Scaling the heights (or lows!)

[Cransford]

Martin and the assembled throng, good afternoon as we claw our way out of lockdown.

I've been having a dabble with a few track plans using the NLS website as source and the inserting background map function, with a fresh start each time in Templot setting the gauge to S4/P4. But, I seem to have hit a problem with sizing, which I hope isn't just operator incompetence!

Looking at the NLS map for Hawkhurst in Kent - https://maps.nls.uk/view/103683476 - and comparing a suitable layout length with the map's scale, I get a straight line distance around 900 feet. Making a wild assumption that P4 is 4mm/1 foot scale, then that should equate to a layout length of circa 3.6 metres. But, when I download the map (following rules of clicking the link button and zooming only with the map icons and clicking green options), the straight line length comes out as 7.5 metres and if you try to place a template in position, the sleeper ends fit between the rails of the map.

I don't seem to have had this problem previously and wonder exactly where I've been going wrong? I've attached the bgs file of the map for your benefit.

Look forward to answers between boiled eggs!

Paul

 

[Martin Wynne]

@Cransford

Hi Paul,

The problem is that the NLS have recently changed their web site. The previous "Find by place" individual map sheets are now called "Map Finder" and are now at different zoom levels. I need to update this in the next Templot program update.

The NLS web site is a constantly moving feast and it is difficult to keep up.

In the meantime if you go into the background shapes and scale the map by 50% it should then be correct, but you need to double-check to be sure on some known dimension (modify shape > scale by... button).

Alternatively the Georeferenced slippy maps are still working as before. So you could start by capturing that one first. Then capture your desired map, set it transparent over the first one, and check the scaling. Note that it won't match exactly because of the georeferenced resampling.

You can then delete the georeferenced map. Don't leave the other one transparent because it severely degrades the Templot screen response and zooming capability.

cheers,

Martin.

 

[Cransford]

Martin,

Many thanks, I was seriously doubting my sanity for a while!

You'd have thought they might have asked your permission before changing things , honestly! I'll have a go at the scaling later when time permits. It might also explain why another site seemed to grow in size unexpectedly!

Cheers,

Paul