What is a .LCM file?
A .LCM file extension can refer to two different file types:
- Lowrance Chart Map (LCM) file: This is a vector map format used by Lowrance GPS devices. LCM files contain information such as coastlines, lakes, rivers, roads, and other navigational data.
- Lipikar custom font map: This is a file format used by the Lipikar font management software to store custom font maps. Custom font maps allow users to create their own custom mappings between fonts.
To determine which type of .LCM file you have, you can try opening it in the following software programs:
- Lowrance MapCreate: If the file opens in Lowrance MapCreate, then it is a Lowrance Chart Map (LCM) file.
- Lipikar: If the file opens in Lipikar, then it is a Lipikar custom font map.
- But note that, Lipikar mapping software is no longer available for download. The developer of Lipikar, Santanu Ghosh, discontinued the software in 2013. However, there are a few alternative mapping software programs that can be used to open and edit Lipikar custom font map (.LCM) files. Some popular options include: Global Mapper, MapCreate, MapInfo Professional. These software programs can be used to convert Lipikar custom font map (.LCM) files to other popular file formats, such as KMZ, GPX, and ESRI Shapefile.
If the file does not open in either of these software programs, then it is possible that the file is corrupted or that it is a different type of file altogether.
How to Open a .LCM File
There are two main ways to open a .LCM file:
- Use a Lowrance GPS device: Most Lowrance GPS devices can open .LCM files directly. To do this, simply insert the SD card containing the .LCM file into your GPS device and select the file from the map menu.
- Use a mapping software program: A variety of mapping software programs can also open .LCM files. Some popular options include:
To open a .LCM file in a mapping software program, simply open the program and select the .LCM file from the file menu.
How to Create and Edit a .LCM File
To create or edit a .LCM file, you will need to use a mapping software program such as Lowrance MapCreate or Lipikar.
If you are creating a Lowrance Chart Map (LCM) file, you should use Lowrance MapCreate. To do this, open Lowrance MapCreate and select the "New Map" option from the file menu. Then, select the "LCM" file format from the drop-down menu.
If you are creating a Lipikar custom font map, you should use Lipikar. To do this, open Lipikar and select the "New Font Map" option from the file menu.
Once you have opened the mapping software program, you can create or edit the .LCM file using the tools provided by the software.
When you are finished creating or editing the .LCM file, save it to your computer.
How to Convert a .LCM File to Another Format
To convert a .LCM file to another format, you can use a variety of mapping software programs such as Lowrance MapCreate, Global Mapper, MapCreate, MapInfo Professional, and Lipikar.
Once you have opened the mapping software program, open the .LCM file that you want to convert. Then, select the "Export Map" option from the file menu.
From the drop-down menu, select the format that you want to convert the .LCM file to. Some popular options include:
- KMZ
- GPX
- ESRI Shapefile
- GeoJSON
- OTF
- TTF
Once you have selected the desired format, click the "Export" button. The mapping software program will convert the .LCM file to the selected format and save it to your computer.
How to Troubleshoot Problems with .LCM Files
If you are having problems opening or using a .LCM file, there are a few things that you can try:
- Make sure that you have the latest version of the mapping software program that you are using.
- Try opening the .LCM file on a different computer.
- Try converting the .LCM file to another format and then opening the converted file.
- Contact the developer of the mapping software program that you are using for assistance.
How to Create Custom Maps for Lowrance Devices Using LCM Files
To create custom maps for Lowrance devices using .LCM files, you will need to use a mapping software program such as Lowrance MapCreate.
Once you have opened Lowrance MapCreate, create a new .LCM file or open an existing .LCM file for editing.
Then, use the tools in Lowrance MapCreate to create or edit the map. For example, you can add or remove map features, change the appearance of the map, and add text labels.
When you are finished creating or editing the .LCM file, save it to your computer.
Then, transfer the .LCM file to the SD card that you use in your Lowrance GPS device.
Once the .LCM file is on the SD card, insert the SD card into your Lowrance GPS device.
Then, power on your GPS device and select the .LCM file from the map menu.
Your Lowrance GPS device will load the custom map and you will be able to use it for navigation.