The chart_rule_generator software generates PDF files featuring a table for quick reference and nautical mile scale.
The rule by default is for a 1:500,000 scale chart, goes from 0 to 50 nautical miles, and has speeds on the lookup table ranging from 60 to 120 kts in 10 kt increments. However, it is essential to note that while the PDF produced is as accurate as possible, the printed output may have a scaling factor applied by the printer driver, printer, or paper used. It is advisable to compare the rule's scale with a known accurate scale before use.
To run the generator, you need Python 2.4 and the ReportLab toolkit, an open-source Python toolkit for generating PDF files. The generator is powered by a configuration file that specifies the chart layout and appearance, including the font size and colors on the rule. The software can create a default configuration file using the "--create" option, and the file produced can be passed through the generator using the "--input" option to create a chart in PDF format.
The chart_rule_generator's configuration file contains comments on each entry and can be easily customized to meet specific needs. The software is currently limited to producing charts on A4 (8.3" x 11.7") paper, and caution is required while printing on other paper sizes to avoid rescaling. Also, there's no support for double-sided charts, although it is possible to produce double-sided charts manually or by sticking two equally sized charts back-to-back.
To install the chart_rule_generator, download and uncompress the archive and run the command "./setup.py install" with sufficient permissions to create a file in the install directory. Overall, the chart_rule_generator is a useful tool for generating aviation charts with accurate nautical mile scales and lookup tables, and it is easy to use and customize to meet specific needs.
Version 1.0.0: N/A