Using GIMP to add the RRTC logo to a map

Several RRTC certifiers have asked how they can use GIMP to add the RRTC logo on their course measurement maps. It's easy enough to add the logo. But, since the map must be saved as a PNG file with a limited number of indexed colors, the colors of the logo may not always appear as expected on the final product.

GIMP allows you to create and use a custom palette with a defined set of colors. If you look closely at the RRTC logo,

http://usatfne.org/i/logo/rrtc...se_logo-5_colors.png

you will notice it is made up of five different colors (white, usatf red, usatf blue, usatf gray and usatf silver.) A custom GIMP palette should contain those five colors, plus any other colors used on the map.

I created a custom palette for use in GIMP. It's actually a tiny, 10-line, text file. You may download that file from this link.

http://bit.ly/rrtc-palette

I also created a GIMP XCF file containing the RRTC logo. The logo is 253 x333 pixels and will fit nicely on your maps. You may download that file from this link.

http://bit.ly/rrtc-logo

Lastly, I created a two-part series to help demonstrate how use the palette and logo on your maps. Each is a 98-second, animated GIF. Click on the images to enlarge.

In part one, I demonstrate how to install the custom palette in GIMP.



In part two, I show how to add the color logo to your black and white map and how to use the custom palette in GIMP in create the indexed colors.



Thank you. -- Justin