Product. Mapitfirst FAQ and HELP | Banff Hiking Trail Guide & Maps

FAQ's

   

How To Videos!

We'll be doing more of these in the future.  Let us know what you think!

I've just receieved an up-date - what do I do?

I want to manually check for an up-date

How To Manual (PDF Version)    Memory-Map Help     Symbol Legend

Updates

Mapitfirst will automatically check for up-dates to our trail and data file once a month. If you wish to manually check for up-dates follow these instructions:

Click on 'Start', 'All Programs'

Find the 'Mapitfirst' directory

Choose the 'Check for New Updates' option

This will download the most recent data files to your PC.

Installing the Up-date

To load the new file, you need to delete the current file and import the new file. Follow these instructions:

To delete the old data:
Overlay
Delete all

Caution: This will delete all your data, including any routes and points you have added.

To add in the new data:
Overlay
Import
Mapitfirst (.mmo )

(this is in the c:\maps\mapitfirst directory)

 

System Requirements:

PC: Windows XP, Vista, or 2000.
CD or DVD drive, 32MB RAM, 4GB Disk, Pentium CPU. 3D Graphics card

Does Mapitfirst run on Windows 7?

Yes, If you have version 1.x, you'll need to send us an email and we'll send you the details on how to get the up-grade.  Send your request to: support (at) mapitfirst (dot) ca

Can I use this software with a Mac?

Apparently, it does work on a Windows simulator on a Mac! However, we have no experience with this solution, and we can't offer any support in setting it up

How do I zoom to a place?

The most efficient way to zoom around the maps is by using the search feature. In there, almost every river, lake, stream and mountain have been databased so you can find a location quickly. Click on the 'Search' button and start typing.

How do I see the elevation profile of a trail?

To see the elevation profile, right click on the trail and choose the 'Profiles' > 'Elevation Profile' option.

My trail covers several trail segments, can I join these together?

The software does allow you to do this, however, at intersections with more than two trails, you cannot choose which trails to join together. What you can do is create your own track and follow the trail you plan on hiking from start to end. Then you will have one long segement for your hike.

How can I reduce the clutter on the maps?

You can turn off and on layers of data on the map.

Choose the 'Overlay' > 'Hide All' option and turn off things you don't want to see.

What areas does Mapitfirst cover?

Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, Yoho, Kootenay, Kananaskis, Assiniboine and Waterton Lakes National Park.

Why so some maps have different contour intervals?

This has been a frustrating experience for us. The data we purchased from the federal government still has several maps with imperial units. We made an attempt to bulk convert the contours to metric but it had too many errors. We have two plans to rectify this problem: i) We have petitioned the federal government to re-issue the data in metric units ii) We will embark on converting the data ourselves. There is no immediate time line to resolve this problem but our goal is to have this fixed for release 2 of the product.

What Datum are the maps using? How do I calculate the declination for my compass?

The map is projected to NAD83, UTM Zone 11. The utm grid was generated in 2007. Due to the size of the map, the declination will vary as you move around the map. The center of the map is 117.00, 52.15 degrees and has a declination of 17 degrees 32 minutes east for each year. To calculate the declination for the area you are hiking, use this easy to use calculator http://geomag.nrcan.gc.ca/apps/mdcal_e.php

When I double click on a trail I get a trail properties window, I was hoping to get a trail description.

To get trail descriptions, look for the hiker symbols. At this time, it is not possible to link data to the trail segment. Simply avoid clicking on the trails unless you are looking for an elevation profile, in which case use a right mouse click.

What scale are the maps?

The maps were built using digital data from the federal government captured from various sources. The expected accuracy of the data is 1:50,000. It is possible to zoom and print at scales beyond 1:50,000. Caution should be used when using the map for details beyond the 1:50,000 scale.

Can I download the maps to my GPS?

No. Most GPS units have a proprietary format that does not allow other maps to be loaded. For example; if you bought a Garmin GPS, they want you to buy thier TOPO maps. However, we have a data set that will load into your Mapsource software at no cost.  It covers the mountain parks.   Follow this link 

If you need data for all of Canada, follow this link for the Ibycus data set