This page describes the creation of .EWM (EW Map) files for use with EWView/DOS. EWView/DOS is a program to upload, display and convert barograph and GPS position traces from an EW Flight Recorder which is typically used to record glider flights.
The .EWM files are used to describe the background information displayed on EWView/DOS Map screens - showing where the glider has flown in plan view. The background information can include named points (such as turn points and towns), ground feature lines such as coastlines and airfield boundaries and airspace boundary lines. The .EWM files are also used to define the turn points which can be used on the Task screen to define the task which has been flown.
When EWView/DOS starts up it searches first the current DOS directory and then the directory from which the program was run (i.e., the directory containing EWView.EXE) looking for various files, including any with the file name extension .EWM. If the directory is subsequently changed using the Directory | Change menu option then the new directory is also searched.
Any .EWM files found in the first directory containing .EWM files are used up to a limit of five (5) files. Any excess files are silently ignored.
Generally .EWM files are created using MapComp (documented here). They can also be generated by other programs - see the documentation of the format included below. A .EWM file called LOCAL.EWM can also be created using the EWView/DOS Task window's Local TPs command. Note that LOCAL.EWM counts in the limit of 5 .EWM files recognised by EWView/DOS.
Alternatively, you might prefer to download mapcomp.zip which contains mapcomp.exe and also these web pages which can then be browsed off-line more conveniently. Be sure to specify "-d" when you PKUNZIP this file to create the required directory structure. In WinZip check the "Use Folder Names" box for the same reason.
Ideally, you should use a ZIP program which understands long (Windows 95) filenames. If one is not available then rename the resulting .HTM files to .HTML before attempting to browse.
Not included in mapcomp.zip are some coastline data which you might find useful.
This software is covered by my freebie licence