item will delete even the archived files.
• A RESET TO FACTORY DEFAULTS will also delete the program configuration file.
• Current non-archived data files can be viewed/edited without leaving the DMAPPER program.

DEVICE MANAGEMENT....Back to Screen shot

• The communications serial port number can be designated or changed from the DMAPPER menu.
• The com port can be closed/re-opened, as needed, to stop/start the flow of incoming data.
• Sound can be turned Off/On as desired to alert the user of incoming data.
• Optional "send to port" feature can be used to send commands to the TNC without using a terminal program.
• (NOTE: Com port management buttons may not display if using the TELNET connection)
• TELNET connection to an APRS Server, or to a socket on an APRS program running on the same computer, allows for reception of shared position data between applications. An APRS Server connection allows you to monitor APRS position traffic without the need of a TNC or RADIO connection.

AUTO IMPORTING TO MAP PROGRAMS.... (UNDER DEVELOPMENT) Back to Screen shot

NEWS FLASH!!!Dmapper now works for National Geographic TOPO! mapping program. (Version 2.11b)

• This option is functional as of version 2.06b and will work with some or all versions of MapTech, TopoUSA, Street Atlas Ver5.0, and now TOPO!
• DMAPPER will either "take control" of the mapping program or update the map display in the background.
• Your mapping program can remain full screen and DMAPPER will run in a "compressed" view mode while it continues to automatically update the MapTech display.

• Since not all programs allow background updating, Auto Import may not work for your mapping software but allowance for manual import of the data has been designed into the DMAPPER program.

MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS *

Computer:

486 PC

Memory:

8 MB RAM

Disk Space:

Approx 5 MB (depending on size of captured data files)

Operating System:

Windows 95*/98 or higher, Windows NT*, XP (32bit)

   NOTICE: Windows VISTA is not supported as it has not been tested on Vista. Let us know if you are able to run it with Vista.

Ports:

One Serial Port set to 1200, 2400, 4800, or 9600 baud or a TCP/IP connection to Internet.

Other Software:

Your favorite mapping program.

Terminal program such as Hyper terminal is helpful to configure the TNC/Packet Device

*Beta Version tested on minimum 200 MHz Windows 98 (Second Edition), and WinME,NT, XP
* Feel free to run it on other versions and let us know how well it works or if you have any problems.
* Windows 95 and older versions will not be available due to limitations. Although we have used it on Win95.

View/print the QuickStart document once you have downloaded DMAPPER.

*FREE* DOWNLOAD DEMO VERSION

NEW >>>Try it for Free (2 Callsign) beta DEMO VERSION or download and Register for full version operation.

FIRST TIME USERS (Download and install Original "Full" version files for a new installation) This FULL version 2.15b3 (posted 11/17/2006) will work until Nov 1, 2007 (unless Registered or Beta DEMO copy used) Version info for added features and fixes. VERSION: 2.15b3 RELEASE DATE: 11/17/2006 DEMO EXPIRATION: 11/01/2007 see update below. >>Download Dmapper Full Install Version now<< STEP 1 > Download and SAVE the 3.4 meg self extracting file to a temporary directory on your PC STEP 2 > Run the self extracting "Dmapper215b3.exe" file which creates the install files. STEP 3 > Run the Setup.exe file to install Dmapper. STEP 4 > After downloading and installing the full version, come back to the web page and download the newest "dmapper.exe" beta file below and save it to the dmapper directory on your computer, thus overwriting the original dmapper.exe file with the newer version. (More info below) Questions or problems? send us an email at dbsoft@roadfacts.com Prevent the DMAPPER demo expiration.... PURCHASE A REGISTRATION FOR DMAPPER

OR

PREVIOUS USERS - UPDATED FILES As the smaller EXE program updates come available we will post them here. (Download and install ONLY the updated Executable "EXE" file below) TO UPDATE AN EXPIRED DEMO OR UPDATE TO THE LATEST VERSION...... INSTRUCTIONS (If you have already downloaded/installed a full version then you only need to download the updated EXE file and overwrite the older exe file in the dmapper directory with this one. This file is much smaller than downloading the full version and only requires a copy process and not a full install.) NOTICE: You must have the "Full version" above before installing this update. (See warning above) Version info for added features and fixes. "EXE" File Beta VERSION: 2.17b1 RELEASE DATE: 01/15/2007 DEMO EXPIRATION: 05/01/2008 >>Download/Save dmapper.exe now<< NOTICE: We also recommend you try the "Check for UPDATES" utility in the Dmapper program, to assure you get all the update files. When downloading choose "SAVE" it to your computer. And place in the /program files/dmapper/ directory. (Say YES to overwrite existing dmapper.exe) The DEMO will expire on 05/01/2008 Check back for updates! www.dmapper.com Prevent the DMAPPER demo expiration.... PURCHASE A REGISTRATION FOR DMAPPER

NOTICE: THIS PROGRAM AND SELF EXTRACTING EXE FILE WERE SCANNED FOR VIRUSES
USING MCAFEE ONLINE WITH THE MOST CURRENT VERSION AND DAT FILES AVAILABLE.

Leave comments/suggestions about DMAPPER. e-mail: dbsoft@roadfacts.com

PRICING AND AVAILABILITY (beta version pricing only and subject to change)

4 Callsign "Shareware" Version ( try our fully functional 2 Callsign Demo Version above.)

$19.95 per copy on a single computer. PURCHASE

 

8 Callsign Version (Now Available)

$39.95 per single user for the 8 Callsign product PURCHASE

 

8 Callsign (Site License) Version (Licensed for single AGENCY use)

go to PURCHASE

CD only of Dmapper Version 2.xx (We will mail you a copy of the program on a CD within the USA.)

$10.00 per CD copy PURCHASE (Limited Demo Version without Registration key)

More than 8 Callsigns?

If you really have the need for more callsigns then let us know so we can help you determine how this can best be accomplished. Right now we don't plan to write more than the 8 Callsign capacity but popularity of existing versions and support for expansion could change all that.

NOTICE: (some fine print follows) Anyone currently viewing this site should understand that this software is still being developed and tested. We have purposely limited it's recommended operating systems until we are confident we have a stable program that can relied upon for Life and Death tracking situations using other versions of Windows. A special thank you to Deschutes County Search and Rescue volunteers and fellow Amateur Radio folks for helping me test and improve this product. We would love to hear from you if there is interest in using it for your operations so we can prioritize our development efforts and answer any questions you may have.
Thanks for stopping by. Dave W7PDQ

Back to Screen shot

DoodleBug Software LLC
20541 Ambrosia Lane
Bend, OR 97702
TEL: 541-388-2457
FAX: 541-388-2457
e-mail: dbsoft@roadfacts.com
URL: www.roadfacts.com or www.dmapper.com

Copyright © 2002 by DoodleBug Software LLC. All rights reserved.
All specifications subject to change without notice.
The DMAPPER program is a copyright protected product of DoodleBug Software LLC.
* Other products and companies referred to herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies or mark holders.

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Page last updated 01/15/2008