Technical Data

Computer / System Requirements

• OCAD requires Windows 8 or Windows 10 (32- or 64-bit). OCAD is available as 32-bit and 64-bit software.
• We strongly recommend for Windows Vista und Windows 7 to use the default Aero Theme to avoid unnecessary screen redraws or erased maps when moving dialogs.
• 100 MB of free disk space for the installation
• At least 1 GB RAM (depends on the size of open maps and background maps). The OCAD program without any open map needs only 70 MB RAM.
• OCAD as 32-bit software can allocate up to approx. 3.5 GB RAM (32-bit Windows 7 consult the page Physical Memory). OCAD as 64-bit software and can allocate more than 3.5 GB RAM if available.
• Screen resolution: 1280 x 1024 or higher recommended (needs to be multiplied with the screen scaling factor e.g. 2560 x 2048 when using 200% scaling)
• OCAD Mapping Solution: We recommend to install the Borland Database Engine (import shape files, database connections to dBase files, using OCAD to create thematic maps) and the Microsoft Access Database Engine 32-bit (database connections to Access/Excel files, using OCAD to create thematic maps).

OCAD 64-bit version cannot connect to Microsoft Excel/Access if the 32-bit version of Microsoft Access Database Engine is installed. The same with 64-bit Microsoft Access Database Engine and OCAD 32 bit version. In this case use the same OCAD version as installed Microsoft Access Database Engine..

64-bit Version vs. 32-bit Version

OCAD Orienteering and OCAD Mapping Solution are new available as 64-bit version. However, we have still also a 32-bit version. The OCAD Setup installs both versions. Both versions uses the same resources, nevertheless it is possible to run both version at the same time. The installer creates a program shortcut for each version.
Please note, the 64-bit version isn't faster than the 32-bit version. The big advantage of 64-bit is that OCAD can allocate more than 3 GB RAM if available on the computer. That is important when loading huge raster background maps or DEM files.
OCAD Starter and OCAD Course Setting only come as a 32-bit verion.

You can check your Windows version in the OCAD map information dialog.

OCAD 64-bit runs only in Windows 64-bit version. Nowadays, most computers are running on a 64-bit Windows version. OCAD 32-bit runs on both Windows 64-bit and 32-bit. The ocd files are 100% compatible between both versions.

Please note that not all OCAD functions are available in both versions. The restrictions for OCAD 64-bit version are:

• dbf database file cannot be used

After the installation ocd files are assicated with OCAD 32-bit version. To change to 64-bit see How to Change Default Program Association.

OCAD on Mac OS X

Read the OCAD on Mac OS X article for more information.

OCAD on Linux

Read the OCAD on Linux article for more information.

OCAD Limits

• Maximal map size: 4 x 4 meters (OCAD Orienteering edition), 80 x 80 meters (Mapping Solution edition)
• Resolution (accuracy of coordinates) 0.01 mm
• 10000 objects (Starter edition), 16 million objects (OCAD Mapping Solution, Orienteering, Course Setting and Viewer edition)
• 4 million vertices for each object
• Unlimited number of symbols (number range 0.001 to 999'999.999)
• 32'000 colors (number range from 0 to 32'000)
• 2 GB file size

OCAD File Format

This description of the OCAD file format is intended for programmers who want to directly access the information in OCAD files.

• OCAD 12 File Format
• OCAD 11 File Format
• OCAD 10 File Format
• OCAD 9/10 Graphic
• OCAD 9 File Format
• OCAD 6/7/8 File Format

Recommendations

OCAD runs on all 7 / 8 or 10 computers except Windows 8 RT (ARM tablets).

Mapping on TabletPC

Mapping with a tablet in the terrain has some compelling advantages like real-time GPS positioning and the possibility to switch between different background maps. In case your background material isn't that great, you can get help of a GPS device so you can see you current position on the tablet. Also, you are able to see immediately, whether a situation on the map is clear and readable.

Hardware:

• Tablet PC with Windows
• Long battery life (8 hours or longer)
• Outdoor screen
• GPS with USB or Bluetooth connection

Software:

• OCAD Orienteering Edition

Toughpads / Rugged Computes

Nowadays you will find many rugged computers for tough environments as you will need it when mapping in the terrain. However, these devices are rather expensive if you are not a professional mapper and can cost up to a few thousand Euros. Also consider the weight of the device, which can be over 1kg. As a big plus point, these devices are working well in all weathers and are possible to use in rain. For most devices, the GNSS module also support Galileo additional to GPS and GLONASS. Battery should last a working day. More information can found e.g. on www.forest-it.se
Some recommendation of our customers:

• Handheld Algiz 8X
• Trimble Yuma 2
• Panasonic Toughpad FZ-G1
• Gen2wave RP70
• FIDS Zelo
• Welo R10S

Tablets

Other OCAD user are working with a normal tablet in the terrain. Battery lifetime is an issue and can vary not only from device to device but is also dependend on outside temperature. In cold conditions, a normal battery lifetime of 6 hours can be reduced to only 3-4 hours. Use an external battery pack/ power bank to extend battery lifetime. You can put the power bank into a bag and connected it directly by wire to the tablet or charge the tablet during a break. When it rains, the computer needs to be packed into a plastic bag to continue working. All in all, it is an attractive alternative to rugged computers, as this setting is less weight and cheaper.
Some recommendation of our customers:

• Microsoft Surface Pro
• Microsoft Surface Go
• Microsoft Surface 7
• Lenovo tablet (Intel Atom CPU Z3795)

In addition, it is a good idea to connect an external GPS receiver to the tablet to have your current position shown in OCAD with a few meters accuracy. GPS receivers which support external positioning services have a much higher accuray (cm). You can place the GPS device on the top of your head for better reception (fastend it to a cap or helmet) and connected it via bluetooth directly to OCAD. GPS devices like Gramin Glo should last more than 10 hours.
Some recommendation of our customers:

• Garmin GLO 2
• Navilock BT-821G Bluetooth GNSS Receiver MT3333
• GNS3000

Draw Orienteering Maps and Course Setting

Hardware:

• Desktop or Laptop with Windows
• 4 GB or more RAM (at least 8 GB RAM when working with big Airborne Laserscanning Files)

Software:

• OCAD Orienteering Edition or OCAD Course Setting Edition

Map Publishing Companies

Hardware:

• Desktop PC with Windows one or two screens
• 4 or more GB RAM

Software:

• OCAD Mapping Solution

Special OCAD Settings:

• Switch on the Faster text rendering in OCAD Preferences -> View tab in Options menu.
• Switch off the Anti-Aliasing mode in View menu. If Anti-Aliasing is switched off then OCAD draws the screen color by color. Otherwise OCAD draws the screen once after a short time.

Digital Signature

The OCAD program file and the OCAD setup file are signed with the digital signature of OCAD AG. That confirms the software author and guarantee that the code has not been altered or corrupted since it was signed by use of a cryptographic hash. OCAD uses the digital signature algorithm sha256RSA.

That is the reason why OCAD doesn't run on Windows XP and Vista.

The see the digital signature open the context menu of the OCAD setup file (.exe file) in File Explorer and click Properies. The Properties dialog opens. Click the Digital Signature tab. Click Details. In Digital Signature Details dialog is the Signer Name OCAD AG.

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