Topo Maps App - Frequently Asked Questions

How do I transfer my flags and trails from one iPhone to another?

1. Open the Flags list

2. Tap ‘Select’ button (top-right)

3. Tap ‘Select All’ button (top-left)

4. Tap share button (bottom-right)

5. Select a method to share (eg. email to yourself)

6. Close the flags list and open the trails list

7. Repeat steps 2 to 5

8. Switch to the other iPhone and open the email attachment. Select the app when prompted and the flags/trails will be imported.

When I am away from Wi-Fi will I be consuming cell data to use the maps?

No cell data is consumed when viewing the maps you already downloaded.

To prevent any accidental cell data usage (downloading another map) while away from Wi-Fi you can switch off the data option in iOS Settings for the app.

How do I change my elevation from feet to meters?

Close the app and go to iOS Settings. Scroll down until you see the app. Select the app and you will see the options to change the distance and elevation units.

All I see is a checkerboard pattern. Where are the maps?

A checkered pattern indicates the detailed map for the area has not been downloaded yet.

A message at the top should say “Zoom out to select maps”.

When you zoom out far enough the message at the top will change to “Tap on a location to select a map”. Select one or more maps and then tap Download.

When the detailed map is finished downloading you should be able to zoom in all the way to see the detail.

How do I switch the map locations from decimal degrees to UTM?

Close the app and go to iOS Settings. Scroll down until you see the app. Select the app and you will see the options for location coordinates.

Are my personally recorded trails and flags shared with the public?

Don't worry, your data is always private. The app never uploads your personal flags or trails.

If you see white-colored trails on the same path as your personal trails then this is simply a coincidence. In just means someone else already recorded that path and shared it with OpenStreetMap.

Why isn't the map oriented to North?

Some of the maps use a different projection (LCC) that has a different angle for North depending on the longitude.

What is that little yellow arrow on the black circle indicating?

The yellow arrow points in the direction the top of the iPhone is facing using the built-in compass. For example, if the yellow arrow is pointing to the summit of a mountain on the map then the front of the iPhone is facing that direction.

I can't figure out how to place a flag on the map. I can input the coordinates, use current location, or photo location, but can't figure out how to select a point on the map. Any ideas?

Tap-and-hold for a couple of seconds on the map location you want the waypoint.

I usually zoom in as much as possible for the most accurate location and then tap-and-hold.

I just downloaded your app and I can't figure out how to see the maps I have downloaded. Where are they?

To see the downloaded maps you just need to zoom in. When you first select a map the area appears blue, after the download it turns gray. At this point you can zoom into the gray area to see the detail.

I'd like to use the Topo map to track my trail with the screen off. Is that possible?

Yes, the trail recording feature continues to record when your iPhone screen is turned off. There is nothing special you need to do. When you turn the screen back on you should see the red trail "catch up" in a few seconds. Please let me known if this doesn't work for you.

I have a bunch of maps downloaded on one device. Is it possible to transfer from one device to another?

1. Make sure your iPhone/iPad and Mac are on the same WiFi network

2. In the app tap on the right-most button on the toolbar

3. Scroll the list of options to reveal the “Start File Sharing” button at the end

4. Tap on the “Start File Sharing” button to see the server address you will need in Step 6

5. On the Mac, in the In the Finder choose Go > Connect to Server

6. Enter the address of the server (including the “http”) in the Server Address field then click Connect

7. Drag and drop the maps folder to your Mac (or the opposite direction if you are copying maps TO an iPad/iPhone).

How do I import KML files from Google Earth?

The app only works with GPX files, KML/KMZ isn't supported yet. You can convert your KML to GPX online at kml2gpx.com.

Where did you get the trail data for the app?

The trail data is from http://www.openstreetmap.org

Is there any way you can add MGRS to the lists of coordinates to choose from?

Sorry, no plans to support MGRS.

Your app generated a slightly more accurate map, but the Garmin unit generated a track with more precision. The Garmin track had about twice the number of points. Is there a way to adjust the rate at which your app records points? This would certainly help make for more precise mapping.

You can increase the number of recorded track points in iOS Settings under Topo Maps. There you will find an option for Trail Compression. Set the compression level to medium or low to increase the number of recorded track points.

Is there a way to import my .img files into your app?

Sorry, .IMG files are not supported. You can import trails and flags from .GPX files.

How do I start recording a track?

1. Tap on Trail icon at bottom of screen (middle icon that looks like folded paper map)

2. Tap on “Start Recording Trail” at bottom of the screen The location indicator should glow red instead of blue.

Will the app follow as I move with the white dotted line?

You can record your trail as you follow the white dotted line. Your recorded path will appear as a yellow dotted line so you will be able to see if you have deviated from the map trail. To start recording your trail tap on 'Start Recording Trail' button at the bottom of the Trails screen.

Can the built-in map trails be deleted?

You can turn off all built-in (white color) trails in the app settings.

Will this work with Apple CarPlay? Apple Watch?

This app currently doesn’t support Apple CarPlay or Apple Watch.

The app stopped tracking my trails. I rebooted my phone and redownloaded the app. It still won’t track. What should I do?

Go into iOS Settings, Privacy, Location Services, and select this app. Make sure the option is “While Using the App” or ideally “Always” if you want background recording.

When Apple updated my iPhone I noticed that I could not use photo location. I have no problem to click current location. How do I fix this>?

Close the app and go to iOS Settings. Scroll down until you see the app. Select the app and you will see the Photos option. Make sure the app is given Read permission.