Author Topic: Feature request: project tracks to 3D (Read 4741 times)

KanyonKris · « **on:** December 06, 2004, 09:02:46 PM »

I have a feature request:

If I have DEM files for a particular area, I'd like to be able to project a track onto this 3D "surface". This would be handy for drawing a track by hand (2D) then adding the 3D info of the DEM to generate an elevation profile. I have wanted to do this several times when looking for routes in unknown terrain. The 3D view is very handy for this, but an elevation profile for a proposed route is better.

I would also like to use this feature for tracks imported from a GPS. My GPS doesn't have an altimeter and often has poor elevation data. I'd like to be able to convert these tracks to use the DEM elevation data.

Krein · « **Reply #1 on:** December 06, 2004, 09:08:46 PM »

Actually you can already do this. See "climbing analysis." There is a button that will add elevations to all track points in a file. "Add elevation to tracks."

I use it all the time to add elevation to drawn tracks.

KanyonKris · « **Reply #2 on:** December 07, 2004, 09:19:32 AM »

Thanks. Funny thing is I found this just before going to bed last night (too late to post a reply).

This is a nice feature that has more uses than just for climbing analysis. Perhaps it should be accessible via the pop-up menu that appears when you press the right mouse button?

While I really like TopoFusion and all the cool things it can do, its User Interface (UI) sems to be getting harder to navigate. You may want to rethink how the various functions are accesssed. Are they logically grouped? Can they be accessed conveniently? Are they easy to access when the user is in a particular mode? For instance, I feel the function for using DEM data to alter the elevation data of track points should be easily accessible when in the Profile and Playback tool (mode).

Just something to think about. TopoFusion is still my favorite mapping program because you guys have rejected the limitations other mapping programs have accepted. TopoFusion helps me explore, plan routes, and use my GPS data better than any other program. It just seems that new features are being added quickly and maybe it's time to take another look at the UI to make sure all these cool new features are easy to find and are "located in the right place".

Krein · « **Reply #3 on:** December 07, 2004, 08:59:40 PM »

You're right that it isn't in a very logical place. There are a few other places where things could benefit from being moved around, too.