This article explains the use of keyboard shortcuts on the PC application so the advanced user can navigate around and between maps faster.
There are three aspects to this: Panning, Zooming and Scaling (changing maps).
Zooming and Scaling
Zooming gives you a wider or closer view of the current map. Scaling changes the map to a larger or smaller scale map for the same area. These functions are typically performed with the icons in the toolbar.
These functions can also be performed by using the following keyboard shortcuts:
- The plus (+) key will zoom in. (You can also use the equals (=) key and not have to shift they key.)
- The minus (-) key will zoom out.
- The scroll wheel on your mouse will also allow you to zoom in and out.
- The I key will scale in to the next available map (under the focal point)
- The O key will scale out to the next available map.
Using the mouse wheel combined with the I and O keys is probably the most efficient and fastest way to navigate between map images as they can be used simultaneously, one in each hand.
To use this method effectively, you need to understand that the focal point is where the mouse cursor is pointing. If you're using the tool bar buttons, the focal point is the centre of the screen.
Panning
Panning around the map can be accomplished by dragging the map with the mouse. This can also be done using the arrow keys (►▲▼◄) on the keyboard. Along with panning left, right, up and down, the HOME, END, PAGE UP and PAGE DOWN keys can be used to pan on diagonal lines.
Panning the map using the arrow keys while creating a route will allow you to add waypoints off of the visible screen without stopping the route creation process.
If you're using a touch pad (like on a notebook) rather than a mouse, you should look at activating the continuous scroll feature - Click Mode > Continuous Scroll
Back and Forward
The Back and Forward buttons can be used in a number of ways.
Some examples are:
- If you view an overlay object (the map moves to that item), the Back button will return you to the original location.
- If you change maps, the Back button will return you to the original map.
- If you use the Lock onto GPS button (padlock), the Back button will return you to the prior location.
- If you Search for a location, the Back button will return you to your original spot on the map.
- If you scroll a long distance, the program will periodically "drop a spot" on the map. Using the Back and Forward buttons will move you between these "spots".
These functions can also be performed using ALT-◄ (Back) and ALT-► (Forward).
Other Shortcuts
Here are some additional keyboard shortcuts:
- CTRL-M will open the Map List
- CTRL-P will open the Print dialog
- CTRL-O will open the Overlay Properties window
- CTRL-Z will undo the last action
- CTRL-Y will redo the last undone action
- CTRL-F will open the Search dialog
- F1 opens the Help dialog
- While creating routes, pressing the BACKSPACE will remove the last waypoint without ending the create process.