# 6. SD Card Setup

The SD card is optional but strongly recommended for maps and data persistence.

**Required format: FAT32**

---

## Folder Structure

```
/LoRa_Tracker/
├── config.json          ← Device configuration
├── stats.json           ← Station statistics
├── MapTiles/            ← Raster tiles (JPEG/PNG)
│   └── REGION/
│       └── Z8/
│           └── X/
│               └── Y.jpg
├── VectMaps/            ← Vector tiles (NAV)
│   └── REGION/
│       ├── Z9.nav
│       ├── Z10.nav
│       └── ...
└── GPX/                 ← Recorded tracks
    └── track_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS.gpx
```

---

## Raster Tiles (JPEG/PNG)

Raster tiles are standard OpenStreetMap images (XYZ/TMS format). They are displayed for lower zoom levels (Z6 to Z8).

### Method 1: Graphical Interface with MOBAC (Mobile Atlas Creator)
This is the easiest method. Use **[MOBAC](https://mobac.sourceforge.io/)**:

1. Launch MOBAC and select map source: **OpenStreetMap Mapnik**
2. Select the desired geographic area on the map with your mouse
3. Check zoom levels: **6, 7, 8** if you plan to use vector tiles, and add **10, 12, 14** if you exclusively use raster tiles (bitmap/image)
4. Set atlas format: **OSMTracker tile storage**
5. Click **Create atlas**
6. Copy the generated folder contents to the SD card: `/LoRa_Tracker/MapTiles/YOUR_REGION/`

For lucky Linux users, you can use the mass copy program from **JGauchia (masscopy)** located in `tools/mass_copy/`.

### Method 2: Command Line with Python (Advanced)
The project source code includes a ready-to-use script. Requires Python installed on your machine.

Open a terminal in the source code folder:
```bash
cd tools/
# Download tiles for a custom bounding box (min_lon, min_lat, max_lon, max_lat)
python download_tiles.py --region MY_AREA --bbox 1.4,48.1,3.6,49.2 --zoom 6,7,8
```
*The script will create an `output_dir/` folder that you simply copy to your SD card.*

### File Naming
```
/LoRa_Tracker/MapTiles/FRANCE/Z8/X/Y.jpg
```

---

## Vector Tiles (NAV)

NAV tiles offer more detailed rendering at high zoom (Z9+). They are based on the work of JGauchia [IceNav-v3](https://github.com/jgauchia/IceNav-v3).

### Generation
`.nav` files are generated from OpenStreetMap data using the conversion tool [Tile-Generator](https://github.com/moricef/Tile-Generator/tree/devel_pack).

```
/LoRa_Tracker/VectMaps/FRANCE_SOUTH/Z9.nav
/LoRa_Tracker/VectMaps/FRANCE_SOUTH/Z10.nav
...
/LoRa_Tracker/VectMaps/FRANCE_SOUTH/Z15.nav
```

> One `.nav` file per zoom level per region.

---

## Fonts

The Fonts folder is required to display place and waterway labels on vector tiles.

Download it here: [drive.proton.me](https://drive.proton.me/urls/0XNF9NTB80#YnaYhRwwFNg6) Password: F4MLV
Just place it on the SD card in the LoRa_Tracker/ folder.

---

## APRS Symbols

The Symbols folder is required to display APRS icons on the map.

Download it here: [drive.proton.me](https://drive.proton.me/urls/4981A66GT0#gXYCCcbvrpgd) Password: F4MLV
Just place it on the SD card in the LoRa_Tracker/ folder.

---

## Without SD Card

The tracker works without an SD card with reduced functionality:

| Feature | Without SD |
|---------|-----------|
| Raster map | Grey background only |
| Vector map | Not available |
| APRS symbols on map | Red circles |
| Messages | Not persistent (lost on reboot) |
| Station stats | Not persistent |
| GPX tracks | Not available |
| Configuration | Saved in internal flash |