I keep losing the background map after logging out and back in again.

[Royal42]

Hello,
I am fairly new to Templot, I have watched the video on how to upload a map in background and then drawn a few templates; however, each time I log off I seem to lose the background map I loaded, even though I did save everything. When I log in the next time, I open the background tab and select the file I saved but all I get is the standard blue screen with just two or three track sections and no map.
I would be very grateful if someone could provide me with a step by step guide as to how I can save a map so that it is there when I come back to it the next day.
I am using a desktop PC with Windows10 operating system, and the map I am trying to load is an OS map of Birmingham New Street Station. I couldn't find an NLS map that showed the tracks, just the covered area over them.
Another related query, can I upload a saved background map from my hard drive? I have scanned a paper copy and would like to use that if possible.

In the meantime, I am currently reading Allan Fergusons " getting started" thread.

cheers,
Mike

 

[Martin Wynne]

@Royal42

Hi Mike,

Welcome to Templot Club.

Maps are background picture shapes. Background shapes are saved in BGS3 files separately from your track templates (which are in BOX files).

To save your map and any other background shapes before quitting Templot, and reload them next time, use these menu items:

Yes, you can use a scanned map from your computer. The easy way is to simply drag and drop the image file onto the trackpad.

Or click this menu item to see all the options and read the notes:

Ask again if you need more.

cheers,

Martin.

 

[Royal42]

Hello Martin,
thank you very much for this. I shall spend the weekend reading and practicing with this info. Is there a filesize limit for dragging a scanned image into Templot? I scanned the map at high res., just to get the track width details, and the file is 23 Mb.

cheers,
Mike

 

[Martin Wynne]

Is there a filesize limit for dragging a scanned image into Templot? I scanned the map at high res., just to get the track width details, and the file is 23 Mb.

@Royal42

Hi Mike,

There is no dropped file size limit in Templot. There might be in Windows, try it and see.

More important than the file size is the image size in pixels (dots). Very large images may cause the Templot screen to be slow to respond. If you are working over a large image it is convenient to turn it off when you don't need it by pressing the SHIFT+HOME keys. For example you don't need the map while shoving timbers or adjusting check rails.

A very large picture shape image will also cause the BGS3 file to be very slow to load. It will load eventually.

cheers,

Martin.

 

[Martin Wynne]

@Royal42

p.s. Mike.

While working with maps you might like to try experimenting with the new map clarity functions:

Which can convert something like this:

to something like this:

which is much easier to work over.

cheers,

Martin.

 

[Royal42]

I'm really glad I signed up to Templot, I have learned two very interesting things already and I'm looking forward to putting them into practice.
Thanks again,
Mike

 

[Hayfield]

@Royal42

p.s. Mike.

While working with maps you might like to try experimenting with the new map clarity functions:

View attachment 1784

Which can convert something like this:

View attachment 1783

to something like this:

which is much easier to work over.

cheers,

Martin.

Martin

Thanks, I never spot these things even though they are very obvious

 

[Royal42]

Hi Martin,
thank you, it worked fine and the map reloads again after logging in. I still have one little niggle and it is that I inserted and sized the map and then saved it, but it is just slightly out by about 0.5mm when laying the template over it. It's not much but it will affect the layout over distance; however, I cannot seem to find any way of adjusting the map again without removing it and starting again.
I'd be grateful again for advice on this.
cheers,
Mike

 

[Martin Wynne]

@Royal42

Hi Mike,

Select it in the shapes list and then click the change dimensions... button or the re-size... button:

Or use the size or move corner mouse actions.

cheers,

Martin.