WinTAK QUICK START GUIDE

Installation, Loading Data and TAK Server Connection

22 December 2021

Doc ID: 111500-INS-02

WinTAK Quick Start Guide 22 December 2021

REVISION RECORD

REVISION DATE DESCRIPTION & PAGE AFFECTED AUTHOR

02 2/26/2018 Original Issue B. Filmer

Updated to correspond with the Q2-2018 SPS

A 10/15/2018 J. Markham
delivery.

Updated to correspond with the Q3-2018 SPS

B 2/15/2019 J. Markham
delivery.

Updated to correspond with the Q1-2019 SPS

C 6/15/2019 J. Markham
delivery.

Updated to correspond with the Q2-2019 SPS

D 10/15/2019 J. Markham
delivery.

Updated to correspond with the Q3-2019 SPS

E 2/15/2020 J. Wu
delivery.

Updated to correspond with the Q1-2020 SPS

F 6/15/2020 W. Hamblet
delivery.

Update to correspond with the Q3-2021-SPS

02 10/15/2021 S. Brown
delivery

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Table of Contents
1 INSTALLING WINTAK AND RELATED PLUG-INS .................................................... 1
1.1 Basic Installation .............................................................................................................. 1
1.2 Adding Plug-ins................................................................................................................ 4
1.2.1 Using the WinTAK Installer Modify Option.......................................................................... 4
1.2.2 Installing Plug-ins via a WPK file ........................................................................................ 8
1.3 Installing WinTAK through the Command Line ............................................................. 9
1.3.1 Basic Command Line Installation ....................................................................................... 10
1.3.2 Command Line Installation with Plug-ins .......................................................................... 10
1.4 Clearing WinTAK through Windows Defender Firewall .............................................. 12
2 LOADING DATA INTO WINTAK .................................................................................. 14
2.1 Placing Data Directly into WinTAK’s ProgramData folder .......................................... 14
2.2 Transferring Data into WinTAK Using Import Manager .............................................. 16
2.2.1 Importing into WinTAK using Directory Preferences ........................................................ 17
2.2.2 Importing into WinTAK using Drag and Drop Method ...................................................... 18
2.2.3 Importing into WinTAK Using File Navigation Method ..................................................... 20
2.2.4 Importing Data from OwnCloud/FTPS Servers .................................................................. 22
2.3 Transferring Data Between WinTAK and ATAK Using ATAK Manager ................... 23
2.4 Loading Elevation Data (DTED) into WinTAK ............................................................ 25
3 SAVING MAP IMAGERY FOR USE WHEN INTERNET CONNECTION IS NOT
AVAILABLE ............................................................................................................................... 27
4 CONNECTING TO A TAK SERVER .............................................................................. 30
4.1 Manually Establishing a TAK Server Connection ......................................................... 30
4.2 Establishing a TAK Server Connection via Pre-Configured Zip File ............................ 33
5 UNINSTALLING WINTAK FROM A WINDOWS MACHINE ................................... 34
APPENDIX A HIDDEN FILES AND FOLDERS ................................................................ 37
APPENDIX B LOCATING LOG FILES .............................................................................. 38

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List of Figures
Figure 1 – WinTAK Setup Wizard ................................................................................................. 1
Figure 2 – Installation Folder Selection .......................................................................................... 2
Figure 3 – Plug-in Selection ........................................................................................................... 2
Figure 4 – WinTAK Shortcut Icon ................................................................................................. 3
Figure 5 – Release Information Screen ........................................................................................... 3
Figure 6 – WMS Map Source Selection ......................................................................................... 4
Figure 7 – WinTAK Blue Marble Earth View................................................................................ 4
Figure 8 – WinTAK Setup Wizard ................................................................................................. 5
Figure 9 – Modify, Repair or Remove Prompt ............................................................................... 5
Figure 10 – Available Plug-in List.................................................................................................. 6
Figure 11 – Custom Setup............................................................................................................... 7
Figure 12 – New Plug-ins Discovered Prompt ............................................................................... 7
Figure 13 - WinTAK Toolbar ......................................................................................................... 8
Figure 14 - Plug-in Manager Listing .............................................................................................. 9
Figure 15 - Plug-in Manager Preference ......................................................................................... 9
Figure 16 - Silent WinTAK Installation ....................................................................................... 10
Figure 17 – Finding Correct ADDLOCAL Section ...................................................................... 11
Figure 18 – Windows Defender Firewall...................................................................................... 12
Figure 19 – Select Change Settings to Enable Checkboxes ......................................................... 13
Figure 20 – Enable Network Communication .............................................................................. 13
Figure 21 – WinTAK ProgramData Subfolders ........................................................................... 15
Figure 22 – Copy Files into a WinTAK ProgramData Subfolder ................................................ 16
Figure 23 - Directory Preferences ................................................................................................. 18
Figure 24 – Multiple Directories................................................................................................... 18
Figure 25 – Drag and Drop File Import ........................................................................................ 19
Figure 26 – Import Strategy Prompt ............................................................................................. 19
Figure 27 – Import Successful ...................................................................................................... 19
Figure 28 – Import Failed ............................................................................................................. 20
Figure 29 – Import Directory ........................................................................................................ 20
Figure 30 – Folder Selection ......................................................................................................... 21
Figure 31 – Import Strategy Selection .......................................................................................... 21
Figure 32 – Import Status ............................................................................................................. 21
Figure 33 - Configure OwnCloud/FTPS Server ........................................................................... 22
Figure 34 - Import Selected File(s) ............................................................................................... 22
Figure 35 – ATAK Manager ......................................................................................................... 23
Figure 36 - Import File Selection .................................................................................................. 24
Figure 37 – Overlays Export ......................................................................................................... 24
Figure 38 - WinTAK ProgramData Overlays Folder ................................................................... 24
Figure 39 – ATAK’s Available File Listing ................................................................................. 25
Figure 40 – TAK.gov Download options ..................................................................................... 25
Figure 41 – Selecting DTED Level 0 ........................................................................................... 26
Figure 42 – DTED Level 0 Installer ............................................................................................. 26
Figure 43 – Preparing to Download Tileset .................................................................................. 27
Figure 44 – Download Region Rectangle ..................................................................................... 28
Figure 45 – Download options...................................................................................................... 28

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Figure 46 – Download Progress Status Bar .................................................................................. 29

Figure 47 - Newly Created SQLite Image .................................................................................... 29
Figure 48 – Manage Connections ................................................................................................. 30
Figure 49 – Certificate Installation ............................................................................................... 31
Figure 50 – Server Certificate Selection ....................................................................................... 31
Figure 51 – Entering Certificate Authority Location and Password............................................. 31
Figure 52 – Successful TAK Server Connection .......................................................................... 32
Figure 53 – Disabled/Nonfunctional Connection ......................................................................... 32
Figure 54 – TAK Server Connection Status ................................................................................. 33
Figure 55 – Windows Control Panel ............................................................................................. 34
Figure 56 – Select Program to Uninstall ....................................................................................... 34
Figure 57 – WinTAK Setup Wizard ............................................................................................. 35
Figure 58 – Modify, Repair or Remove Prompt ........................................................................... 35
Figure 59 – Remove WinTAK Application Data Option ............................................................. 36

List of Tables
Table 1 - Manual File Placement Within C:\ProgramData\WinTAK .......................................... 14
Table 2 - Import Manager Techniques.......................................................................................... 17

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1 INSTALLING WINTAK AND RELATED PLUG-INS

The Team Awareness Kit for Windows (WinTAK) application and supporting documentation are
available for download. Download requests can be sent to TAK.gov.

1.1 Basic Installation

Download the WinTAK executable (.EXE) installer file to a folder on a Windows device.

Navigate to the folder with the EXE file. Double left-click on the installer file name. A user
account control prompt will appear, indicating the WinTAK build number and requesting
permission to make changes to the device. If the installer is a signed version, the verified
publisher will be identified. Otherwise, the prompt will indicate that the publisher is unknown.
In either case, select Yes to allow changes to the computer.

The WinTAK Setup Wizard welcome page will display as depicted in Figure 1. Select Next
to continue.

Figure 1 – WinTAK Setup Wizard

By default, WinTAK installation files will be placed in the C:\Program Files\WinTAK folder
as shown in Figure 2. If a different location is desired, indicate an alternative folder before
selecting Next for the Select Installation Folder prompt.

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Figure 2 – Installation Folder Selection

All optional plug-ins that are appropriate for the current WinTAK build are included in the
installation EXE file. When the WinTAK plug-in prompt appears, select the desired plug-ins
to be installed, then select Next (shown in Figure 3). If unsure as to the necessity of a specific
plug-in, choose to install it. Installed plug-ins are easily disabled once WinTAK is launched
but adding an uninstalled plug-in later will require rerunning the WinTAK installer and
employing the modify option. Refer to the Adding Plug-ins using the WinTAK Installer
Modify Option section for directions. Installed plug-ins can be disabled by selecting Settings
from the top left corner drop-down menu. Choose Tool Preferences > Plug-in Management,
then uncheck the checkbox for the undesired plug-in.

Figure 3 – Plug-in Selection

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Once Install is selected from the Ready to Install prompt, the installation process will begin.
When installation is finished, the WinTAK Setup Wizard completion prompt appears. Select
Finish to dismiss the wizard.

Upon successful installation, WinTAK.exe will appear in the installation folder. A shortcut,
bearing the WinTAK icon, will appear on the desktop, shown in Figure 4. Double left-click
(or right-click and select Open) the shortcut icon to launch WinTAK.

Figure 4 – WinTAK Shortcut Icon

The WinTAK splash screen will appear, briefly displaying release information as depicted in
Figure 5.

Figure 5 – Release Information Screen

The first time that WinTAK is launched, the End User License Agreement will appear. Please
review the terms, check the “I agree” box and select the “I agree” button to advance. A prompt
to choose which WMS (Web Map Service) map sources should be installed will then appear,
as shown in Figure 6. If unsure which to choose, verify that all checkboxes are checked before
selecting OK.

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Figure 6 – WMS Map Source Selection

WinTAK will appear with the blue marble Earth view, shown in Figure 7.

Figure 7 – WinTAK Blue Marble Earth View

Any available imagery overlay and Digital Terrain Elevation Data (DTED) data files can now be
loaded into WinTAK. Various available file import methods are explained in the Loading Data
into WinTAK section. It is highly recommended to import DTED. Level 0 DTED data is available
for download from takmaps.com. Refer to the Loading Elevation Data into WinTAK section for
directions.

1.2 Adding Plug-ins

1.2.1 Using the WinTAK Installer Modify Option
If any plug-ins were not included in the initial WinTAK installation process, they can be added by
utilizing the WinTAK installer modify option or by using the Plug-in Manager.

Note: Some WinTAK plug-ins are not included in the main installer and are distributed via a
separate .wpk file.

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Navigate to the folder with the WinTAK installer file. Double-click on the installer file name.
A user account control prompt will appear, indicating the WinTAK build number and
requesting permission to make changes to the device. If the installer is a signed version, PAR
Government will be identified as the verified publisher. Otherwise, the prompt will indicate
that the publisher is unknown. In either case, select Yes to allow changes to the computer.

The WinTAK Setup Wizard welcome page will display as depicted in Figure 8. Select Next
to continue.

Figure 8 – WinTAK Setup Wizard

As shown in Figure 9, the Modify, Repair or Remove installation prompt will appear. Select
the Modify icon, then select Next.

Figure 9 – Modify, Repair or Remove Prompt

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Scroll through the list to find plug-ins the user wishes to add. Items marked with a red X icon
are available but not currently installed (depicted in Figure 10). For each plug-in the user
would like to install:

• Select the X icon or down arrow for the plug-in.

Figure 10 – Available Plug-in List

• Select Will be installed on local hard drive from the drop-down menu. Upon selection of
new features, the hard drive space requirement will update.

Status icons for plug-ins prepared for installation will now depict a hardware device, instead
of a red X. In Figure 11, the Data Sync and ExCheck plug-ins have been selected. The dialog
box shows that 1116KB of additional space is required for the Data Sync plug-in. When all
desired plug-ins have been installed, select Next.

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Figure 11 – Custom Setup

Once Install is selected from the Ready to Install prompt, the plug-in installation process will
begin. When installation is finished, the WinTAK Setup Wizard completion prompt will
appear. Select Finish to dismiss the wizard.

The first time that WinTAK is relaunched, after adding new plug-ins, the New Plug-ins
Discovered prompt will appear as shown in Figure 12. Check the checkbox for each of the
new plug-ins to be loaded into WinTAK, then select OK.

Figure 12 – New Plug-ins Discovered Prompt

Most optional plug-ins will be added to the Plug-ins tab on the toolbar; however, not finding
the name of a specific plug-in in the Plug-ins tab does not necessarily indicate that the plug-in
installation or loading was not successful. Some plug-ins create multiple tools and/or new

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toolbar tabs. Other plug-ins may not need to appear on the toolbar at all. In this example,
installing the ExCheck plug-in caused the tool to appear in the Plug-ins tab; however, installing
the Data Sync plug-in caused the Data Sync, New Feed and Timeline tools to appear in a new
Home tab group called Data Sync as shown in Figure 13.

Figure 13 - WinTAK Toolbar

1.2.2 Installing Plug-ins via a WPK file

WPK files can be installed into WinTAK in the following three ways:

From Windows file explorer the user double clicks on a WPK file. WinTAK will launch and
the plug-in will be installed.

If WinTAK is running, the user can drag and drop the wpk file from Windows file explorer
onto WinTAK. The WPK file is installed and available for use.

The third option is to install using Plug-in Manager. The plug-in manager allows users to
load/unload plug-ins while WinTAK is running. Using the plug-in manager, users can see the
list of plug-ins available (Figure 14) and load or unload the plug-ins. Plug-ins can be installed
from a Local Plug-ins Directory or from an Over the Air (OTA) server if one has been
configured. The location for the plug-ins is configured in the Plug-in Manager settings screen
(Figure 15).

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Figure 14 - Plug-in Manager Listing

Figure 15 - Plug-in Manager Preference

1.3 Installing WinTAK through the Command Line

WinTAK can be installed through the Command Line (Figure 14). The main reason for using this
“Silent Install” method is for administrators to quickly install WinTAK on multiple devices. If
plug-ins are desired the initial steps are more complicated than running the WinTAK installer;
however, once these one-time steps are accomplished, the installation process is much faster and
simpler.

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1.3.1 Basic Command Line Installation

To run the installer silently, first change the directory to where the installer is located using the
“cd” command. Type or paste the following command, substituting the version of WinTAK being
installed:

• WinTAK-4.5.0.68-mil-installer-x64.exe /exenoui /qn

Figure 16 - Silent WinTAK Installation

A user account control prompt will appear, indicating the WinTAK build number and requesting
permission to make changes to the device. If the installer is a signed version, the verified publisher
will be identified. Otherwise, the prompt will indicate that the publisher is unknown. In either
case, select Yes to allow changes to the computer. There will be no indication that WinTAK was
installed successfully. Go to the Windows’ Desktop to find the WinTAK shortcut that was added
or type “WinTAK” into the Search area and the WinTAK App will appear and can be selected.

1.3.2 Command Line Installation with Plug-ins

Running the above on the command line will install WinTAK with none of the optional plug-ins.
To install some of the optional plug-ins run the installer with logging enabled instead.

To install with logging enabled:

Type or paste the following command, substituting the version of WinTAK that is being
installed. Be sure to enter the whole path where the install.log file should be saved:

WinTAK-4.5.0.68-mil-installer-x64.exe /l*v C:\Users\Public\install.log

Run WinTAK

Select the plug-ins to be installed (In this example Data Sync and ExCheck were chosen)

Close WinTAK

Navigate to the folder where the WinTAK installer was downloaded

Open the install.log text file

Search for the word (Ctrl-F) ADDLOCAL. Look for the instance that also has the terms
PROPERTY CHANGE found on the same line. The desired section of the log will look
similar to Figure 17

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Figure 17 – Finding Correct ADDLOCAL Section

Note that in the comma separated list of strings, two optional plug-ins (in this example, DataSync
and ExCheck) can be seen that were selected in Step 4.

Copy this portion of the log entry.

This log section must be modified either in a separate document or on the command line itself.
The beginning of the log section (ADDLOCAL property. Its value is ‘) must be changed to:
ADDLOCAL=“. The ending of the log section (’.) must be changed to: ”

Paste in the same command as in the previous section (substituting the current version of
WinTAK being installed) i.e., “WinTAK-4.5.0.68-mil-installer-x64.exe /exenoui /qn for the
WinTAK 4.5 release.

Paste the modified log entry created in step 9.

Example of the command:

The command created in Step 13 can now be distributed to silently install WinTAK on any
Windows machine.

It is not recommended to use the same ADDLOCAL value that was generated with a previous
build because the value for ADDLOCAL may change in between versions of WinTAK.

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1.4 Clearing WinTAK through Windows Defender Firewall

It is possible that Windows Defender Firewall may block WinTAK from network communication.
If the user finds that WinTAK is unable to communicate but other applications on your device are,
please check your firewall settings as follows (Windows 10):

Select the Start button or in the Cortana search field on the taskbar and type “firewall.” Select
Windows Defender Firewall from the search window that appears.

When Windows Defender Firewall opens, select Allow an app or feature through Windows
Defender Firewall, as depicted in Figure 18.

Figure 18 – Windows Defender Firewall

A list of applications will appear. Select the Change Settings button (shown in Figure 19) to
unlock the list.

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Figure 19 – Select Change Settings to Enable Checkboxes

Scroll to find WinTAK and/or wintak.exe in the list. As depicted in Figure 20, check the box
to the left of each if they are unchecked, then check boxes to the right for Domain, Private and
Public as appropriate to allow communication on these networks.

Figure 20 – Enable Network Communication

If WinTAK does not appear on the list, select Allow another app, and browse to the location
of wintak.exe, which is by default located at C:\Program Files\WinTAK\WinTAK.exe.

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2 LOADING DATA INTO WINTAK

2.1 Placing Data Directly into WinTAK’s ProgramData folder

WinTAK imagery, overlay and DTED files can be loaded into WinTAK by placing the files
directly into the WinTAK ProgramData folder structure:

C:\ProgramData\WinTAK

This folder is created when WinTAK is installed. Files that are placed into this folder structure
while WinTAK is not running will be available for use when WinTAK is launched. Refer to Table
1 for appropriate subfolder placement of specific file types.

Table 1 - Manual File Placement Within C:\ProgramData\WinTAK

Where to Place within Where to Find within WinTAK

File Type
WinTAK Folder Program
DTED …\WinTAK\DTED
GRG …\WinTAK\GRG Overlays > GRG
Maps & Favorites > IMAGERY
XML …\WinTAK\Imagery Maps & Favorites > MOBILE (Online)
SQLite …\WinTAK\Imagery Maps & Favorites > MOBILE (Local)
MBTiles …\WinTAK\Imagery Maps & Favorites > MOBILE (Local)
CADRG …\WinTAK\Imagery Maps & Favorites > IMAGERY
CIB …\WinTAK\Imagery Maps & Favorites > IMAGERY
ECRG …\WinTAK\Imagery Maps & Favorites > IMAGERY
GeoTiff …\WinTAK\Imagery Maps & Favorites > IMAGERY
GNC …\WinTAK\Imagery Maps & Favorites > IMAGERY
JPEG2000 …\WinTAK\Imagery Maps & Favorites > IMAGERY
KMZ w/ …\WinTAK\Imagery Maps & Favorites > IMAGERY
imagery*
MrSid …\WinTAK\Imagery Maps & Favorites > IMAGERY
NITF …\WinTAK\Imagery Maps & Favorites > IMAGERY
PFI …\WinTAK\Imagery Maps & Favorites > IMAGERY
PFPS …\WinTAK\Imagery Maps & Favorites > IMAGERY
PRI …\WinTAK\Imagery Maps & Favorites > IMAGERY
RPF …\WinTAK\Imagery Maps & Favorites > IMAGERY
DRW …\WinTAK\Overlays Overlays > File Overlays > DRW
GPX …\WinTAK\Overlays Overlays > File Overlays > GPX
KML …\WinTAK\Overlays Overlays > File Overlays > KML
KMZ w/ …\WinTAK\Overlays Overlays > File Overlays > KML
vector data*
LPT …\WinTAK\Overlays Overlays > File Overlays > LPT
Shape …\WinTAK\Overlays Overlays > File Overlays > SHAPEFILE

Note: KMZ files that contain both imagery and vector data need to be placed in both locations for
both types of data to be loaded into WinTAK.

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Note: Files that are added to WinTAK via Import Manager or created by WinTAK, will not
necessarily appear in the WinTAK ProgramData folder locations as described above. Different
subfolders and virtual links are sometimes used by WinTAK.

Follow these steps to copy files directly into WinTAK’s ProgramData folder structure:

Quit WinTAK if it is currently running.

Open a Windows Explorer window and navigate to the location of the source file(s) to be
copied to WinTAK.

Open another Windows Explorer window and navigate to:

C:\ProgramData\WinTAK

Note: The ProgramData folder is hidden by default. See Appendix A for instructions on how
to change folder visibility and access for Windows devices.

Using Table 1 for reference, double left-click the name of the WinTAK subfolder that the user
needs to open for the file type being used. In the following example (Figure 21), a KML file
will be added to the C:\ProgramData\WinTAK\Overlays folder. Therefore, Overlays must be
opened.

Figure 21 – WinTAK ProgramData Subfolders

Select a file (or files) from the source folder and copy into the WinTAK subfolder, as shown
in Figure 22.

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Figure 22 – Copy Files into a WinTAK ProgramData Subfolder

The transferred file(s) will be available once WinTAK is launched. Refer to Table 1 for
information on where to find the transferred data within WinTAK.

2.2 Transferring Data into WinTAK Using Import Manager

Imagery, overlays, GRGs and other data can be loaded into WinTAK using Import Manager.
WinTAK’s Import Manager can be activated by two different means, with files imported by drag
and drop or by file navigation methods. Reference Table 2 for information on preferred import
techniques. If there is an “X” in the Folder column, select the folder containing all component files
as the target when navigating Import Manager. For an “X” in the File column, the appropriate
target is an individual file. For an “X” in the Zip column, the appropriate target is a ZIP file.
Multiple “X” for a file type offers the user a choice of technique. All file types except Shapefiles
that have support for individual file imports can be imported by selecting the folder containing
those files as the target.

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Table 2 - Import Manager Techniques

Import Manager

Folder
Where to Find within WinTAK

File

Zip
File Type
Program

3D Models Overlays > 3D Models X X

DTED X X X
GRG Overlays > GRG X
Maps & Favorites > IMAGERY X
XML Maps & Favorites > MOBILE (Online) X X
SQLite Maps & Favorites > MOBILE (Local) X X
MBTiles Maps & Favorites > MOBILE (Local) X X
CADRG Maps & Favorites > IMAGERY X X
CIB Maps & Favorites > IMAGERY X X
ECRG Maps & Favorites > IMAGERY X X
GeoTiff Maps & Favorites > IMAGERY X X
GNC Maps & Favorites > IMAGERY X X
JPEG2000 Maps & Favorites > IMAGERY X X
KMZ w/ Maps & Favorites > IMAGERY X X
imagery Overlays > GRG X
MrSid Maps & Favorites > IMAGERY X X
NITF Maps & Favorites > IMAGERY X X
PFI Maps & Favorites > IMAGERY X X
PFPS Maps & Favorites > IMAGERY X X
PRI Maps & Favorites > IMAGERY X X
RPF Maps & Favorites > IMAGERY X X
DRW Overlays > File Overlays > DRW X
GPX Overlays > File Overlays > GPX X
KML Overlays > File Overlays > KML X
KMZ w/ Overlays > File Overlays > KML X
vector data
LPT Overlays > File Overlays > LPT X
Shape Overlays > File Overlays > SHAPEFILE X X X

Note: Import of a KMZ that contains both imagery and vector data will cause the imagery portion
to appear under Overlays > GRG and the vector portion to display under Overlays > File Overlays
> KML.

2.2.1 Importing into WinTAK using Directory Preferences

The user can set up multiple directories to be processed when WinTAK is started. These directories
include Imagery, Overlays, Image Overlays and DTED. Select Settings > My Preferences and
scroll down to the Directory Preferences section (Figure 23).

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Figure 23 - Directory Preferences

Choose the desired directory then select, for example, Add DTED Source to manage which DTED
folders will be processed. Select the Folder icon, navigate to the location of the DTED folder and
then select OK twice. WinTAK will now read from that folder for DTED information. Additional
folders can be added and WinTAK will read from all folders that are added (as shown in Figure
24).

Figure 24 – Multiple Directories

As stated above multiple directories can be established for not only DTED, but for Imagery,
Overlays and GRGs.

2.2.2 Importing into WinTAK using Drag and Drop Method

To import via the drag and drop method (Figure 25), follow these steps:

Launch WinTAK.

If WinTAK is in full-screen mode and no external monitors are attached to the Windows
machine:

• Select the restore down button (layered squares icon) in the top right corner of the WinTAK
screen.

• Drag an edge or corner of the WinTAK frame to resize it, allowing access to the desktop.

Near the WinTAK window, open a Windows Explorer window. Navigate to the location of
the source file(s) to be imported into WinTAK.

Select and drag the desired file (or files) onto WinTAK.

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Figure 25 – Drag and Drop File Import

Dependent on file type, an import strategy prompt may appear as shown in Figure 26. Choose
the appropriate strategy and select OK.

Figure 26 – Import Strategy Prompt

When the process is complete, Import Manager will report the success or failure of the import.
This is depicted in Figures 27 and 28.

Figure 27 – Import Successful

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Figure 28 – Import Failed

Successfully imported file(s) will now be available in WinTAK. If necessary, refer to Table 1
for information on where to find the transferred data within WinTAK.

2.2.3 Importing into WinTAK Using File Navigation Method

To import files via the file navigation method, follow these steps:

Launch WinTAK.

Select Import Manager from the drop-down menu on the top left corner of the WinTAK pane.
Choose to import a directory, or individual files. In this example (Figure 29), a directory will
be imported.

Figure 29 – Import Directory

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Navigate to desired folder. Choose a folder then select OK (Figure 30).

Figure 30 – Folder Selection

Dependent on file type, an import strategy prompt may appear. Choose appropriate strategy
and select OK, as shown in Figure 31.

Figure 31 – Import Strategy Selection

When the process is complete, Figure 32 shows how Import Manager will report the status of
the import.

Figure 32 – Import Status

Successfully imported files will now be available in WinTAK. If necessary, refer to Table 1
for information on where to find the transferred data within WinTAK.

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2.2.4 Importing Data from OwnCloud/FTPS Servers

The user can also import data into WinTAK that is stored on either an OwnCloud or FTPS server.
To use an OwnCloud/FTPS server, the user first configures the connection with the server address,
username, password and server type to access the server (Figure 33).

Figure 33 - Configure OwnCloud/FTPS Server

After the server is configured, the user selects the server and is presented with a file browser
window. The user clicks the download icon, selects the desired file(s) and then can choose to
download the files for later use or select to import them immediately (Figure 34).

Figure 34 - Import Selected File(s)

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2.3 Transferring Data Between WinTAK and ATAK Using ATAK Manager
Imagery, overlays, DTED, Image Overlays, video files, data packages and apk files can be
transferred between WinTAK and ATAK via the ATAK Manager plug-in. Only files that reside
within the ATAK folder structure are available for import into WinTAK. Follow these steps to
transfer files:

To transfer data to or from ATAK, the “atak” folder structure must exist. This folder is created
the first time that ATAK is launched on an Android device. Quit ATAK if it is currently
running.

Launch WinTAK on a Windows machine.

Connect the Windows machine to the Android device with a USB cable. The Android device
may prompt for permission for the Windows machine to access data. Allow this access.

On WinTAK, activate the ATAK Manager plug-in from the toolbar. The ATAK Manager tool
will appear. Select the type of files to be transferred, as depicted in Figure 35.

Figure 35 – ATAK Manager

In this example (Figure 36), Overlays was selected. All files of selected type, available for
import from ATAK, will appear. To import files from ATAK into WinTAK, check the
checkboxes of desired files, then select Import. Selected files will be copied into WinTAK.

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Figure 36 - Import File Selection

To transfer files from WinTAK into ATAK, select the Export button as shown in Figure 37.

Figure 37 – Overlays Export

The WinTAK ProgramData Overlays folder contents will display. Notice that files imported
in previous example now appear in the content list (Figure 38). Choose desired files from
current directory or navigate to another to choose files from a different location to be
transferred from WinTAK, select Open.

Figure 38 - WinTAK ProgramData Overlays Folder

Any files, exported from WinTAK to ATAK, will now appear in ATAK’s available file listing
as shown in Figure 39.

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Figure 39 – ATAK’s Available File Listing

2.4 Loading Elevation Data (DTED) into WinTAK

To provide elevation information for map locations, WinTAK relies on Digital Terrain Elevation
Data (DTED) files. Dependent on mission necessity, users may be provided with highly detailed
DTED for a particular region. Low level, Level 0, DTED is available for general use by download
from TAK.gov.

To download and import DTED Level 0 data into WinTAK using the installer:

Login to TAK.gov.

Select the Resources tab (Figure 40), then select Available Resources.

Figure 40 – TAK.gov Download options

Select MIL Documentation - WinTAK-MIL – WinTAK DTED Level 0 Data as shown in

Figure 41.

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Figure 41 – Selecting DTED Level 0

When the download is complete, WinTAK-DTED0Data.exe will appear in the Windows

Downloads directory. Move this executable file to a different folder for future use.

Launch WinTAK-DTED0Data.exe and grant permission for it to run. It will install DTED0
files into the appropriate directory (Figure 42).

Figure 42 – DTED Level 0 Installer

If mission specific DTED files have been provided in .zip format, they will need to be installed
via the Import Manager. To install from a zip file:

Launch WinTAK

Drag and drop the provided DTED zip folder onto the WinTAK application.

When the DTED import is complete, WinTAK will display an All Files Successfully Imported
message.

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3 SAVING MAP IMAGERY FOR USE WHEN INTERNET

CONNECTION IS NOT AVAILABLE
When WinTAK missions allow no internet access, map source tilesets must be downloaded in
advance of mission usage. This is depicted in Figure 38. Tilesets can be created by following
these steps:

Launch WinTAK on a Windows device with internet access.

Activate Maps and Favorites.

Select the MOBILE tab. If the Map Source type is set to Local, switch to Online.

Select desired map source from the listing as shown in Figure 43.

Select the download (cloud with down arrow icon) button.

Figure 43 – Preparing to Download Tileset

Choose Select Rectangular Region from the download drop-down menu.

Click to select 2 locations on the map, denoting the download rectangle. The first location will
mark one corner. The second location will mark the opposite corner. This is depicted in Figure
44.

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Figure 44 – Download Region Rectangle

If desired, create a custom name for the download file by replacing the default name that
appears in the New Layer Name field.

Note the download size and number of tiles, indicated in the lower right corner of the blue
rectangle outline. Creating tilesets less than 1,000 tiles will take a few minutes. Creating a
very large tileset could take hours. The number of tiles being downloaded is limited to the
available space on the C: drive. Moving the blue dots on the slider bar will change the
resolution of the download. Adjustments to the map resolution or the size of yellow download
rectangle will have a direct effect on the number of tiles in the download and the granularity
when viewing the downloaded tileset.

When desired download parameters have been set, select the OK button, as shown in Figure
45.

Figure 45 – Download options

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Once the download has begun, it can be cancelled by selecting the Red X on the status bar or
the Cancel Download (cloud with down arrow and red line icon) button at the top left of the
Maps & Favorites panel.

• Note: The download progress can be monitored by the download status bar and tile count
indicators as shown in Figure 46.

Figure 46 – Download Progress Status Bar

Multiple tilesets from different map sources can be downloaded simultaneously. To download
additional tilesets once the initial download has started, select the desired map source, select
the Download button and repeat the process used for the first downloaded tileset. Each tileset’s
download progress will be listed at the bottom of the Maps & Favorites panel.

When download(s) is complete, switch from Online to Local and find the newly created
tileset(s) in the MOBILE tab listing.

Selecting the outline (green outline icon) button will cause the newly created SQLite image to
appear outlined on the map as shown in Figure 47, differentiating it from the cached tiles that
are currently available on the device. Zoom out on the map view to see the full outline if
necessary.

Figure 47 - Newly Created SQLite Image

This tileset will remain in WinTAK until the Clear Content function is performed.

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The generated .sqlite file can be copied from C:\ProgramData\WinTAK\Imagery and

distributed to other users.

4 CONNECTING TO A TAK SERVER

A TAK Server is used to provide connectivity between users on different networks, allowing the
sharing of situational awareness information among TAK users. Connection to a TAK Server can
be implemented manually or by importing a pre-configured TAK Server connection package zip
file. The TAK Server administrator will provide users with all server specifications, certificates
and passwords that are necessary to establish server connection.

4.1 Manually Establishing a TAK Server Connection

Acquire both .p12 certificate files (TrustStore and Client) for the server and place them in a
folder on the Windows machine for use by WinTAK. Ensure that associated passwords have
been received.

• Note: If the user’s TAK Server supports Client Provisioning they will need only the
TrustStore .p12 certificate file.

Launch WinTAK.

Select Settings from the top left corner drop-down menu.

Select Settings > Network Preferences > Manage Server Connections > Add Item.

In the Description field, enter a descriptive name for the server connection.

Enter the TAK Server’s Host Address and Port number as depicted in Figure 48.

Figure 48 – Manage Connections

From the Protocol drop-down menu, select SSL (or TCP if non-secure connection is desired).
If SSL is selected:

Select Install Certificate Authority button as shown in Figure 49.

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Figure 49 – Certificate Installation

Navigate to the folder with server certificates.

Select the TrustStore certificate then select Open, as depicted in Figure 50.

Figure 50 – Server Certificate Selection

As shown in Figure 51, enter the password, then select OK.

Figure 51 – Entering Certificate Authority Location and Password

If the user’s TAK Server supports Client Provisioning and wish to use it, check the Enroll
for Client Certificate box and go on to Step 8. Otherwise, select Install Client Certificate
button.
i. Navigate to the folder with server certificates.
ii. Select the client certificate, then Open.

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iii. Enter the password, then select OK.

If user credentials are required for the TAK Server:

Check the Use Authentication checkbox.

Enter a username
Enter a password

Select OK to submit the server connection. The newly created TAK Server connection will
now appear in the listing If the TAK Server connection was successfully established, the
green check cloud icon will appear in the server connection listing as shown in Figure 52.

Figure 52 – Successful TAK Server Connection

If the connection is disabled or nonfunctional, the cloud icon will appear red with an X as
depicted in Figure 53.

Figure 53 – Disabled/Nonfunctional Connection

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4.2 Establishing a TAK Server Connection via Pre-Configured Zip File

If a pre-configured TAK Server Connection Package zip file has been created, follow these steps
to establish a TAK Server connection:

Place the TAK Server zip file on the Windows machine.

Launch WinTAK.

Drag and drop (or import via Import Manager’s file navigation) the zip file onto WinTAK.

If the zip file did not include the passwords, a prompt will appear. If prompted, enter
passwords, then select OK.

The newly created TAK Server connection will now appear in the listing. As shown in Figure
54, if the TAK Server connection was successfully established, the green check cloud icon will
appear in the server connection listing. Unchecking the checkbox will disable the server
connection. Disabled and unestablished TAK Server connections will be indicated with red
cloud icons with an X.

Figure 54 – TAK Server Connection Status

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5 UNINSTALLING WINTAK FROM A WINDOWS MACHINE

Follow these steps to remove WinTAK from a Windows machine:

Launch the Windows Control Panel.

Choose Uninstall a program from the Programs section as shown in Figure 55.

Figure 55 – Windows Control Panel

Select WinTAK from the list (shown in Figure 56), then select Change from the toolbar.

Figure 56 – Select Program to Uninstall

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When the WinTAK Setup Wizard appears, select Next (Figure 57).

Figure 57 – WinTAK Setup Wizard

To initiate removing the WinTAK program from the computer, select Remove icon from the
Modify, Repair or Remove installation prompt, shown in Figure 58, then select Next.

Figure 58 – Modify, Repair or Remove Prompt

If the uninstall is being performed in preparation for a WinTAK upgrade installation, the
WinTAK application data should most likely be left intact. In this case, verify the Remove All
WinTAK Application Data checkbox on the WinTAK Setup window is unchecked before
selecting the Remove button.

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If the uninstall is being performed to entirely remove WinTAK from the windows machine (or
before a clean install), the Remove All WinTAK Application Data checkbox should be checked
before selecting the Remove button. This is depicted in Figure 59.

Application files that are removed by this process include all files within these folders:

• C:\ProgramData\WinTAK (including downloaded tilesets)

• C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\WinTAK (including Data Packages)

Overlay files (including GPX, KML, KMZ and Shape), created by WinTAK export features, are
not removed, and will remain in C:\Users\username\Documents\WinTAK\Export file.

Figure 59 – Remove WinTAK Application Data Option

When uninstallation is finished, the WinTAK Setup Wizard completion prompt appears.
Select Finish to dismiss the wizard.

Upon successful uninstallation, the WinTAK installation folder will be deleted. The WinTAK
shortcut will disappear from the desktop, as well.

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APPENDIX A HIDDEN FILES AND FOLDERS

Some WinTAK files exist in the ProgramData folder, which is hidden by default in the Windows
OS. To make the folder visible for access, perform the following steps:

Windows 10:

Open a File Explorer window.

Select the View tab > Options > Change folder and search options.
Select the View tab > select “Show hidden files, folders and drives”, then select OK.

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APPENDIX B LOCATING LOG FILES

WinTAK will often generate log files when an error or crash occurs. These log files are valuable
feedback to the development team as they work to continually improve WinTAK. If a point of
contact for the team requests logs, please follow the below instructions:

Error and crash log files:

• These are text files that are named in the format Errors-WinTAK-(date).txt, Log-WinTAK-
(date).txt or Fatal-WinTAK-(date).txt

• They are located in the C:\Users\Username\AppData\Roaming\WinTAK\Logs directory

- Windows 8 or10 allow for you to use %appdata% to shorten the path – to go right to
the logs open a Windows Explorer window and type %appdata%/wintak/logs in the
path field
Dump files:

• These are large, detailed files that WinTAK produces on a crash. They have a .DMP
extension and are commonly 40-60MB in size.

• Dump files can be found in the same location:

- C:\Users\Username\AppData\Roaming\WinTAK\Logs directory as the .TXT log files.

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