8.4.2      Import tracks

Land opens standard track formats without problems but some tracks may not be directly compatible with Land because of their format. Information may be missing to fully open the track. In order to correct these errors and import the tracks to Land, proceed as follows:

1.   Select ‘Main menu > File > Import track’.

2.   Select the track that you want to open. Land allows you to open the following track formats:

•     *.CSV

•     *.TXT

3.   These kind of files contain plenty of data that needs to be decrypted by Land. You must specify what kind of separation sign does the file uses to list all the data (in this example: a comma “,”). If you do not specify the separation sign, Land will understand that each line in the document is one single value and will fail to import the track.

4.   Once separated, assign what kind of data is each column referring to (in this example: the first column represents X coordinates, while the second one represents Y coordinates). If you do not assign the concept for each column, Land will fail to import the track.

5.   Check all the default information included in your track. Modify any information that you want to change. Once modified, the newly imported track will contain this new information:

•     Projection: All maps are approximate representations of the surface  of the earth on a flat surface. The creation of any map uses a method that associates each point on the earth’s surface with a point drawn on a map. Different types of cartographic systems are used to make this association. There are several different types of cartographic projection that are classified depending on the areas they cover. Choose the most suitable projection for the track that you are working with:

•     Datum: Datums are used to translate the positions of elements (waypoints/routes/tracks) to the exact position on the earth. Datum systems are needed because the earth is an imperfect ellipsoid. Choose the most suitable datum for the track that you are working with:

•     Advanced unit options: Choose the units that you use to write the deviation of the location of the track on the X, Y and Z axels:

6.   Assign a name for the newly imported track and save it.

7.   Once stored, you will be able to start working with the new track.