Importing Map Features – Avenza Maps

Avenza Maps allows the import of custom map features for use on maps both online and offline. Map Features include placemarks, tracks, lines, and areas.

Users can import map features through either the Map Layers menu or the Layers tab. Both ways are largely identical, with the primary difference being that by importing through the Map Layers menu, the features are automatically linked to that map. Alternatively, if the features are instead imported through the Layers tab, users can choose which maps to link the features to (or simply leave them unlinked). There is also the ability to link map feature layers to more than one map without having to export and import the layer each time.

Supported import formats

Currently, the following formats are supported for import:

KML/KMZ - feature and attribute schemas
GPX - feature data only
Shapefile* - feature data only

*Shapefiles require a Pro Subscription, as well as the appropriate files combined together in a ZIP folder in order to successfully import (.shp, .shx, .prj, and .dbf)

Import sources and options

There are several options available when importing features:

Recently Used - Allows you to choose from a list of previously used layers (ideal when importing Map Features from Email, or if using the same feature layer on multiple maps). This option can be used for offline importing
Import Schema Only (KML/KMZ) - Allows you to import an attribute schema with no extra map features
Import as Geofences - Allows you to automatically create geofences on the features imported. For more information see the article available here
Link to Maps (Layers tab only) - Allows you to choose which maps (if any) to link the layers to on import
From iTunes File Sharing (iOS/) - Allows you to access your iTunes File Sharing storage. This option is ideal for offline importing.
From Dropbox - Allows you to connect to Dropbox to import features. Please note this option does require an internet connection and access to a Dropbox account
Cloud storage or device - Allows you to navigate your device storage or connect to any cloud storage app you have downloaded on your device to import features.
From the Web - Allows you to import features by entering an HTTP, HTTPS or FTP URL.

*Shapefiles require a Pro Subscription, as well as the appropriate files combined together in a ZIP folder in order to successfully import (.shp, .shx, .prj, and .dbf)

Importing map features

To import map features, navigate to the Map Layers menu or the Layers tab:

*Note: the option to choose to link the features to one or more maps is only available when importing from the Layers tab. If importing via the Map Layers menu, the features will automatically be linked to the current open map.

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