Map support: OziExplorer OZFx3

[Recce]

I requests support for OziExplorer OZFx3 map format.

Now you need both the OziExplorer and Img2ozf program to convert a map into the OZFx3 format that is the only map format supported by the OziExplorerCE PDA program. (Smart move to make the CE version depending on the PC version)

A lot of time and money could be saved by adding this format to Global Mapper.


Information:

The Official OziExplorer Web Site - GPS Mapping Software for Magellan, Garmin, Lowrance, Eagle, MLR Receivers

[global_mapper]

We'd love to support the OZFx3 map format, but unless something has changed, that format is not publicly documented by Ozi so there is no way for us to add support for it. If they wanted to keep it private and add support to Global Mapper, the folks there at Ozi could write import/export plugins for Global Mapper for the format.

Thanks,

Mike
Global Mapper Support
support@globalmapper.com

[hnedka]

We'd love to support the OZFx3 map format, but unless something has changed, that format is not publicly documented by Ozi so there is no way for us to add support for it. If they wanted to keep it private and add support to Global Mapper, the folks there at Ozi could write import/export plugins for Global Mapper for the format.

Thanks,

Mike
Global Mapper Support
support@globalmapper.com

Hi, I suggest you check this site:
http://code.google.com/p/ozex/

It contains all the code for decoding ozf2 and ozfx3 code

[hnedka]

and also this site:
http://code.google.com/p/swampex/

[global_mapper]

Thanks for the links. I will check those out and see if they are something that we can use.

Thanks,

Mike
Global Mapper Support
support@globalmapper.com

[global_mapper]

I was able to add support for loading the OZFx2 and OZFx3 format files. I have placed a new build at http://www.globalmapper.com/global_mapper11.zip with the change for you to try. Simply download that file and extract the contents into your existing v11.xx installation folder to give it a try. If you are using the 64-bit version, there is a new build available at http://www.globalmapper.com/global_mapper11_64bit.zip .

Unfortunately the library doesn't support generating new OZFx files, so export support isn't possible yet.

Let me know if I can be of further assistance.

Thanks,

Mike
Global Mapper Support
support@globalmapper.com

[hnedka]

Hi and thanks.

The support for OZF2 format seems to work, but not for OZFX3 (it throws error message during loading) - those formats are not identical; ozfx3 is newer and encrypted. Also, the program wants to open "ozf3" in load file dialog - it should be "ozfx3" (the other one is "ozf2" - without x).

[global_mapper]

Can you provide a ozfx3 file that I can try? I wasn't able to find one online to test with.

Thanks,

Mike
Global Mapper Support
support@globalmapper.com

[global_mapper]

I have corrected the file extensions to match what you said. I also corrected a possible bug that would prevent OZF files that had any upper-case letters in the file extension to file. I have placed a new build at http://www.globalmapper.com/global_mapper11.zip with the change for you to try. Simply download that file and extract the contents into your existing v11.xx installation folder to give it a try. If you are using the 64-bit version, there is a new build available at http://www.globalmapper.com/global_mapper11_64bit.zip .

Let me know if I can be of further assistance.

Thanks,

Mike
Global Mapper Support
support@globalmapper.com

[hnedka]

Hi, thanks for the update. Now it can open ozfx3 files as well. I have uploaded two samples of ozf files for reference, if you need them:
http://rapidshare.com/files/325514486/ozf_maps.zip

One small issue I noticed is that when file has ozfx3 format, but has an extension ozf2, it crashes Global Mapper. It's incorrect, but ozi can load these and at least one such file ships with ozi itself. Distinguishing between these two is a matter of checking first byte -> 0x80 is OZFX3, 0x78 is OZF2.

Another small issue is that it doesn't offer ozf formats when loading image for "rectify imagery" (though it can load it, when selecting *.*).

That's for bugs. One thing that would be useful (especially for anyone who uses ozi) would be ability to export map files, which contain georeferencing points and projection (it can already import them) and is a simple text file. But that's another story..

As for exporting to OZF2/OZFX3, there is no publicly available code for it (AFAIK), but the format is pretty simple. What is basically needed is reducing colors to max 256 (if not already done), resizing image to several smaller resolutions, cutting all those images up to 64x64 tiles, compressing each of those tiles (raw pixels) with zlib and than saving it to file in specified format. But you would have to implement it yourself. I can post here all the specs for ozf2, if you are interested.