Importing maps from custom locations

In addition to the wealth of maps that can be found in the store, Plus and Pro users can also import custom-made maps from external sources. Plus subscribers can import up to 20 custom maps. Any imports beyond the respective limits will be unsuccessful. Users with active Pro subscriptions can import an unlimited number of custom maps.

Imported maps can be used with the full set of tools normally available to the user in Avenza Maps, provided they are properly georeferenced. 

To Import a Map

On the Library screen, tap the Maps tab at the top of the screen, tap for our Android users, or for our iOS users, followed by "Import" to import a map. The maps will import to the current open folder if one is selected and open. You can import a map from any of the following sources and/or supported formats:

• Get a map from the store
• Request a map
• QR Code
• From Dropbox
• From Storage Locations
• URL
• Email
• Supported formats

Android

iOS

Get a map from the store

Opens the Avenza Map Store where you can get free maps as well as purchase maps. Learn more about getting maps from the Map Store 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.

1. Tap Scan QR code
2. If this is the first time you are using the app, you will need to allow the app access to the device camera.
3. Scan the QR code.

Android

iOS

From Dropbox

This option allows users to import directly from a linked Dropbox account.

1. Tap From Dropbox
2. If required, link Avenza Maps to your Dropbox account
3. Navigate to the file you wish to import and select it

From Storage Locations

Users can import maps from any cloud storage app they have installed on their device. Users who wish to import via Device Storage can use this option as well. 

1. Tap From Storage Locations
2. Navigate to the app you'd like to import from (Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, etc.), or alternatively, navigate to the Device Storage location where your files are stored.
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. Support URL types are HTTP, HTTPS, AND FTP.

Enter a custom URL scheme (avenzamaps://) to open the desired map 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.  If the person opening the link does not have Avenza Maps installed, they will be prompted to install the app.

Please be aware that in order to force the direct download from some sources (e.g. Dropbox), the web address may need to be modified.  Please contact Avenza Support using the contact form if you run into any problems.  

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

Import Example using 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 on the attachment, it should open up a window that looks like this screenshot: 

If you aren't prompted to open with Avenza Maps, tap on "Use a different app" and select Avenza Maps. From there, it will automatically open the Avenza Maps app and import the map to the My Maps tab. 

Supported Map Formats

Avenza Maps supports the following formats for custom imported maps:

• Geospatial PDF (.pdf) - A PDF embedded with geographic information
  • Note that we also support multi-page PDF import as well, provided each page is also geo-referenced. You can find more information in this article.
• 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
• GeoPackage (.gpkg) - A GeoPackage is a file containing complex geographic data, stored in a format that is part of the Open Geospatial Consortium standard. For Avenza Maps Pro Subscribers only.
• 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.

Importing GeoPackage (.gpkg)

When importing a GeoPackage (.gpkg), these files can contain both custom map and custom map feature files. Regardless of importing via the Maps or Layers tab (in the Library page), the file will first appear as a listing in the Maps tab.

Pre-import, the file will have a warning, informing the user "This file requires your attention" to configure what components of the GeoPackage will be imported. Selecting the listing, the GeoPackage configuration dialog will appear, asking the user if they would like to import:

• Maps & Layers: Import the custom map and it's associated layers/custom map features at once. Upon import, the file
• Layers Only: Import the layers only
• Maps Only: Import only the custom map

Which map(s) and layer(s) are included in the import can also be configured under the "Data for import" section of the import dialog.

Once configuration is complete, tap Import to begin the import process.