Viewing the control (in this case start/finish) in Purple Pen

The same control in Google Earth. Note it is moved out from the corner slightly compared to Purple Pen

As mentioned previously, it is important that the points in the KML file correspond as accurately as possible to the locations on the ground where the controls should punch. The points can be adjusted by double-clicking on a KML file to load it into Google Earth whilst also having the original Purple Pen file open for comparison.

Note that if you are planning a line course, in addition to the controls being in the right place, the order of the controls within the KML file as shown by Google Earth must be the sequential order of the controls. Remember that to get the list of controls in the same order within Purple Pen, you must select the correct course to view. The default All controls view may not be correct. For a score course, order is not important, but it makes things easier when you are working through the controls if they are present in the same order as the KML file.

The start must be called S1 (not STA1) and must be first in the list. The finish must be called F1 (not FIN1) and must be last in the list.

For each control in order:

1. In Purple Pen, click on it in the left-hand control list. It will highlight in yellow and the control will be moved into the visible area on the map
2. Zoom in as necessary to allow you to accurately align the control as per your control description. A cross-hair will be displayed in the centre and the control can easily be dragged to accurately align it. Be careful about shadows cast on the ground from the object. When you move onto the next control, the zoom level will be kept
3. In Google Earth, the process is a little more involved. Double-click on the control in the list on the left to move it into the centre of the window. Unfortunately, the zoom will reset (back out) and you will need to zoom in again
4. Select the control for editing by right-clicking on it in the list on the left and picking Properties from the menu
5. A slowly-flashing outer square with inner cross hair will be displayed. N.B. the default image used as the control on the map is a drawing pin with its point towards the bottom-left. As shown in the images on this page, the point on the pin is not the centre of the control and so is not the hit point. Drag the control around (you will find it jumps slightly as you start to drag which is not helpful) until it is in the right place. If the control is against a wall or in a corner, it is recommended to move it out slightly to maximise the hit area. The control on Purple Pen should be left in the position shown on the control descriptions