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Scan through the following for a simple introduction to ActiMap. More details on key features and functions are given on the FAQs page.
About ActiMap
About ActiMap
ActiMap is a navigation aid with a prime focus on allowing you to find your own way, whether that be on a hike, a cross-country MTB ride, or a ski tour, or any other outdoor activity for which detailed route finding is a must. It is intended for those people who would traditionally head out armed with a paper map, a compass, and a destination in mind!
Some App Concepts
Some App Concepts
Many mapping apps are focused around a single full screen map page from which all functions are accessed, which can (subjectively) result in a cluttered map display and a confusing interface. ActiMap is slighly different in that key functionality is split into several tabbed pages. These are:
Current Map - shows details of the current base map and gives control over GPX track recording.
Maps - shows the list of available online maps as well as those which have been downloaded for offline use.
Tracks - shows the list of any recorded or imported GPX tracks as well as any imported GPX routes.
More / Settings - gives access to settings, information on the app, and help.
All of the above are directly accessible from the home page or the 'hamburger' menu. There is also of course the key navigation page:
Full-Screen Map - shows the selected current map, compass, current location, tracks, routes, and waypoints
This full-screen map page is shown by tapping on the large 'Shown Full-Screen Map' button on either tab of the 'current map' page.
Getting Going
Getting Going
The first thing most people want to do with a navigation app is to look at the map: What is it like? Is it better or worse than other maps? Does it show what I want?
ActiMap is centred around the concept of a 'current map'. That is the base map you have chosen to use (but which can be changed at any time). Unlike some apps, there is no default base map chosen as that often gives the impression that that is the only map available; instead you must explicitly choose the map you wish to initially use.
Bearing in mind the concepts above, the steps you take are as follows:
Visit the 'maps' page, where you will select your current map. If you go to the 'current map page' instead, then you will be prompted to select a current map first.
On the 'maps' page a very short list of pre-installed maps is shown. You can try one of these first if you wish, or more likely visit the large Actimap online library of official and community maps, by clicking the 'Import' button or by selecting 'Import' from the hamburger menu:
Pre-installed maps
Pre-installed maps
Tap 'Import'...
Import
Import
Tap 'Actimap online library'...
Map selection
Map selection
Select the maps you want to import, then tap 'Import'...
Any maps you import will be added to the list of online maps on the 'maps' page and you can then just tap on the map you want to use. This will then become your current map and the 'current map' page will be shown from which you can view the map and start exploring.
Note: If you can't find a map for the country or area you want, OpenTopoMap is a really good go-to map. In fact in some instances it is even better than official National maps such as Ordnance Survey, in that is shows actual paths where they actually are, as opposed to where they are meant to be, or where an inaccessible public right of way used to exist!
Using ActiMap - How do I do 'X'?
Using ActiMap - How do I do 'X'?
Many pages of ActiMap have explanatory text and / or textual buttons, and what happens when you tap on them will be obvious. There are other places where it is less obvious. As a general rule, if you see an image or an icon, try tapping on it! Below is a list of the main images and icons which appear throughout the app, and some of the less obvious items which can be tapped:
(1) The hamburger menu
This is available at the top of most pages and allows direct navigation to key areas of the map - maps, tracks, settings, etc.
(2) The 'more options' menu
This is shown against most items in a list, such as a list of tracks or a list of maps. When tapped, a menu of options is shown which apply to the item. Note: If the item to the left of the menu itself is tapped, then this performs the default action, which would usually be that of the top item displayed in the menu.
(3) The 'delete' option
This deletes, wipes, or clears the item to which it relates. This may may be a recorded track or the map cache, amongst others.
(4) The full-screen map 'compass'
The full-screen map allows the compass to be displayed in one of four sizes. Tapping on the compass on the map will cycle through these.
(5) The full-screen map 'scale'
While the full-screen map can be zoomed in and out, this does not change the map scale. Tapping on the scale image will toggle the display between 100% and 125% size, which may make it easier to read in poor light conditions or in cases where the map imagery is just too small to follow easily.
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