English vs Local Language Maps

Over the last 2 months I invested a load of time to optimize the language / codepage handling of the OpenMTBMaps and VeloMaps.

I had originally implemented a very complicated system trying to make any map also usable for non native speakers of the local language – or people not able to read e.g. arabic or kyrillic. In the end this was a rather big mess even though it kinda worked for many countries.

Now I’ve changed this – there are local language maps – which are in local language and local script – as well as maps in english for any country that does not primarily use latin script.

Also all continent maps (except Antarctica and North America which are anyhow english speaking) are now available in English or local Language. South-America/Central America english maps will be available for download starting tomorrow.

The theory of how it should work is laid out below – if you find things not working drop a comment. Especially if you find OSM keys which are not implemented yet and would help in improving the map translations.

 

Map Updates:

Maps that are not available in English – will be updated weekly as […]

Compatibility with new Garmin devices and Unicode Maps

Last week I changed all maps of countries which do not use Latin as main script to Unicode. Before this was not the case for the Europe, Asia and Africa continent map. On the other hand all unicode maps – are now also available the respective main script of the country. This even seems to work quite well for countries like China which has no alphabet at all. All modern devices – should be quite fine displaying them. Mapsource sometimes shows garbled text however – as will very very old GPS devices – which unluckily also don’t support unicode. So I’m sorry – but Garmin devices that are pre ~2006 will only work with maps from countries with Latin script now (e.g. Vista C, or GPS Maps 60C, I’m not certain about Vista Cx or GPS Maps 60Cx – I think they support unicode maps). I don’t think there are many people using them still anyhow.

I will still put more effort in reworking the naming depending on language in the next couple of weeks. All non Unicode maps are available to download via the Non Unicode tab on the respective download pages. Only a couple of countries […]