* Changing Map Indicator

[Gowermick]

I find it difficult to spot the location of the indicator/pointer (fine cross) used to identify a location when searching in the Map window.

Does anyone know how to change this? Ideally I'd like something like one of the markers used by FH, or at the least something bolder than the fine cross currently used by FH

[tatewise]

Mike, do you mean the central cross associated with the Locate in Map option?

I am not sure why it's difficult to spot because it's always exactly in the centre of the map pane.

I don't think there is any option to change it.

[Gowermick]

That's part of the problem. If you try to enlarge the map to get a better look, the map moves but the cross stays in centre of the screen. With my 40" monitor, it is sometimes dificult to spot where centre of the Map screen is, let alone the miserable excuse of a cross. It wouldn't be so much of a problem if cross stayed static to the location as one enlarges the map.

I have no problem with the markers used by FH to show place location because they are larger and they have colour. Perhaps an entry to the wish list is called for, so that the simple black cross is replaced by a coloured target, and which stays over the target location when map is enlarged.

I was hoping to change a window setting to get a bigger cross, as I have already done with the cursor, but not sure which setting to change.

[tatewise]

Again, I don't experience that problem. When using the slider on left to enlarge map, the cross remains centred on the chosen location. The map does not move up/down/left/right but zooms directly into where the cross is located.

As well as using Locate in Map, if it is a Place not in a Fact then I use the Location box above map and the green arrow to find a place-name, which puts the cross in just the right location and zoom slider focusses perfectly.

There is no Tools > Preference adjustment. I think the cross is an FH 'feature' unaffected by Windows settings.

[Gowermick]

Mike,
You're right that the map zooms perfecty when using the slider, but another feature is that the map zooms when using the mouse scroll wheel, but in that case, the location does not stay focused! (Something for Simon to investigate?) As my preferred way of zooming the map is via the mouse, the slider method is not much use to me.

Nevertheless, we are still left with my original problem, how to get the cross indicator more pronounced, so that it is more 'easily' visible on the map. I would go so far as to suggest the cross hair cursor is really aimed at the drawing fraternity, where it becomes readily visible on a white background.

If I find a solution, I'll let you know.

Mike

[tatewise]

Ah, I see what you mean, but with a little experimentation I discovered the following rules that may help.

If you left-click once on the slider where its button is located, then the mouse scroll behaves like the slider, and the map stays locked on the centre location.

Alternatively, if you left-click anywhere else to activate the mouse scroll, then keep the cursor positioned over the centre cross as you scroll the mouse, the map will remain centred on that location.

In that mode, if you move the cursor away from the centre cross as you scroll, then the map moves in a direction and amount governed by the relative position of cursor and cross. It seems to think you want to zoom-in and move location towards the cursor as if landing a plane. When you zoom-out the reverse effect seems to apply.

I know that does not make the cross more distinctive, but if you are keeping the cursor near the cross then it is always in view.

[Gowermick]

Mike,
Thanks for your tips re cursor, magnifier slider, and crosshairs.

Sadly, the reason I use the mousewheel is that, being lazy, I don't have to worry where it is on the map. Unfortunately, both your suggestions involve placing the cursor on a particular part of the screen, something I'd rather not bother with. However, even keeping mouse absolutely still, moving the scroll wheel still moves the map ( and the slider!), so it appears that it is not quite so straightforward as you thought.

Mike

[tatewise]

It is not just keeping the mouse still, but keeping its cursor on the central cross, otherwise the map will move and you will have to keep dragging map the keep it centred on the location, even if the cross was more distinctive.

[Gowermick]

Mike,
Point take. I hadn't read your explanation properly.

Mike