Technology

How can I add new TSM/OSM map sources

Problem: TrailRunner uses a set of predefined map sources that are perfect for most users. But in some areas of the word better map sources exist and TrailRunner does not include them.
Solution: The definition of available maps sources is stored in a configuration file. You can make a local copy of this file and extend it to your needs. But please inform me on good sources as more users than you may want to enjoy the sources.
Waring: Please also note that this is an expert feature. If you are not able to read and understand programming code, this tip is useless to you.

- Open the application package and copy the MapServices.plist file into your home directories Library/Application Support/TrailRunner folder
- Next time you start TrailRunner, TrailRunner will load this local file with a higher priority, so you can edit it.
- Look through the file to find the OSM data sources.
- To extend the sources, you can copy and paste the openStreetMap source block and modify it for a different source and region.
- Please note that the ZoomLevelRange is reverse, meaning 0 in TrailRunner is the highest resolution.
- TrailRunner will check if a better source (QualityLayer) lies within the defined area (GeoCoverage). Meaning with competing sources the higher QualityLayer will be chosen.
- To create a new GeoCoverage region you can type command-d once in TrailRunner, this will display a debug red region for the currect active source. (more command-d's will show other regions I sometimes use, but the first is for the map source located at the last click point)
- When you click somewhere in the map and press command-c, you'll get a coordinate string you can paste.
- When you press command-alt-shift-r, TrailRunner will reload all visible map tiles and will also reload your MapServices.plist file

If you find this complicated, then you are right. Just send me a link to your better source and I may add it to the next release.
Tip: As of TrailRunner 3.0 you can switch the OSM layer between CloudMade FineLine and the original openstreetmap.org rendering in TrailRunner > Preferences > Extended.


Why is map loading so slow or blurred?

Problem: Maps somtimes load very slow. Other applications like Google Earth load the maps much faster.
Reason: TrailRunner loads maps from internet services that provide free maps. If the loading process is slow, the map service is slow and TrailRunner can't get anything faster. Another reason are "fair use" agreements for commercial web services. This means that as long as you get maps in a fair amount and frequency, the commercial service won't put you on a black-list. For that reason TrailRunner throttles the keyhole imagery service.
Solution: TrailRunner caches maps. If you have once loaded map fragments from a service, it's unlikely you will need to load the same fragments again. The longer you use TrailRunner, the faster it will become.
Tip: In case the map material on the web service was updated, as it is frequently the case with openstreetmap.org, you can use the File > Consolidate > Reload background maps command to reload what’s currently visible or you can remove the MapViewTiles folder in your Application Support/TrailRunner folder.

Does TrailRunner run on Mac OS 10.4 or even on Windows XP?

Sorry, TrailRunner is a pristine Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard delicacy. But if you are (yet) unsure if you should upgrade — you're not the first user switching because of TrailRunner… So feel welcome to the colorful world of Apple Computer
> Get a Mac ;-)