Importing maps from custom locations

You are able to import an unlimited number of your own maps, however, only 3 maps will be able to use the tools contained within Avenza Maps (location, placemark creation, tracking, etc.).  Users without a subscription (Plus or Pro), will see two new map statuses introduced - Active and Inactive.

Active maps refer to those maps that can be used with the Avenza Maps toolset.  In the event that you had more than 3 maps imported (non-map store maps), the most recent 3 maps are considered 'Active'.

Inactive maps refer to those maps that cannot be used with the Avenza Maps toolset.  This status occurs if you have more than 3 imported maps (non-map store maps), and do not have an active subscription (Plus or Pro).  You will continue to be able to view these types of maps, as well as import them, however, you will not be able to locate yourself, create placemarks, or record tracks.  If you had any Map Features (placemarks, tracks, etc.) on an Inactive map, you will be able to export these features, however, new features cannot be added until the map becomes Active. If you wish to have Inactive maps become Active, you will need to either purchase a subscription (Plus or Pro) to unlock the ability to use the Avenza tools with all maps or remove the currently Active maps to allow some Inactive maps to shift into Active status.

To Import a Map

On the My Maps screen, tap the Add icon ('+') to import a map. You can import from any of the following sources:

• Get a map from the store
• Request a map
• iTunes File Sharing
• Dropbox 
• Storage Locations
• QR Code
• URL
• Email
  
  

Get a map from the store

Opens the Avenza Map Store where you can get free maps as well as purchase maps. To learn more about getting maps from the Map Store, please see the article here.

Request a map

This option will allow you to contact us and request a map not currently found in the Map Store.  Please provide as much detail as possible about the desired map, and if you have a web link available for the map wanted, please provide that as well.

QR Code

Avenza Maps features a built-in QR code reader that allows you to import maps by scanning QR codes displayed on signs, posters, maps or the web. For more information on how to use QR codes please see our blog article here.

1. Tap the QR code icon in the upper right corner.
2. Scan the QR code (if you see a black screen, be sure to check your app permissions as the camera may be disabled for Avenza Maps).

iTunes File Sharing

You can load maps through iTunes File Sharing.

• Connect your device to your computer and open iTunes.
• Click Apps and scroll down to see the File Sharing section.
• Select Avenza Maps in the Apps list.
• In the Avenza Maps Documents box, click Add File and browse for a georeferenced map (acceptable formats include GeoTIFF, geospatial PDF, and GeoPDF®).
• On your iOS device, tap From iTunes File Sharing.
• Tap to select which maps you want to import, then tap Import
  

Note: If you are using MacOS 10.15 Catalina or later, iTunes File Sharing has been changed. Files are now shared via the Finder window after you have connected your device. 

From Storage Locations

As of v3.6, users can import maps from any cloud storage app they have installed on their device.

1. Tap From Storage Locations.
2. Navigate to the app you'd like to import from (Google Drive, iCloud Drive, etc).
3. Login if required.
4. Tap the map you'd like to import.

URL

Enter a URL of a compatible georeferenced map. The map will automatically download to your device.

Enter a custom URL schema (avenzamaps://), to open the file in the app.

For example add the prefix to a map in the following format:

avenzamaps://www.mywebsite.com/maps/Toronto.pdf

After adding a prefix simply share the URL via email or message and click the link. The link will automatically open in Avenza Maps and the import of the map will begin.

Email

In this demonstration, we will use the Gmail app, however, a similar workflow will work with other email apps. 

Open the email that contains the map that you want to import into Avenza Maps. Click the attachment, on the top right corner click on the Share button (box with the arrow pointing up), please see screenshot: 

An action box will appear with a list of apps, scroll to the left, if you see Copy to Avenza Maps select that, if not, select More. A larger list of apps will appear, scroll down until you see Copy to Avenza Maps. It should look like the screenshot below:

Once you click on Copy to Avenza Maps, the Avenza Maps app will automatically open and your map will be imported into the Avenza Maps app. 

Note: Some devices, carriers, and email clients do not support this format or have size limitations.

Supported Map Formats

Avenza Maps supports the following formats for custom imported maps:

• Geospatial PDF (.pdf) - A PDF embedded with geographic information
• TerraGo GeoPDF (.pdf) - A PDF embedded with geographic information.  GeoPDF is a proprietary format of TerraGO
• GeoTIFF (.tiff, .tif) - A GeoTIFF is a TIFF file embedded with geographic information
• JPG (.jpg) - A JPG is an image file that must be packaged with either a TFW & PRJ or JGW & WKT in a ZIP file
• Custom Scheme (avenzamaps://) - Creates a clickable link that can be shared via email, messaging, etc. and will automatically prompt Avenza Maps to open when clicked
  

Related Topics

• Getting Maps from the Map Store
• Subscriptions