Editing Balto/Interactive Map

== Interactive Map ==

The Interactive Map is a powerful tool for visualizing search areas, planning grid searches, dividing areas into sectors, and analyzing trailing dog tracks. It supports importing geographic files from CalTopo and other mapping applications.

=== Opening the Map ===

Tap the map icon in the toolbar to slide the map view in from the side. The map displays your current GPS position as a blue pulsing marker, with an accuracy circle and heading indicator. Tap the map icon again to slide the map view away.

=== Importing a Geo File ===

Balto supports importing GPX and GeoJSON files from other applications.

==== From CalTopo ====

# Open CalTopo on your device
# Select the map object you want to share (polygon, line, or waypoint)
# Tap the share button
# Choose "Balto" from the share sheet
# The file will be imported and displayed on the map

==== From Other Apps ====

Any app that can share GPX or GeoJSON files via the system share sheet will work the same way. Tap the share button in the source app, then select Balto from the list.

After import, the map will automatically center and zoom to show all imported features. The status bar at the top of the map shows what was imported (number of polygons, lines, and points).

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=== Generating a Grid Search Path ===
[[File:balto_grid_search.png|right|thumb|300px|A grid search path with direction arrows]]

For area searches, Balto can generate a serpentine grid search path within an imported polygon.

# Import a polygon defining your search area
# Tap the polygon on the map to select it (it will highlight)
# Tap the grid search button in the zoom column on the right
# The Grid Search panel will appear at the bottom of the map

In the Grid Search panel:

; Wind Direction slider
: Set the direction the wind is blowing FROM. The grid path will start at the downwind corner of the area so the dog works into the wind. Tap the compass rose buttons (N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW) for quick wind direction selection.

; Spacing slider
: Set the distance between parallel lanes of the grid. Smaller spacing gives more thorough coverage but takes longer to execute. The slider range is from 10 metres to 200 metres.

; Reverse direction
: Tap to reverse the path direction if needed.

; Chamfer corners
: Tap to add rounded transitions at the lane endpoints instead of sharp turns.

Direction arrows appear at the midpoint of each segment showing which way to walk. Arrow size can be adjusted using the arrow size slider.

==== Exporting a Grid Search ====

To save the grid search for use in another application:

# Generate the grid search as described above
# Tap the export button in the panel
# Choose where to save or share the GPX file

The exported GPX file can be loaded into Garmin devices, CalTopo, Google Earth, or other GPS applications.

=== Generating Sectors ===
[[File:Balto_sectors.png|right|thumb|300px|Sectors generated over a search area]]

For evidence searches or systematic area coverage, Balto can subdivide an imported polygon into a grid of square sectors with unique labels.

# Import a polygon defining the area
# Tap the polygon on the map to select it
# Tap the sector generator button in the zoom column
# The Sector Generator panel will appear

In the Sector Generator panel:

; Sector size slider
: Set the area of each sector in acres. Sectors are square and rotated together to fit the polygon.

; Rotation slider
: Set the orientation of the sector grid. Sectors are labeled with column letters and row numbers (A1, A2, B1, B2, etc.) that follow the rotation.

Each sector is drawn with a unique color from a palette of 12 colors that cycle through the grid for easy visual distinction.

==== Exporting Sectors ====

To save the sectors for use in another application:

# Generate the sectors as described above
# Tap the export button in the panel
# Choose GPX or GeoJSON format
# Choose where to save or share the file

GPX files include the Garmin DisplayColor extension so sector colors are preserved in compatible applications. GeoJSON files use the stroke and fill properties recognized by CalTopo and other web mapping tools.

=== Track Analysis ===
[[File:balto_track_analysis.png|right|thumb|300px|Track analysis with deviation coloring]]

For trailing dog training, Balto can compare the dog's GPS track to the subject's track to compute deviation statistics.

# Import a GPX file containing both the subject's track and the dog's track
# Tap the track analysis button in the zoom column
# The Track Analysis panel will appear

In the Track Analysis panel:

# Select the subject's track from the first combo box
# Select the dog's track from the second combo box
# The analysis runs automatically when both tracks are selected

The dog's track is colored based on its deviation from the subject's track at each point:

; Green
: Less than 5 metres deviation

; Amber
: 5 to 15 metres deviation

; Red
: More than 15 metres deviation

The panel displays maximum and average deviation in metres.
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=== Geofencing ===

When a polygon is loaded, you can enable geofencing to receive an audible warning if you walk outside the search area.

# Import a polygon defining the search area
# In the status bar at the top of the map, toggle the Geofence switch to On
# Balto will speak "Warning, you are outside the search area" if you exit the polygon

Geofencing continues to work when Balto is running in the background, allowing you to put your phone in your pocket while working.

=== Clearing the Map ===

To remove all imported data from the map, tap the Clear button in the status bar at the top of the map view.