Drawing Orienteering Maps in OCADIn OCAD you can import spatial data, old orienteering maps, derive own base maps with LiDAR data and combine them. 3.1 Raster Base Map Typically, the

Drawing Orienteering Maps

in OCAD

Copyright © 1988 – 2019 OCAD AG

www.ocad.com

Drawing Orienteering Maps in OCAD

Copyright © 1988 – 2019 OCAD AG Page 2

About this Document

This document was produced for an OCAD course. More information about OCAD and Mapping can

be found in our highly recommended Wiki (https://ocad.com/wiki/ocad/en/index.php?title=O-

mapping_with_OCAD) or in the PDF Getting Started with OCAD, which you can download from the

Help Menu of the OCAD software.

The focus of this document is how to draw an orienteering map with OCAD. It doesn’t matter if you

start a new mapping project or update an old existing map.

Suggestions and complements are welcomed at all times: [email protected] .

Baar, January 2019

OCAD® is a registered trademark of OCAD AG.

OCAD AG

Mühlegasse 36

CH - 6340 Baar / Switzerland

Tel (+41) 41 763 18 60

Fax (+41) 41 763 18 64

[email protected]

http://www.ocad.com

https://ocad.com/wiki/ocad/en/index.php?title=O-mapping_with_OCAD

https://ocad.com/wiki/ocad/en/index.php?title=O-mapping_with_OCAD

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.ocad.com/



Table of Contents

1 About OCAD .............................................................................................................................................. 4

1.1 Run OCAD ......................................................................................................................................... 4

1.2 OCAD User Interface ....................................................................................................................... 4

1.3 OCAD Help ....................................................................................................................................... 5

1.4 Service Update ................................................................................................................................. 5

2 New Map.................................................................................................................................................... 6

2.1 Start a New Map File ........................................................................................................................ 6

2.2 Set a Map .......................................................................................................................................... 6

2.3 Georeferencing ................................................................................................................................ 7

3 Create the Base Map for the Field Work ................................................................................................ 8

3.1 Raster Base Map .............................................................................................................................. 8

3.2 Preparation of LiDAR Data .............................................................................................................. 9

3.3 Import Vector Data ........................................................................................................................ 14

3.4 Revision of an Existing Orienteering Map .................................................................................... 15

4 Prepare your field work for digitizing .................................................................................................... 16

4.1 Scan Field Work, Open it as a Background Map and Adjust ................................................... 16

4.2 Background Map Options ............................................................................................................ 16

4.3 Hide Background Maps................................................................................................................. 17

5 Draw an Object on the Map .................................................................................................................. 18

5.1 Drawing Generally ......................................................................................................................... 18

5.2 Draw a Point Object ...................................................................................................................... 18

5.3 Draw a Line and Area Object ...................................................................................................... 19

6 Edit Objects.............................................................................................................................................. 24

6.1 General Editing ............................................................................................................................... 24

6.2 Remove, Move, Reshape, Change the Symbol ........................................................................ 24

6.3 Edit Line Objects ............................................................................................................................. 26

6.4 Edit Area Objects ........................................................................................................................... 27

7 Check Legibility of your Map ................................................................................................................ 28

8 Colors and Symbols ................................................................................................................................ 29

8.1 Colors ............................................................................................................................................... 29

8.2 Symbols ............................................................................................................................................ 29

9 Print and Export ....................................................................................................................................... 30

9.1 Print Map ......................................................................................................................................... 30

9.2 Export Map as PDF ......................................................................................................................... 31

9.3 Export Encrypted OCAD Files ....................................................................................................... 32

10 Options ..................................................................................................................................................... 33

10.1 OCAD Preferences ........................................................................................................................ 33

10.2 Shortcuts .......................................................................................................................................... 33

10.3 Language........................................................................................................................................ 33

11 Excursion .................................................................................................................................................. 34

11.1 Symbol Tree and Symbol Status Manager .................................................................................. 34



1 About OCAD

1.1 Run OCAD

OCAD Orienteering and OCAD Mapping Solution are available as 64-bit version and 32-bit version.

The OCAD Setup installs both versions.

For normal use, the 32-bit version is sufficient. Please note, the 64-bit version isn't faster than the 32-bit

version. The big advantage of 64-bit is that OCAD can allocate more than 3 GB RAM if available on

the computer. That is important when loading huge raster background maps or DEM files.

Run OCAD Orienteering 32-bit.

1.2 OCAD User Interface

Structure of the OCAD User Interface



1.3 OCAD Help

OCAD Help

For help, go to the Help Menu, press the Help

button in the dialogs or the F1 key.

The Help menu includes following topics:

Contents:

Opens the OCAD Main Page.

Menu:

Opens the OCAD Wiki Menu Page.

Toolbar:

Opens the OCAD Wiki Toolbar Page.

Tutorials:

Opens the OCAD Wiki Tutorials Page.

What’s New:

See the newly added functions.

OCAD Homepage:

Open the OCAD Homepage.

OCAD Service Update:

See next chapter 1.3.

OCAD Learn Videos:

Opens the OCAD YouTube Channel with Learn

Videos.

Getting Started with OCAD: PDF in many

different languages, in which the OCAD basic

functions are described and on which this

document is based.

OCAD Blog:

Opens the OCAD Blog.

License Transfer Utility:

Opens the License Transfer Utility to transfer you

license to other people.

License Manager:

The License Manager tool shows an overview

about the OCAD licenses which are assigned to

your organization (company or association).

About OCAD:

See your license information and current version

of OCAD.

1.4 Service Update

The service updates correct minor problems and add the latest cartography tools and enhancements

to your OCAD. It is strongly recommended to keep your OCAD up to date and install the newest

Service Update.

Click on the OCAD Service Update function in the Help menu to download it.

OCAD has to be closed for installing the Service Update.



2 New Map

2.1 Start a New Map File

Learn how to start a new map in OCAD.

In the Menu, go to File → New…

Dialog New File

Map type: Orienteering map

In this example, we start a new forest

orienteering map in the scale 1:10‘000.

Load symbol set from:

→ Orienteering Map ISOM 2017 10 000.ocd

→ Map scale 1:10’000

For a sprint orienteering map in scale

1:4‘000, use the symbol set Orienteering Map

5 000 ISSOM.ocd and set the map scale to

1:4’000 in the bottom of this dialog.

→ OK

Before you start mapping you should

define the map scale.

Especially for sprint maps it is a time-

consuming job to change the map scale from

1:5’000 to 1:4’000 later on. A lot of objects

have to been shifted.

2.2 Set a Map

You have to define the coordinate of the map center and the coordinate system of the new map.

Therefore, the georeferenced files (Orthophotos, LiDAR derived background maps) and the GPS files

will be automatically correctly positioned.

→ Map → Set Scale and Coordinate System…

Do not change the Map scale in this dialog

after you have started drawing a map!

Otherwise the map has a wrong scale. Change

map scale in Map → Change Scale… if needed.



Coordinate System

→ Select Real-world coordinates

→ Easting offset/ Northing offset:

Enter the coordinates in the center of the map,

rounded in km.

→ Angle:

Enter the deviation from the magnetic North to

the coordinate system. At the moment there are

0-degree deviation in Switzerland.

→ Grid distance:

Easiest equal to the distance between the North

Lines.

(e.g. 250 m at maps in the scale of 10‘000)

→ Coordinate System:

Choose the coordinate system (see 2.3).

→ OK

2.3 Georeferencing

Georeferencing means, that you assign space-related reference information to objects in a spatial

reference system. Shortly: A georeferenced map is assigned to a coordinate system.

OCAD supports many different coordinate systems.

Map → Set Scale and Coordinate System: Click on the button Choose.

→ Choose Coordinate system and Zone → OK



3 Create the Base Map for the Field Work

Before you go mapping into the terrain, you should try to create the best possible base map. The more

you invest in your base map, the faster and more accurate your mapping will be.

In OCAD you can import spatial data, old orienteering maps, derive own base maps with LiDAR data

and combine them.

3.1 Raster Base Map

Typically, the orthophotos and topographic maps for orienteering maps are delivered as raster files.

OCAD supports, among others, the most common used raster files: JPG, TIFF and PNG.

Orthophotos and topographic maps are mostly georeferenced. Raster files are georeferenced, when

the pixels are referenced with the coordinates. Normally the georeferencing data is saved in a world

file. The world file has the same file name as the raster file, but with another file extension: JPG → JGW,

TIFF → TFW, PNG → PGW.

When you get a base map file you have to check the coordinate system.

3.1.1 Open not Georeferenced Raster Base Map as a Background Map

→ Background Map → Open

Dialog Background map

→ Resolution: 300 dpi (standard OCAD)

→ Draft scale:

Scale of the base map e.g. 5000

→ Angle:

Enter here the scale if the background map is

rotated (e.g. 90° rotated from scanning).

→ OK

→ Background map → Adjust (F9 as shortcut)

Adjust a Background Map

When the background map has a coordinate

grid: Show screen grid

→ Standard Toolbar → Show Screen Grid→

Now you can adjust the coordinates of the

background map with the coordinates of the

map:

1. Click on a cross of the coordinate system in

the background map.

2. Click on the same cross of the coordinate

system in the map.

1. Click

178000/619000

on the background

map

2. Click

178000/619000

on the map



Adjust the map at least at 3 different spots.

→ Enter key

With the Enter key the adjustment is executed.

The background map is rotated and stretched

to get the best fit for the adjustment points.

The adjustment can be repeated until you are

satisfied with the adjustment.

Print the Map with the Grid

We recommend you to print the grid on the

base map. Thereby you can adjust your

scanned base map easier.

In the dialog Print select Print screen grid and

choose the Grid color.

Print map: see chapter 9

3.1.2 Open Georeferenced Raster Base Map as Background Map


The Background map is automatically placed

properly.

Print Base Map with Grid (see 3.1.1)

3.2 Preparation of LiDAR Data

LiDAR data is often a base for orienteering maps and highly recommended to use if available. LiDAR

data is available as a point cloud in the las/laz file format. With LiDAR data, you can easily get lot of

information about the terrain and the vegetation, which will make mapping much faster and more

accurate.

Las files are very large and the calculating needs a lot of memory (RAM). Because of that it is

recommended to import the Las files with the 64-bit Version of OCAD.

3.2.1 Preparation of LiDAR Data

Start the DEM Wizard (Digital Elevation

Model)

DEM → DEM Import Wizard…

Choose DEM import files

Click the Add button and select the

desired files. Besides las files, you can also

import xyz, asc, hgt or gml files. However,

the full functionality of the DEM Wizard

can only be used with las files.

In this dialogue you can also choose the

desired extend.

1+2

Coordinate

178000/619000

adjusted



→ Next

This step may need a bit of time to

process, depending on the size of your

data.

Settings

On the right side you can select the

products, that you desire to generate

with your data.

Depends on the available data, this

option can differ. In this example las files

are imported.

Here you can also choose your favorite

folder (in the upper right corner under File

name) where all files should be stored.

→ Next

LAS Settings

In the next dialog you can set the option,

if you want to create a DTM (Digital

Terrain Model), DSM (Digital Surface

Model) and/or an ocdLas file. Choose

also which classifications and impulses

should be used from the point cloud for

the DTM and the DSM.

Check the option Load intensity map and

classification map as background map.

→ Next

Create Contour Lines

If you want to generate Contour Lines:

Activate both boxes Create custom

contours (no smoothing) and Create

smoothed contours using TPI (smoothed

contours).

Choose as contour interval e.g.

1m/5m/25m.

Click on Load symbols from template to

get 12 line symbols at the bottom of your

symbol box. The boxes will be filled

automatically.

Choose Use different symbols for

depression to distinguish depressions from

hills.

→ Next

Create Hypsometric Map

This map may be useful for visualisation,

but is obsolete for mapping purpose.

→ Next



Create Hill Shading

This function calculates a shaded relief

picture (hill shading). The standard

settings deliver good result.

→ Next

Create Slope Gradient

Choose the slope gradient method and

enter the slope gradient threshold. The

standard settings deliver good result.

Check Extract cliff features from black

pixels to get cliff features as vector

symbol.

→ Next

Classify Vegetation Height

This function shows the height of the

Vegetation.

Define classes with a height and color

range. The standard settings deliver

good result.

Extract Features

This function extracts automatically

landform and vegetation features from

your data. The function is

computationally intensive and may take

a while.

Summary

The Summary dialog shows the progress

of the different functions. During the

calculation, a message concerning

georeferncing the map will pop up

(unless the map is already

georefernced). Do not change anything

and click on Ok

3.2.1 Use of LiDAR Data Output

After finishing the DEM Wizard, the dialog closes automatically and the results are shown.

All raster maps are loaded as background maps. You can change the visibility in the first column.

Background Map → Manage…

Contour lines, cliff features and extracted features are assigned to the corresponding symbols in the

Symbol box.

All files are stored in the folder you can specify in the DEM Settings.



How to use the output?

As you probably noticed, not all output

files and derived data are useful. We

can give you the following

recommendations:

Intensity map and Vegetation Height

Map

The Intensity map can be useful for

mapping. You can see quite

well Vegetation boundaries, forest

tracks, single trees and open parts in

the forest.

The Vegetation Height Map is a very

useful background map. You cannot

see Vegetation boundaries like on the

Intensity Map, but also forest tracks,

single trees and open parts in the

forest, especially small open parts in

dense vegetation. Furthermore, it gives

you information about the density of

the vegetation.

Contours

For mapping in the terrain, use the

custom contour lines as background,

where you have all details on it

(provided you choose the contour

interval small enough. 1m is an

appropriate interval.)

To draw contour lines on the PC, first

calculate and load the TPI contours

and adapt them afterwards where

needed. Use the Reshape function for

adapting. Keep in mind, that these

contours are smoothed and therefore

not include all details. Some valleys or

ridges appear flatter than they

actually are. Nevertheless, especially in

steep and constant slopes, the biggest

part of the TPI contours can be

adopted to your map without

redrawing. You save a lot of time with



it.

The distinction in hills and depression is

recommended, as you get a faster

and better understanding of the

terrain.

Hill shading map and Slope gradient

map

The Hill shading map can be useful to

detect point and line objects like pits,

paths or watercourses.

The Slope gradient map also shows

paths or relief features like the Hill

Shading Map.

Extract features

This function is (1) very dependent on

the quality of the data and (2) the

results should be treated with caution.

In terms of LiDAR data, a small knoll

looks very similar to a cluster of

branches, a tree stump or a small fir

tree. However, the results can give you

a hint, which places you should check

carefully during fieldwork.

Summary

As you can see, there are several

background maps which are very

useful for mapping.

For best usage, you can arrange

background maps is a way, that the

information of several background

maps is visible. In the OCAD Menu, go

to Background Map -> Manage. Here

you can set your favorite background

maps visible. To see several

background maps at once, make

them visible and use Dimming. When

you print this map, all important

information is on one paper.

When you go mapping with a tablet

PC, you can easily switch between all

the background maps.



3.3 Import Vector Data

Vector data can also be used to create the base map. The advantage is that vector data contain

point, line, area and text objects which are directly converted to map objects during the import into

OCAD. It saves a lot of time because especially in urban surroundings many map objects can be

created automatically instead of being digitized manually.

Governmental data is generally available as DXF or Shape files. OCAD can also import other vector

data formats like PDF, AI, SVG or OSM (Open Street Map).

→ File → Import…

Dialog Import DXF File

Offset: Enter new coordinate offset if it is not

already set.

→ OK

The vector data is shown as Unsymbolized

objects in the drawing area. You can symbolize

the objects automatically:

→ Map → Convert Imported Layers to Symbols…

Dialog Convert Imported Layers to Symbol

CRT file → Load…

In the part Imported layer all layers appear with

the corresponding symbols.

→ Execute



The map now shows all objects with the

assigned symbols.

Alternatively, select Layer by Layer and assign each manually to a symbol.

- Select-> Select Objects by Symbol

- Choose a layer in All objects in Layer and click OK.

- Select the desired new symbol in the Symbol box and go to Object-> Change Symbol

(Selected Objects)

3.4 Revision of an Existing Orienteering Map

If you use an old orienteering map as a base map for the revision, you have to consider following

points:

• Control if the scale is proper.

• Check the declination.

• Correct the symbol set and match it to the current international specification.

• Convert freehand lines into curves.

• Delete disturbing objects. The base map shouldn’t contain any dark area objects.

The preparation of an existing OCAD file for a revision needs experience. It is recommended to consult

an experienced map drawer or a map consultant.

If your map is not georeferenced or no LiDAR/cadastral data has been used before, we recommend

you to start your new map from scratch. As you could see in the chapters above, high quality base

maps can be produced in a minute, where all objects are at the right place.



4 Prepare your field work for digitizing

4.1 Scan Field Work, Open it as a Background Map and Adjust

Scan field work and save it in a raster

format (JPG, TIFF or PNG).


Adjust a Background Map

Now you have to adjust the field work with

the map (see 2.3):

1. Click on a cross of the coordinate system

in the background map.

2. Click on the same cross of the coordinate

system in the map.

Step 1 and 2 can be repeated. (Ideally with

four points: A, B, C, D)

Press the Enter key to complete the

adjustment. The background map is rotated

and stretched to get the best fit for the

adjustment points.

The adjustment can be repeated until you

are happy.

The function Adjust background map has

the key F9 as a shortcut.

4.2 Background Map Options

The single background maps can be managed with the background map options.

→ Background Map → Manage

Or click on this symbol in the toolbar.

Dialog Manage Background Maps

You see all the background maps.



→ V (Visibility): on/off

Show/hide the background map. The map

stays always adjusted.

→ F (Favorites): on/off

Choose the background map, that are

shown, if you choose the draft mode (Menu

→ View).

→ Dim: 0…100%

Dim the background map (eg. 40%) to see

better several background maps at once.

→ T (Transparency): on/off

Transparency on = subjacent background

maps are shown.

Transparency off = you see only the highest

background map from the table.

The order of the background maps can

be changed with icon or with drag

and drop.

→ Remove all

All background maps are removed.

→ Remove

The selected background map is removed.

If you remove a non-georeferenced background

map, you have to adjust it once more after you

opened it again.

4.3 Hide Background Maps

→ Background Map → Hide All: on/off

On = All background maps are hidden.

This function has the key F10.

(See also ‚Shortcuts’, Chapter 10.2).



5 Draw an Object on the Map

5.1 Drawing Generally

To draw an object, click on the symbol in the symbol box first, then choose the drawing tool in the

toolbar and finally draw the object in the drawing area.

There are six different symbol types:

• Point Object

• Line Object

• Area Object

• Text Object

• Line Text Object

• Rectangle Object

It is recommended to draw the point and line objects first and at the end the area objects,

because they cover the background map.

5.2 Draw a Point Object

You have two different types of point objects, the one, that are orientated to the North (e.g. small

depression, pit, small tower) and the other one, that has to be drawn orientated to the landscape.

(e.g. spring, cave)

Point Object, Orientated to the North

1. Choose a point symbol in the symbol

box.

2. Select any drawing mode in the

drawing toolbar.

3. Click a position in the drawing window.

The object appears orientated to the North.

1.

2.

3.

Point Object, Orientated


box.

2. Select any drawing mode in the

drawing toolbar.

3. Click a position in the drawing mode

and move it to the wanted direction

while you are pressing the left mouse

button. Release the left mouse button.

The object appears orientated to the line.

1.

2.

3.

Draw Multiple Point Objects


box.

2. Select the drawing tool drawing multiple

1.

2.



point objects

3. Draw a line

4. Enter the number of objects

The defined number of objects are drawn.

3.

4.

5.3 Draw a Line and Area Object

There are different drawing tools to draw line or area objects:

• Straight Line: Cultivation boundaries, fences, walls, power lines etc.

• Rectangular Line: Fences, walls, ruins etc.

• Rectangular Area: Buildings etc.

• Curve: Contour, roads, tracks, paths, water courses, erosion gullies, earth banks etc.

• Freehand: Don’t use this drawing tool. It is obsolete.

5.3.1 Line, Rectangular Area and Rectangular Line

Line

1. Choose a line symbol in the symbol box.

2. Select the drawing tool Straight line

mode.

3. Position the cursor at the point where

you want to start the line, then click and

hold the left mouse button and drag the

cursor in the desired direction. The help

line provides a preview of the line that

has just been drawn.

4. To add a vertex to the straight line,

release the left mouse button. Now press

and hold the left mouse button once

more and drag the cursor in the desired

direction. Repeat this process as often

as necessary.

5. Finish: Click with the left mouse button.

1.

2.

3.



Rectangular Line

1. Choose a line symbol in the symbol box.

2. Select the drawing tool rectangular line

mode.

Repeat the step 3-5 from Line drawing. The

difference is that at every corner has an

angle of 90 degrees.

1.

2.

3.

Rectangular Area

1. Choose a line or area symbol in the

symbol box.

2. Select the drawing tool rectangular

mode

3. Position the cursor on one of the corners

of the longest side of the rectangular

area. Press and hold the left mouse

button and drag the cursor along the

longest side to the next corner.

4. When the cursor reaches the corner,

release the left mouse button and then

press it again. Hold the left mouse

button and drag the cursor towards the

next corner.

5. Finish: Click with the mouse at the

second least side.

1.

2.

3.

5.3.2 Curve

The drawing tool Curve Mode is used to draw contours, roads, tracks, paths, water courses, erosion

gullies, earth banks etc.

Bezier course should be drawn with as few as possible vertexes. Therefore, you have a smoother

object and it is easier to do some corrections later.

Drawing Tool Curve Mode

1. Choose a symbol in the symbol box.

2. Select the drawing tool Curve mode

3. Position the cursor at the point where

you want to start the line, click and hold

the left mouse button and drag the

cursor to form the radius you want and

release the left mouse button.

4. Add a vertex: Position the cursor at the

next inflection, click and hold the left

mouse button and drag the cursor to

form the radius you want and release

the left mouse button.

5. Finish: Click with the left mouse button.

1.

2.

3.



Slight curvatures: Position the vertex at

the curvature points.

Strong curvatures (e.g. depression):

Position a vertex before the curvature, in

the curvature maximum and after the

curvature.

You can create a corner vertex by

dragging two tangents from the same

vertex point. Curve: Tangents 2 and 3 start

at the same point but move in different

directions. A Corner vertex is created.

Delete vertex: While drawing press the

Backspace key, the vertexes are deleted in

reverse.

Edit tangent point: While drawing it is

possible to edit the least two tangent points:

Before you click with the mouse for a new

vertex, release the mouse and go to the

tangent point (A). The edit tool change

temporary to Edit Vertex and the tangent

point can be edited (B). Then you can

continue drawing (C).

5.3.3 Ellipse and Circle

Ellipse and Circle


2. Select the drawing tool Ellipse mode or

Circle mode

3. Ellipse: Position the cursor at the beginning

of the longer ellipse axis, then press and

hold the left mouse button while dragging

the cursor towards the end of the axis.

Position the cursor at the beginning of the

shorter ellipse axis, then press and hold the

left mouse button and drag the cursor

towards the end of the axis. Release the

mouse button.

Circle: Position the cursor at the edge of the

object, then press and hold the left mouse

button while dragging the cursor to the

opposite edge. Release the mouse button.

You can also drag the circle from the center

point. Simply press and hold the Shift key and

drag a radius.

The outlines are drawn as a Bezier curve so

you can move the vertexes.

1.

2.

3.

B

A C



5.3.4 Tips to draw

Draft Mode

The drawing area can be shown transparent, so

you see also the background map under the

map:

View → Draft Mode.

In the view toolbar appears a double slider bar

for adjusting the transparency of the map (M)

and the background map (B).

Following Existing Objects

Area objects are often limited by line objects.

You can follow existing line or area objects

without having to redraw them. (e.g. draw Open

Land along the street and the cultivation

boundary)


2. Select a drawing tool.

3. Press the Ctrl key and click on the starting

point of the existing object with the left

mouse button (A). Click the cursor at the

ending point and then release the mouse

button (B). Press the left mouse button at

the starting point on the street line (B) and

release the mouse button at the finish point

(C). Go so on to (D)+(E).

The Ctrl key has to be pressed always

except if you want to draw middle sections

without following an object.

1.

2.

3.

Fill/Border

An existing line or area can be filled with an area

object. (e.g. cultivation boundary filled with

rough open land)

1. Select the Select Objects and Edit Vertex

icon in the toolbar.

2. Click on the object (cultivation boundary).

3. Click on a symbol (rough open land) in the

symbol box.

4. Click on the Fill or make border icon in

the Edit Functions Toolbar.

The line object is filled with the area object.

1.

2.

3.

4.

A

B

C D

E



Continue an Existing Object

An existing object can be continued. (e.g.

continue narrow ride)

1. Select the symbol and the drawing tool

2. Press the Shift key and click on the end of

the object and continue drawing.

1.

2.



6 Edit Objects

6.1 General Editing

To edit an object, there are many edit tools:

Edit tools in the Edit and Drawing Toolbar

Edit functions in the Edit Functions Toolbar

To edit an object, the object has to been selected:

Select and Edit Object(s) e.g. move an object

Select Object and Edit Vertex e.g. insert, move, remove a vertex

6.2 Remove, Move, Reshape, Change the Symbol

Delete an Object

1. Select the Select and Edit Object(s) icon in

the Edit and Drawing Toolbar.

2. Click on the Delete key.

1.

2.

Move an Object



2. Click on the object and move it to the new

position with the left mouse button pressed.

Release the left mouse button to finish the

movement.

Use the arrow keys

Use the Shift key and the arrow keys to move

the object rapidly.

1.

2.

Move Vertexes

(e.g. change the watercourse line).


icon in the Edit and Drawing Toolbar.

2. Click on the line object

3. Move the vertex to the new position with the

left mouse button pressed. Release the left

mouse button to complete.

1.

2.+3.

Add a Vertex

1. Select the Normal Vertex icon in the Edit

and Drawing Toolbar and click on the

position to add it.

1.



A Vertex can also be added, when you press

the Shift and Ctrl key simultaneous while clicking

on the object.

Remove Vertex

1. Select the Remove Vertex icon in the Edit

and Drawing Toolbar and click on the vertex

to remove it.

Several vertexes can be removed, when you

press the Ctrl key and go with the mouse over

the vertexes.

1.

Move Segments

To move two vertexes together, click between

the vertexes and move it with the pressed left

mouse button to the new position.

Reshape

Existing lines and areas can be efficiently edited

with the edit tool Reshape.



2. Click on the object

3. Choose a Drawing tool and after that

choose the edit tool Reshape.

4. Draw the new section of the object at the

beginning and ending vertex locations.

Note the start and the finish vertexes start

and end exactly on the existing line object.

5. This process can also be used to modify

area objects.

1.

2.

3.

4.

Change Symbol

(e.g. change a high fence to a fence)



2. Click on the object (e.g. High fence).

3. Click on the new symbol in the Symbol Box

(e.g. Fence).

4. Click on the Change Symbol icon in the

Edit Function Toolbar. The object changes to

the new symbol.

5. You can change object of the same type

by choosing the change all objects icon.

1.

2.

3.

4.



6.3 Edit Line Objects

Cut a Line

(e.g. break the contour at a small knoll).



2. Click on the line object.

3. Select the Cut icon in the Edit and Drawing

Toolbar.

4. Click on the first intersection (A), move the

cursor with the pressed left mouse button to

the second intersection (B). Release the left

mouse button. There will now be a gap

between the two points.

If the lines should be divided, click at the

position once.

1.

2.

3.

4.

Merge Lines

(e.g. merge two contours).



2. Click on the first object (A).

3. Press the Shift key and click on the second

object (B).

4. Select the Merge icon in the Edit Function

Toolbar.

To do this the connections points have to be

in contact.

1.

2.+3.

4.

Reverse Object Direction

(e.g. earth bank, when the slope lines are

looking uphill)



2. Click on the object.

3. Select the Reverse Object icon in the

Edit Function Toolbar.

1.+2.

3.

Move Parallel

(e.g. a watercourse along a track)

1. Draw the watercourse following the existing

track (see 5.3.4).

1.

2.

B

B

A

A





3. Click on the drawn object.

4. Select the Move Parallel icon in the Edit and

Drawing Toolbar.

5. Click on the watercourse (A) and move it

away from the track with the pressed left

mouse button (B).

3.

4.

5.

6.4 Edit Area Objects

Cut Area

(e.g. Cut a thicket)



2. Click on the area object.

3. Select the Cut Area icon in the edit toolbar.

4. Click on the first intersection at the border

(A), move the cursor to the second

intersection at the border with the pressed

left mouse button (B). Release the left

mouse button. You now have two objects.

1.

2.

Cut Hole

(e.g. forest in an open land)



2. Click on the area object.

3. Select a drawing mode (Curve, Ellipse,

Circle etc.)

4. Draw the hole in the area object.

Variation: Draw the hole by following an

existing line (see 3.4.2).

Ctrl key + click on the starting point (A). set

the cursor on the finish point on the line and

release the Ctrl key (B).

1.

3.

4.

B

A

B A



7 Check Legibility of your Map

The term Generalisation deals with the question, which objects are important and should be on a map

and which are not. The problem is seldom that there are too few objects on a orienteering map, but

often are there too many and too small objects. This has to do with more accurate background maps,

on which you see every detail.

OCAD has a function called Check Legibility that helps you verifying your map.

Use this function to check minimum distances between objects, minimum length of line objects or

minimum size of area objects according to ISOM 2017.



8 Colors and Symbols

8.1 Colors

In the Colors dialog (Map → Colors…) you can manage the colors of the symbols. You shouldn’t

change something in the list, when you don’t know what you are doing.

The order of the colors in the color list regulates the overlaying: a color covers at the printing all the

colors that are below.

The actual ISOM Symbol Sets of OCAD contains the latest CMYK color value. However, they may

change from time to time. The latest CMYK color values can be found under

https://orienteering.org/resources/mapping/

8.2 Symbols

8.2.1 Symbol Sets for Orienteering Maps

OCAD delivers many predefined Symbol Sets for Orienteering maps and are part of OCAD. Choose

one of the Symbol Set, when you start a new file (File→ New).

The latest ISOM (International Specification for Orienteering Maps) is ISOM 2017 for Forest Maps. If your

map is still in an older ISOM standard, you can change the symbols to ISOM 2017 und Map→ Symbol

Set Conversion.

For Sprint Maps the latest specification is only 2007 (ISSOM 2007).

The symbol sets are also delivered for Ski and Bike orienteering.

Symbol sets for the course setting:

The latest symbol set for Course Setting is ISCD 2018 – ISOM 2017 for forest maps and ISCD 2018 – ISSOM

2007 for sprint maps (ISCD = International Specification for Control Descriptions).

8.2.2 Change the Preferred Drawing Tool

A preferred drawing tool is defined for many symbols. When you click on a symbol it changes

automatically to the preferred drawing tool. In the most cases it is useful, but not always.

Change the Preferred Tool

1. Click on the symbol in the symbol box with

the right mouse button

2. Select the function Edit.

3. Select the Preferred drawing tool in the

symbol dialog.

4. OK

Do you want no preferred drawing tool,

choose in the list None.

1.+ 2.

3.

https://orienteering.org/resources/mapping/



9 Print and Export

9.1 Print Map

→ File → Print

Printer: Choose printer and set options like the highest print

quality

Page handling: Set Portrait or Landscape

Copies: Specify a number of copies

Print scale: Choose or enter the print scale

Print map size: Entire map, Part of map or One page; position

the printing range in the drawing area

Options: Intensity, Line width and Screen grid

Paper size: Choose paper size

→ Print: Print file and save settings

→ Close: Close dialog and save settings

→ Cancel: Close dialog doesn’t save changed settings

Due to color display, we recommend you to always create a PDF first out of OCAD and print this PDF.

OCAD works with CMYK Colors and they will only be displayed correctly this way. What you see on

your screen are RGB-Colors from the Windows Graphics Device Interface (GDI). When you print maps

directly out of OCAD, the Windows GDI converts the CMYK values first in RGB values and your printer

driver back to CMYK values. This way it may come to changes in the color values.



9.2 Export Map as PDF

→ File → Export

Part of map: Random rectangle or a standard paper format

Export scale: Choose export scale

CMYK (process) colors: Select

Compress file: Check this option to reduce the pdf file size

→ Export: Export file and save option

→ Close: Close dialog and save settings

→ Cancel: Close dialog doesn’t save changed settings



9.3 Export Encrypted OCAD Files

OCAD files can be exported encrypted. This

function be can be of value if you want to

share the map to anther OCAD user.

An encrypted OCAD file cannot be edited.

Furthermore, is it possible to not allow printing.

→ File → Export Encrypted File…

Dialog Export Encrypted File

Enter Password

Allow Printing and Exporting: on/off

Only valid for license numbers:

on: The file can only be opened with the OCAD

licenses you entered.

off: The file can be opened with all OCAD

licenses.

Map owner name: That declaration is only for

the receiver.

→ OK

Encrypted OCAD Files can only be loaded as

Background Maps, if the password is correct

and the license is correct.

http://ocad.com/wiki/ocad12/en/index.php?title=Background_Map



10 Options

10.1 OCAD Preferences

In the OCAD Preferences you can set a lot of

options to match at your personal work.

→ Options → OCAD Preferences

1. Choose a category on the left side.

2. Set the options on the right side.

10.2 Shortcuts

For the most functions you can set shortcuts.

Some shortcuts are used by default. The

shortcuts can be set user defined:

→ Options → Shortcuts

Choose command and desired shortcut.

→ Close

10.3 Language

You can change the language directly in the

program:

→ Options→ Language

Choose the desired language.



11 Excursion

11.1 Symbol Tree and Symbol Status Manager

With the Symbol Tree, you can hide symbol groups, e.g. to generate contours maps for trainings.

→ Symbol → Show Symbol Tree

A new field appears in the top of the symbol

box. If you click on All symbols, you can create

a new subgroup (e.g. Land forms)

Select all objects, that should belong to this

subgroup. Click with the right mouse button on

the subgroup and click in the context menu on

Add selected symbol.

To show only the Land form objects:

Right click on the subgroup Other→ Hide

Objects

This way, you have a map only with Land Form

objects.

The Status Symbol Manager allows to easily get

access to various symbol status settings.

Symbol -> Symbol Status Manager or

Enter a name and Save the current symbol

status. To reload it later, chose the status in the

Symbol status box and click on Load.

Documents

Drawing Orienteering Maps in OCADIn OCAD you can import spatial data, old orienteering maps, derive own base maps with LiDAR data and combine them. 3.1 Raster Base Map Typically, the