Visualization of Amateur Radio Connections (QSO) is for many operators, especially after contests on VHF/UHF bands, an integral part of evaluation. Seeing your successes on the map helps not only in analyzing propagation but is also a great way to showcase results in the community. One of such tools was LogAnalyser by Maria DL4MFM, which replaced Marc DO2UDX service ADIF to the map by CQGMA.
Damyan LZ5ZO created a clever, fast, and interactive tool called EDI Log Map, which you can find at LZ5ZO.org/ham/edilogmap.html. Let's take a look at what this generator can do and why it should not be missing from your bookmarks.
Main Advantage: Privacy and Speed
Unlike many other online tools, EDI Log Map by LZ5ZO does not send your data to any server. The entire process takes place directly in your web browser. You select a file .edi from your computer and the script processes it locally. It is lightning fast and your logs stay with you.
How does it work?
Usage is maximally intuitive:
Nahratie logu: On the homepage, select the EDI file from your disk. A condition for correct display is that the records contain a valid QRA locator.
Settings (Options): By clicking on the gear icon (Cog) you will open the settings panel. You can freely move this panel around the screen by dragging its top part.
Customize the map to your liking
In the settings, you will find a variety of features that allow you to fine-tune the map for a perfect screenshot:
QRA Grid: Turn on or off the locator square grid.
Circles: Display distance circles from your location. You can set the interval (step of 50 km), line thickness, and their color. Using the 'Direction' feature, you can rotate the distance labels around your QTH, so they do not overlap important connections.
Appearance of connections:Ak máte v logu stovky spojení, mapa môže Byť neprehľadná. Pomocou posuvníkov
opacity(transparency) andweight(line thickness) you can soften the QSO lines.Markers and Heat map: You can choose whether to display markers (pins) or the actual call signs of the stations (
pin/call). For a visually effective representation of connection density, there is also a Heat map (heat map).
Interactivity and statistics EDI Log Map LZ5ZO
The map is not just a static image. In the upper right corner (or wherever you move it) you will find a window Stat (Statistics):
Zoom in DXCC: Click on a specific country in the statistics list and the map will automatically zoom in on connections from that area.
Reset view: By clicking on the header of the window (e.g., the QSO part/ODX) you will return the map to the original overall view.
Connection details: By clicking directly on the connection line on the map, the call sign, distance, and azimuth (bearing).
How to share the result?
When you are satisfied with the visual aspect, Damyan has built a function for export directly into the tool. Just click right-click anywhere on the map and select "Take a screenshot". Then you will choose the area you want to capture, and you can either copy the image to the clipboard or download it to your computer.
Conclusion
The generator from LZ5ZO is an excellent helper for anyone using the EDI format (standard for VHF contests in IARURegión 1). Je zadarmo, rešpektuje súkromie a ponúka PROfesionálne vyzerajúce mapy, ktoré oživia každý rádioamatérsky blog alebo PROfil na sociálnych sieťach.
73, a dopočutia v ďalšom conteste!