Thread: Creating an Outline Map with DrDepth

Follow these steps:-

Trace shoreline of area in Google Earth using ‘Add Path’ See here for help - Create Free Lowrance Maps by FishTec
Save as .kml file
Convert .kml file to .gpx with waypoint manager
Import/Convert .gpx to .drd with DrDepth
Open .drd path with DrDepth
Click on Edit Data
Click on Edit Depth (blue down arrow) button
Set depth to -1.1 and check the Apply to All box and close window.
Click on the D/SL button.
Click on tick button to confirm that you are done
Save file and close
Create short path anywhere on same dam and save using same procedure as outline in GE
Import .kml file to Drdepth and then open the .drd.
Process this data by clicking on Map Calculation button
Add the shoreline outline .drd you created earlier
Click on Tools / Create Iso/Contour lines and save as Lowrance .lcm file.
Save file to SD card and insert into unit.

Hints -

To add names to your map:
Create waypoints in the respective areas
Open waypoint manager and name the waypoints you created
Change style to Text Only and save.

To add multiple outlines to a single LCM:
Download and run / load GPS MapEdit GPSMapEdit
Download the LCM patch from here ... http://www.fishtec.co.za/lcmBuilderDLL.dll and paste it into the same folder where the program is loaded to. This will allow the program to export the maps as a Lowrance Chart Map or LCM.
Start the program – MapEdit.exe
Go back to DrDepth and create Lowrance type Polish Format maps the same way you made the .lcm file
Open this .mp file with MapEdit
Add other dam outlines
Export as Lowrance LCM, it save automatically to the original directory.
Copy this SINGLE .lcm to your SD and load into your Lowrance.

***NOTICE***
LCM DO WORK ON THE ELITE SERIES!

Thanks for your input Fishton. I am sure some of us will bookmark or save this valuable information once we are up and running with our SONARS.

"... once we are up and running with our SONARS."

What sonars have you got?

I have a basic Hummingbird 515. I don't even turn it on when i go fishing . I normally fish towards the banks so i find the fishfinder meaningless accept for telling you the water temperature etc.I guess when you have a hi -tech fish finder & gps combo you will tend to fish deeper water more often . Why do you ask?

When fishing Centre Trees, the Ridge and Tim's Trees for example, technology sure does help. Even just a handheld GPS will go a long way when using my charts.

That looks amazing . What GPS unit would you recommend that does not break the bank that will support your charts that you have to offer?

The FishElite480 goes for less than R6k. But a pc and a handheld gps for around R500 secondhand bought on Classifieds will also work fine.

***NOTICE***
LCM DO NOT CURRENTLY WORK ON THE NEW ELITE SERIES!

Last edited by Fishton; 1 Week Ago at 10:44 AM.



John, I have tried a DrDepth generated LCM-file on an Elite 5 - unit and it really does work. It shows up on the screen as on other Lorwance units.

Be sure to use a Micro SD-card of max 2 Gig.


Danny Geysen

Still no-go on mine.

Originally Posted by Fishton

Still no-go on mine.

Just an example. I think we can start troubleshooting ...