Sharing Maps

Whether purchased from the Map Store or a custom map, maps can be exported and shared with other devices using Avenza Maps. Map Store listings can be shared via a shareable link, redirecting users to the Map Store. Sharing custom maps can be done using the respective device's native sharing platform (Quick Share for Android, or AirDrop for iOS) and may be subject to limitations set by the platform and/or operating system and not Avenza Maps. Alternatively, custom maps can be exported as PDF or TIFF files, or as a GeoPackage* along with at least one layer. Please note, the maps will be exported in the same format that the map was imported into Avenza Maps (ex. PDF files will be exported as a PDF). More details are outlined below.

* GeoPackage export requires a Pro Subscription.

Sharing Map Store Links

Maps purchased from the Map Store can be shared as a link, re-directing users to the map's listing in the Map Store. From there, users can then purchase the map to download to their own account/device, in Avenza Maps.

Android

1. From the My Maps List tap to the right of a purchased map
2. Select 'Share'
3. Follow the remaining prompts to select your preferred sharing format (such as SMS, email or social media messaging apps)
4. Recipient will receive link redirecting to map listing in Map Store.

iOS

1. From the My Maps List tap to the right of a purchased map
2. Select 'Share'
3. Follow the remaining prompts to select your preferred sharing format (such as SMS, iMessage, email, or social media messaging apps)
4. Recipient will receive link redirecting to map listing in Map Store.

NOTE: sharing Map Store links differs from accessing purchased maps from your Map Store account on multiple devices. Maps purchased from the Map Store can be downloaded on up to 5 devices. and is done so directly in Avenza Maps in your account (head/bust icon). If downloading a map onto a new device, please access the map for download via your Download History. For more information on accessing maps from your account Download History, please see the article here.

Sharing Custom Maps via Quick Share/AirDrop

Custom maps can be shared on both Android and iOS devices using their respective file-sharing platforms (Quick Share for Android devices, and AirDrop for iOS devices).  Because this functionality is using the device's native sharing software, there are limitations and restrictions that may be outside of Avenza's control.   

Listed below are a few factors to keep in mind when sharing maps with another device when using Quick Share/AirDrop:

• Sharing can only be done with custom maps and data
• Please note: in most cases, custom maps and data can both be shared at the same time. However, there may be cases where the device limits this ability. Workarounds for this are detailed below
• The share methods are unique to the platform, specific device, and operating system being used. Not all devices support file-sharing via AirDrop or Quick Sharing
• There is no cross-platform sharing at this time. Therefore, iOS users can only share with iOS users, and Android users can only share with Android users
• iOS users must be using the same version of Avenza Maps, the same operating system, and the same device language settings in order for AirDrop to work
• For Android users, the device doing the sharing must be using at least Avenza Maps version 4.2, but the receiving device can be an older version of the app, or operating system provided the device supports Quick Share
• Quick Share is only on Android devices using Android 6.0 or higher

Android

1. From the My Maps List tap to the right of a custom map
2. Select 'Share'
3. Select Quick Share and follow the remaining prompts to select the receiving device
4. Receiving device receives the file and automatically imports it into Avenza Maps

iOS

1. From the My Maps List tap to the right of a custom map
2. Select 'Share'
3. Select AirDrop and follow the remaining prompts to select the receiving device
4. Receiving device receives the file and automatically imports it into Avenza Maps

Exporting Custom Maps as a PDF, TIFF, or GPKG File

If sharing a custom map, Free and Plus users can export custom maps as a georeferenced .pdf or .tiff file directly in Avenza Maps. Pro users have the added feature of exporting maps and layers together as a GeoPackage (GPKG) file. For specific instructions on how to export your data as a GPKG, please visit here. Similar to sharing a custom map via Quick Share or AirDrop, this is done through the "Share" option, on the My Maps page.

Please note, the exported PDF or TIFF file will only contain georeferencing if the initial file (imported into Avenza Maps) is properly georeferenced. If a custom map is not properly referenced, you will be notified with a "Map not referenced" message on the map's listing in the My Maps page.

Android

1. From the My Maps List tap to the right of a custom map
2. Select 'Share'
3. Follow the pop-up with the remaining prompts to select your preferred sharing format (such as SMS, email or messaging apps)
   1. Alternatively, the file can be saved to your preferred storage location (device storage, Google Drive, Dropbox)
4. File is automatically saved/sent for use outside Avenza Maps.

iOS

1. From the My Maps List tap to the right of a custom map
2. Select 'Share'
3. Follow the pop-up with the remaining prompts to select your preferred sharing format (such as SMS, iMessage, email or messaging apps)
   1. Alternatively, the file can be saved to your preferred storage location (device storage, Google Drive, Dropbox)
4. File is automatically saved/sent for use outside Avenza Maps.