Apple Iphone/Ipad Guide

NOTE: All iPhones have GPS capability, but not all iPads do. Only iPads with cellular capability have a GPS chip. If the iPad is a "WIFI only" model, a separate bluetooth GPS module will be needed.

On the Apple platform the recommended app is Map Plus. Download it from the Apple app store (here). It is free to download, but for an additional $3.99 you can permanently remove ads (as of April, 2020). Other in-app purchase options include:

Large File Support: $0.99

Export GPX Support: $2.99

Enhanced Format: $2.99

Enhanced Editing: $5.99

Enhanced Map: $0.99

Full-Function Package: $19.99

Enhanced Photo: $8.99

Enhanced GIS: $4.99

IMPORTANT: your computer and Apple device must be on the same network to complete the map loading process. Most people will do this at home, so be sure your device's wifi is enabled and it shows the name of your network. (If you are completing this process using a computer in a public space, like a library, or at a workplace, the same requirement applies; if you need assistance, ask someone who manages the network at that location.)

ALSO NOTE: the publisher of Map Plus provides illustrated instructions for a portion of the process shown below. You can refer to those instructions here and here.

STEP-BY-STEP

To get started, you need a couple "KML" files and at least one "MBTILE" file. From the main page of this site.  In the Downloads section, click the link to save the "routes" & "campsites" KML files to your computer. Do not open the files, just save them and note the name and folder location.

Then download at least one MBTILE file.  Recommended files to start, are the 2011 Mapquest Imagery, and the latest Custom Vector Depth Map.  However you can download all MBTILE files if you have the space on your device.

Open the Map Plus Application on your device.

Tap the "More" button (three dots, lower right corner of the screen).

Select "Tools."

Select "Web Browser Access." A window will open and an IP address will be shown, e.g., 192.168.1.119. (Note: the number may look different depending on the network you are connecting to, but it will be four numbers separated by periods.)

Write down the number shown in the step above.

On your computer, open a web browser and enter the four numbers (e.g., 192.168.1.119)  into the browser address bar, including periods. (You do not need http:// as a prefix.)

A web page should load called "Map Plus - Web Share" with a large button labeled with the text "Import from File" Click that button.

This is where the file import process begins. You will be presented with the option to either "drag" the file (name and location from step #1 above) into the box shown or you can click "Choose file" and locate it yourself. Do that now, and the file will be imported.

Open the "Map Plus" app on your device. 

At the main map screen, click the layers icon (looks like a stack of paper) at the right and choose "Add Custom Map". Select "import From File" and then choose the map file(s) loaded in the previous step.  If additional maps were downloaded, simply repeat this step for the additional files.

Once imported, the maps will appear in a list. Click on one of the item's name and select from "Show on Map" or "Hide From Map" to add or remove them from view.

Once "View Details" is clicked, the properties of the map can then be edited by clicking "Edit" in the upper right of the screen. The name of the map can be changed for organizational purposes.

In the list of Custom Maps, the loaded items are highlighted as green. If a green item is clicked, the options of "Reload on Map" or "Focus on Map" appear. If multiple items are green, the most recently loaded item is always on top.

Return to the main map screen.

Click on the "Folder With a Green Star" icon at right. This opens the file manager.

At the bottom right, click on the "+" symbol and select "Import from File". Choose the KML file.  (Then repeat the steps below for the MBTILE files)

Once imported, the file should show under the "Temporary" directory. Click on the file name and then on the resultant folder, and a list of all the objects appears (different trail names). At the bottom right, click the "check mark" icon to enable selections of list items. Then "CLICK AND HOLD" the same "check mark" icon until a menu pops up.

Choose "Select All". Then go to the bottom left and click on the "Wrench" icon and choose "Show on Map".

If desired, a new, top level folder can be created to move items into for organizational purposes and so they're not in the "Temporary" folder.

Now go back to the main map screen and click the "Arrow" icon at the top of the right-hand toolbar to start GPS positioning. Click the "Arrow" icon again, and a menu pops up giving several options including "Auto Rotate" and "Stop Navigation".

You're done! Enjoy the application!

For additional help with Map Plus, you can check out their Webpage, User Guide, and Forums.

ACCESSORIES:  For added accuracy, or if the Apple device doesn't have GPS capability, something like the Dual XGPS150A or the Dual XGPS160 could be utilized. (it does require Bluetooth capability on the device)  These units typically have a much larger tracking capacity than most mobile devices.  Both in total number of satellites and constellations (uses Galileo, Glonass, and SBAS satellites in addition to GPS).  It might be worth the purchase.  

To use the Bluetooth receivers on an apple device and ensure you're not using the internal GPS (if equipped), first put the device in "airplane" mode, then manually override the Bluetooth setting to "On" and connect the GPS receiver.  Then start Map Plus, or another location based app.