Calibrating New Maps

Larkator's calibration system has two parts - the first to convert UE coordinates into Lat/Lon (which varies per map), and the second to convert Lat/Lon to pixel coordinates (which is specific to a map image).

This process requires Visual Studio and for you to be running a debug version of the app (press F5 in visual Studio).

Add The Map

Adding a new map to Larkator requires Visual Studio and recompiling the app. A suitable map image should be found and added to the imgs folder and named map_<arkname>.jpg, where <arkname> is the filename that Ark uses when saving the .ark. The file should be a JPEG 1000x1000 @ 96 PPI. A calibration entry should be added to calibration.json - copying an existing one is fine before calibration parameters are known.

UE->LatLon Calibration

This process requires storage boxes to be placed in-world, each renamed "Calibration: XX.X, YY.Y" where XX.X and YY.Y are read from a GPS while standing on top of the box. Boxes should be placed on map-visible landmarks and also into a grid pattern across the entire map. A grid of 9 boxes would be the bare minimum needed, with 16 ore more preferred for better correlation.

Once complete, open the saved .ark using Larkator as usual and click in the Map Pin button (only available in debug mode). It should report the correlation quality (aim for 1.0) and open the calibration window with the results and to move on to the next stage...

LatLon->Pixel Calibration

Once the previous stages are complete you should be looking at a calibration window showing your new map, with correct UE->LatLong parameters but still in need of pixel conversion parameters.

You should see pink lines overlaid on the map. These need to be moved to the 10 and 90 grid lines on your map in both X and Y directions. Use mouse drags in two opposite corners to set them.

Update Calibration

Take the generated JSON from the calibration window and use it to update the entry in calibration.json. Done.