Allow PDF base maps.
Version 2.1.0 now has this functionality. Thanks for the suggestion!
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Bob Forgrave commented
A high-resolution graphics file is very large for a BMP or TIFF especially, and even JPEG. But a PDF is not large, and is the most common format for distributing print-quality materials, especially when sent to a printer. So a PDF is a natural output.
It is also a natural input. If we're serious about building skills of new course designers, we'll have to welcome folks who don't know OCAD, don't want to screw up a graphics base file by clicking or dragging the wrong thing, but are very comfortable drawing a course on top of a PDF. This admittedly hard development would open Purple Pen to an entirely new audience of course setters.
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ianian commented
really useful
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AdminPeter Golde (Admin, Purple Pen) commented
Note that you can use a JPEG, TIFF or other raster file as a map in PP today.
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New Mexico Orienteers commented
I thought about this some more and changed my mind. I could use Purple Pen on maps from sources other than OCAD and GIS. Because PDF can encapsulate a raster image file, I could even use a scan of an aerial photo or the freehand map I drew of my back yard...
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New Mexico Orienteers commented
PDF is "downstream" from a map. Don't allow use of PDF maps as input to Purple Pen. Do allow output of PDF files that can be distributed to users.
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Ashbymapping commented
PDFs are useful for distribution to schools as it allows printing and makes editing difficult. The user cannot accidentally alter the scale or colours of the original.