[Xastir] Basic maps

[John Kraus]

I have received several off list comments.

Here are the issues:

Copyright

According to Bob WB4APR the maps I am recommending are copyright free for 
ham use.  They were created by hams for hams using tools that were created 
by hams for hams specifically for making maps for APRSdos.

Here is what Bob actually said in reply to my email asking the status of 
the maps.
++++++++++++++++
From: "Robert Bruninga" <bruninga at usna.edu>
To: <flyfisher452 at cox.net>
Subject: Re: Dos Maps

No problems, use them fine
for all amateur purposes.
If someone makes a commercial version,
and makes big bucks, then I want a piece
of the pie <grin>
Bob
++++++++++++++++
As I noted above there is a tool mapfix40.exe at the location below that 
allows anyone to modify these maps.  The tool can also import a GPS track 
to create a new line.  This tool was written in basic and the source is 
available at the same site.  I don't know how hard it would be to port but 
it might make a good starting place for a universal map making tool for 
simple maps.

http://www.cnunix.com/ftp/hamradio/tapr/aprssig/dosstuff/APRSdos/

Yes there are other alternatives.  Many of them would suffice.  I have no 
objection to any of them.  However, as far as I can tell from the comments 
none can be implemented without additional developer time to create and 
assemble the files into the xastir archive.  The dos maps do not require 
creation only insertion.

Here is the decision process as I see it:

Should xastir have a set of lightweight maps as a system default in the 
main distribution package? (small, fast loading, minimal system impact)

I say yes.

If the consensus is yes what are the options?

I say the dos maps are an ideal default set for these reasons.

No copyright issues
modifiable with existing tools
very low system impact
doable now

Insert other options here.

If we reach this point who will do the insertion?

How much space can be allocated in the distribution package?

I am willing to assemble and test on my system until I have a suitable 
selection of maps assembled.  I do have one question though. Does xastir 
use the maplist.txt file?

  The goal of all this is that when the new user starts xastir for the 
first time he will be greeted by a fully working system with usable maps 
that can be zoomed in and out.  This will help him setup his system without 
the frustration that currently occurs.  Not the current blank screen.