Condes creates “event files”, which comprise the courses that you plan, and a link to the map.  This event file is equivalent to the acetates that we used to use to plan, in years gone by – it’s the layer that goes on top of the map.  If someone has sent you a Condes event file, you will probably need to change the detail of the OCAD map file – filename and folder.

When you start Condes it will usually open up the last event file you worked on.  But the first time you use the software, you will go straight to the “new event” wizard screens, which you also get if you select File - New.  The guidance on the wizard screens is quite helpful – read it!

The first information you need to give is an event name.  On the next screen, the file name defaults to the event name you gave, but note that nothing is saved at this stage.  You can change the event name later via the File menu.

The event format defaults to foot-O, but note that other event formats eg. MTBO are available. 

The next screen shows one of the significant improvements in version 8:  the ability to associate two maps (or two scales of map) with an event.  The instances when this might be useful are described on the screen, and include events requiring the same course to be produced on different scales of map, and long events requiring use of 2 separate maps.

You then use standard browsing techniques to identify the map file you want to use.  Don’t worry about the window that shows the scale of the map file, but you might want to change the printout scale, the last option box.  If you choose one map at 2 scales, it will show two boxes here, with default scales of 1:15000 and 1:10000.  Condes detects the scale of an OCAD file so you shouldn’t have to specify it – but it’s worth checking.

If you’ve opted for 2 scales, you’re then given the option of automatically cutting circles in the same places, or doing it manually.  Manual is probably the sensible choice.

You are then presented with the course layout editor window – this is the main window you’ll use.  As you haven’t started your course, it only shows the map.

Other windows relating to the event can be accessed using the tabs.  Be aware that the tabs don’t necessarily relate to the same course, though they are clearly marked.

If you had selected more than one map or more than one scale, these would be available under the canvas option list towards the top left of the screen.  You can have up to 5 canvases in one event file.

Fig. 1 – Drop-down list for Canvas