OziExplorer

This is the official web page for the OziExplorer GPS Mapping Software which will work with Magellan, Garmin, Lowrance, Eagle and MLR GPS receivers for the upload/download of data and most brand of GPS receivers for on screen tracking of position (Moving Map).

Version 3.90

This includes Executable file, Help files and Demo files. This copy has a full installation program to guide you through the installation process and create the shortcuts.

If you are upgrading from a older 3.90 version see the upgrade section below.

When you install and run OziExplorer, select the Tutorial (Demonstration Data) option on the Help menu which will guide you through some of the operations and features available within the software.

If you experience download problems where the download slows down and stops you may like to try a download program such as GetRight (http://www.getright.com/) or Gozilla (http://www.gozilla.com/) which can manage the download process and even resume broken downloads. If you are not into this sort of thing email me and I will get you the file by other means.

Download the OziExplorer Software into a folder on your hard disk. Run the Installation program "ozisetup3.exe" - this is a self extracting installation program which will install OziExplorer.

On this page you will find extra modules or utilities to add extra functionality or features to OziExplorer.

Img2Ozf.exe * Geotiff Support * HTML Help Updates * Ozi Help Engine * Maptech PCX and RML Chart Support * Support Files for reading ECW Maps * Symbols for Magellan POI's

Note : To use the "trial" version you must have downloaded and installed the Demo version of Oziexplorer (download option 1) to get the additional files needed to run OziExplorer properly.

The name of the exe file is different so it will not overwrite the shareware/demo version.

The trial version is available so you can evaluate and test the "registered only" features before making your decision to register.

To evaluate OziExplorer you need to use both the "shareware/demo" version and the "trial" version as they have different functions activated.

The trial version has almost all the features which are available to registered users turned on. The following registered features are available * Selectable Datums * Multipoint Map Calibration * Import USGS DRG maps, BSB charts, Maptech Charts * UTM & other Grid coordinates systems * Map Projections * MapView * Use Map images in TIF, PNG, JPG+other Formats * Adjust Options for Moving Map Navigation.

No communication with the GPS for upload/download * No saving or loading of Waypoints, Events, Tracks etc * No saving of map as bitmap file * will close down after 1 hour of continuous running.

How to Register (Purchase)
Click here for information on how to Register OziExplorer
Following this link allows you to Register online

If you are upgrading from a version prior to 3.90 (3.85 or 3.80 or previous) you should download the full installation from "Download Option 1" to make sure you get all the new files required. Install the new version over the top of the old version, it will use most of your existing settings and registration.

If you are upgrading from a 3.90 version you only need download the exe file and the help file, click on these links below.

Unzip the files and copy them to the oziexplorer folder, it will use your existing settings and registration.

Index Maps. A few maps to use as Index Maps (examples only). A small World Map, an Australian Map and a Canada Map. Run the self-extracting exe file and put the maps into a folder called Index Maps under the folder where OziExplorer is installed.

World Cities Names database for use with Names Search feature in OziExplorer. Run the self-extracting exe file and put the database files into a folder called Name Search under the folder where OziExplorer is installed.

To obtain the Index Maps or World Cities Database files, click on these links below.

This section deals with parts of the software which are under active development but not in the currently released version.

File Support for Depth - OziExplorer 3.81 and above provides support for reading the depth from a file, this allows depth data to be obtained from other sources such as a Depth Sounder which can output NMEA. A Visual Basic 5 program (source is available if required) is available to read the depth from the sounder. This program simply reads the NMEA strings from a Sounder and writes the $xxDBT string to the file which OziExplorer can then read. OziExplorer detects this file and adjusts its altitude readout to depth. OziSounder.exe must be running before starting moving map mode in OziExplorer. Download OziSounder.zip

Note : OziExplorer version 3.85 (or later) can read the DBT NMEA sentence direct without using OziSounder, but of course the DBT sentence and the GPS sentences must both come in via the same serial port. There are hardware solutions to enable 2 input streams from independent hardware devices to be mixed together and then input into the one port but I have no knowledge of what is available.

File Support for Moving Map - OziExplorer 3.80 and above provides support for reading the moving map position from a file, this allows position data to be obtained from other sources such as APRS or GPS receivers which do not have standard NMEA output. A Visual Basic 5 program with source is available here to demonstrate the file writing techniques. This program simply reads the NMEA strings from a GPS and writes the $GPRMC string to the file which OziExplorer can then read. Download mmfileprog.zip

Requirements

A PC running Windows 95/98/ME/XP/NT4/2000.
Most Lowrance, Eagle, Garmin or Magellan GPS receivers.
Any GPS receiver which outputs NMEA 0183 sentences can be used for moving map (real time tracking) mode.
Maps of your particular area of the world which you purchase in digital form or can scan and calibrate yourself from paper charts.
English language only (actually that's Australian English).

The name Ozi is Australian slang for ... Australian

OziExplorer is interactive, raster image, trip planning and moving map software which allows the user to add Waypoints, Routes and Tracks to the Map by simple point & click and then download these to a GPS.

Features

Scan and calibrate your own maps or charts.
Use maps in various formats which can be purchased in digital form (BSB, Maptech, USGS DRG).
Direct support for most Lowrance/Eagle, Garmin and Magellan GPS receivers for Uploading and Downloading Waypoints, Routes and Tracks.
Supports Upload/Download of Events for Lowrance/Eagle GPS receivers.
Create Tracks on the map and upload to the GPS (Lowrance/Eagle, Garmin and Magellan), not all GPS models support this function..
Specify permanent Map features and display a picture for each feature.Place symbols and comments on the Map.
Over 100 map Datums supported.
Numerous Grid systems, including UTM, BNG, IG, Swiss, Swedish, NZG + others.
Numerous Map Projections supported.
Print Maps and Waypoint Lists.
+ much, much more.

Graphics by Lorraine Newman

OziExplorer was written for my own personal use when preparing for my 4x4 trips and turned out to be extremely useful, and looks pretty good too. The software is being released as Shareware with the unregistered version being available for download.

How to Register (Purchase)
Click here for information on how to Register OziExplorer
Following this link allows you to Register online