Ever wanted to use your phone as a GPS sailing master in the open ? Here ’s a whole tone by footprint guide to chance the map , creating trail and waypoints and then using them on your Android speech sound .
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For quite a while , I ’ve been reach map for my backcountry trips , but doing so has been bit of a quagmire . There are map sources , map data , online mapping services , routes , tracks , waypoints … and they do n’t always come together .
For example , the caterpillar tread of the route you want might come from Everytrail , but the scenic standpoint might be direct out to you by an on-line forum , and perhaps you want to supply your own waypoints or tweak the route before you leave . Furthermore , different realm have a dissimilar “ good ” map reservoir .
Well , I think I ’ve nailed down the ( almost ) free method acting for get data onto a decent mathematical function using CalTopo , that you could edit without going nuts , impress it , then put that map onto your favorite GPS machine . Assuming that ’s Android plusBackcountry Navigator , I ’ve also covered how to get offline maps .
I ’ve pen this with hike in mind , but you could use it for passably much anything — biking , snowshoe , skiing , camping all leap to take care . I ’ve broken it up in to section you could take or leave . For instance , if you just need a paper map , just do up to that point , or perhaps you use an iOS twist , you may export the data point then import it into your app of pick .
The Tools : As I enounce in the intromission , there are piles of peter to achieve the same close . For this clause , I ’m going to skip the public debate and show you what works for me .
Maps : CalTopo , a free map imagination developed by a Search And Rescue military volunteer .
GPS Navigator : Backcountry Navigator , a powerful Android app that works outside of cell receipt .
Those two are the independent two you will demand , but there are a few others deserving mentioning .
Image - ground Map Maker : GPS Visualizer Create - a - Map
3D visualisation : Google Earth
Conversions : GPS Visualizer Converter
Finding A Map Source That act : I ’m golden , I live in British Columbia , and CalTopo has approach to some great map from DataBC . You might not be so lucky , or might not like what you see , so in the top proper corner of the CalTopo Sir Frederick Handley Page , you could commute your source :
Pull up the loose area you ’re guide to and see which selection gives you the best data point and visual image .
Finding Trail And Waypoint Data : You ’re going to have to look for a source of trails , waypoints , routes etc . These can be from plenty of places , find them with Google . Here are just a few that work for me .
Everytrail
ClubTread
Wikiloc
Wandermap
Forums
Friends
For this exercise , I ’m going to usesome waypoints from ClubTread , and aroute from EveryTrail . This assume you require 2 data source ( any issue is o.k. ) . At the bottom of both pages , you will discover download links .
GPX filesare the most wide accepted Indian file format for various pecker ( KMLis probably second ) . For this pathfinder , we ’ll just stick with GPX files . It ’s authoritative to have intercourse that they only control a lowly bent of object , like running , waypoints and a few others . They do NOT contain the image of the map you overlie them on .
Once you ’ve imported the waypoints , they ’ll show up on the single-valued function .
Now you need to spell the trail using the same method acting depict above . Then you ’ll terminate up with both waypoints and trail , pulled from separate source , on the same map .
Et voila , the trail of your pick combine with tradition waypoints , all on top of a elaborate topo map .
Now ’s a in effect time to save up your workplace ! Create an explanation if necessary .
countenance ’s say you require to contribute your own object to the single-valued function , you’re able to , in the lower leftover . For this case , I ’ll sum a simple marker ( lower leftfield of the port ) .
Printing A Paper Map : Never go into the wilderness without a paper map . No matter how good your GPS navigator is , it can run out of might or break in a fall .
Click “ print ” in the top right corner . I in person like create PDFs for this piece , so the guide will show that . The print from web internet browser prick is very good as well and a o.k. choice , so go right in front and use it if you prefer .
Import tracks and waypoint
A full - size image of the CalTopo PDF . That ’s some nice item and a totally customizable mathematical function you’re able to make and publish for free . Using this method you could create exactly the map you need with precisely the data you need on it . Pack a range and you need nothing else for navigation .
You might require to bring some varlet or publish again for some turgid , area maps . It ’s easy to make a book - style map for yourself . I commend taking function of the area , not just the exact route and nothing else , in shell you get lost .
How to make these raincoat you expect ? A resealable bagful works as beneficial as anything I ’ve used .
Exporting To A GPS gadget : Remember GPX data file ? You ’re going to export your own from CalTopo .
post the resulting GPX file to your gimmick ( contain your manual on how to do this ) .
Using These Maps On Your Phone : This brings us now to the other tool I really love in the natural state , Backcountry Navigator . I very much urge you expend the $ 12 on the Pro interpretation as it does a LOT for that .
Before we start though , permit me make it clear that you should always go into the backcountry with a paper single-valued function , compass and knowledge of how to use them . Smartphones and non - smartphone GPS equipment can and do run out of power , may not be water system resistant , be broken in falls or you may have forgotten to coiffure them up before you left . The guide up to this point in time shows you how , so you have no exculpation .
To ensure this part stays up to particular date , I ’m run low tolink to their getting start guides on how to download map and use the app .
However , here we are going to spell our map data and download some maps for offline usage . Do this before going into the backcountry where you will belike not have phone reception or datum religious service .
A requirement dance step , not shown , is remove the file to your equipment . netmail them to yourself , plug in via a USB cable , apply the belovedAirDroidorDropbox … there are lots of agency .
As I was creating this , it turn into a screenshot lead tour , so for this next part , here ’s a gallery , in step by whole step fiat .
Let ’s load the GPX file from to begin with .
Import tracks and waypoint .
feel the file you need .
Create a new trip database ( or add to an subsist one if you take to ) .
In notifications …
It ’s our data point from CalTopo ! Shown with the OpenCycleMap map layer below .
But let take the more familiar map ( sorry , I mess up up this screenshot a spot and had to pixelate it to fend off discombobulation ) .
point to more single-valued function sources .
Find the maps you prefer ( note that I ’m in the USA single-valued function here for Caltopo , there is also a Canada mapping part ) .
CalTopo single-valued function layer .
In Map Layers , we can also download mathematical function for offline usage .
Select the expanse you require .
Not shew , but choose the maximum zoom level to download , then create a new map package and name it .
figure size will be shown , pat proceed .
Once done , you may change to offline maps in Map Layers ( also , to go back to “ online ” , exchange to the Preview Cache ) .
The result ! Remember , if it ’s not downloaded , it wo n’t show . Be sure to download before you go to the backcountry .
When you ’re out in the wilderness , you may observe your placement ( well , as good as your phone can evidence you ) using the options under this menu .
Remember : GPS uses considerable ability , but will work when you do n’t have speech sound reception ( you ’d be surprised how many citizenry imagine you call for a earpiece signal , in fact , you do n’t , but you do need data service if you have not stored the map offline ) .
You ’re Done : Hopefully now you have a paper map from CalTopo and an Android phone / pad of paper execute BackCountry Navigator with your route and maps available offline .
call up to waterproof your phone somehow and bring an external battery ( like aMophie Juice Pack ) .
This clause originally appear onHenry ’s personal siteand is reprint here with permit .
A big thanks to the makers of all the tools and data point sources used in this article . Many of them are free , open origin or low cost for high value . Consider donating or buying . CalTopo ’s About Pagehas details on how the developer wish support , and they have an awesomeblogtoo . Backcountry Navigatoris made by CritterMap Software and can bedemoed for 30 daysand / orpurchased on Google Play .
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