Navigation Tool – Avenza Maps

Users are able to easily and efficiently see their GPS information (compass, bearing, accuracy), record GPS tracks, as well as navigate to a location using a variety of options (specify a point based on distance and bearing, choose a placemark to navigate to, and specify a destination coordinate) by using the Navigation bar.

To access these features, swipe up on the newly redesigned bottom toolbar. Alternatively, you can tap the overflow icon (3 dot icon) to reveal the various map tools and choose "Navigate to Destination" to jump right to the navigation toolset.

Location Tab

The GPS tab allows users to access their GPS accuracy information for their device, or connected Bluetooth GPS unit. As of version 3.10, users who are using an external GPS unit will see an indicator icon showing they are connected. For more details on how to connect to an external GPS unit, please see the article here. Users will see various information on this tab including, their current location, compass bearing and course, speed, altitude, horizontal accuracy, and vertical accuracy. There are two Map View Modes available for users: Course Up and Lock Orientation.

Course Up

This feature is new in version 3.9 and is available to all users. This feature can be toggled on and off and when engaged displays the map with the user's current travel direction at the top of the device screen. As you change direction, the map will rotate accordingly to always keep your travel direction at the top of the screen (this is not dependent on the device orientation or direction, like the compass-mode is).

Lock Orientation

This feature, introduced in version 3.8, is for Pro subscribers only. When engaged it allows you to rotate the device or enter the orientation angle you wish to use. There is also an option to lock the orientation to the North position.

Tracking Tab

The Tracking tab replaces the previously used "Record GPS Tracks" display. Similar to the GPS tab, users can still view their compass bearing and direction, but can also start or stop GPS track recording. When recording tracks, users will be able to see their speed, distance traveled, the average speed, as well as the duration of the recorded track.

Navigation Tab

The Navigation tab features 4 options for users to navigate to a specific point on their map. It is designed to provide a general idea of the distance to destination and time to destination and as such, should be used with caution as the terrain and other blocking features are not accounted for by the tool.

Project Destination

This option allows users to choose their destination based on heading and the desired distance you wish to travel. Users can specify the distance to travel based on a variety of common measurement units (e.g. metres, feet, miles). Once navigation is initiated the menu can be collapsed down to maximize the map viewing area or can remain open to see the details of speed, distance, and ETA.

Navigate to Feature

This option allows users to specify a map feature (placemark, line, track, etc.) that they wish to navigate to. This is ideal if you have specific points of interest already marked on your map that you wish to navigate to. To use this option, users must have at least one map feature on the map view. Simply choose "Navigate to Feature" and choose the feature that you wish to navigate to, and the navigation information will automatically update and navigation will initiate. You will see a line on the map from your current location to the desired feature.

Enter Destination Coordinate

This option allows users to specify the desired coordinate that they wish to navigate to. This is ideal for those navigating to a known point (e.g. SAR operations).

Create A Route

The newest of the Navigation features is called Create a Route. This tool allows you to navigate along a series of lines that form your route until you reach your destination. When you click Create a Route, you will immediately be prompted to draw your route using the Draw and Measure tool. You are able to tap on the screen to create a point on the trail. From there you can pan around to draw the route. If you make a mistake you are able to use the undo function (back arrow). Once this has been drawn, you will be asked if you would like to navigate this route.

You will notice that you will be guided to join your route at the closest node to your current location. You will then navigate through from here. There is an option in the Navigation Settings that forces the route navigation to take you to each point on the route in turn and not the optimal route which may skip one segment based on your current position.

You can also use the Draw and Measure tool to draw in a line, click on the created line and select the information icon. This will now display the Edit Line screen. In the top right-hand corner, you can click an icon to navigate this line.

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