AVENZA MAPS TUTORIAL // How to find and import maps, create features, and use GPS Functions

Avenza Maps is a powerful navigation app for hikers to use offline maps. It uses Geospatial PDFs, GeoPDFs, or GeoTIFF to create offline maps for route navigation. There are a ton of free maps available from government agencies like NYSDEC, National Park Service, and USGS. Avenza Maps provides a store to purchase commercial maps from providers like National Geographic (NatGeo). You can also import your own Geospatial PDFs from tools like CalTOPO. Avenza Maps supports both iPhone and Android.
AVENZA MAPS On the Trail: • AVENZA MAPS On the Tra...
MAKE CUSTOM BACKCOUNTRY MAPS for AVENZA MAPS: • MAKE CUSTOM BACKCOUNTR...
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Facebook: / outsidechronicles
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Website: www.outsidechronicles.com

[@jewelsmack4303]

This is absolutely awesome Mike - thank you for taking the time to do this (and many other videos) and adding the codes to the maps absolutely love it!

[@OutsideChronicles]

You are most welcome. Let me know if you see any inaccuracies. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@shawnhayes1407]

Thanks so much Mike, this was awesome. I really appreciate you taking the time to do this!

[@OutsideChronicles]

My pleasure, hope you enjoy the Challenge maps with Avenza. I used it today at Blacksnake Mtn, worked great.

[@michellebernas2833]

Thanks so much for doing this. Love everything about it! Looking forward to using it.

[@OutsideChronicles]

My pleasure, let me know how it works for you!

[@beerbrewer7372]

Good info! What a time to be alive.

[@OutsideChronicles]

Thank you!

[@markrichmond7859]

Works great! Thanks Outside Chronicles!

[@OutsideChronicles]

Glad it helped!

[@TheFivekRacer]

Thanks for the great demo on how to navigate the Avenza Maps!

[@OutsideChronicles]

Thank you, be sure to check out my other mapping videos. I just posted an advanced Avenza maps video.

[@stevegraydon6351]

Super duper overview of this handy tool. I will share this video to folks who need to learn this application for capturing information about their lands and projects. Thanks OC!

[@OutsideChronicles]

Glad it helped and thanks for sharing it. I have two other Avenza Maps videos that might be handy: kzbin.info/www/bejne/inupZKJ_r9l-fpo and kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZa0fYKijq-EeqM

[@anthonybeckman9665]

This is very helpful. The layering feature is awesome. Thank you

[@OutsideChronicles]

Layers are awesome. Thanks for watching and the comment!

[@paulkropovitch5157]

Just downloaded app-looks great QR code works good!

[@OutsideChronicles]

Awesome to hear! I think this will really help new hikers (and experienced) hikers in the challenge

[@johnsalmento2989]

Mike this is a fantastic video. I really appreciate all the information.

[@OutsideChronicles]

Thanks, I am glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching!

[@mutantchunky]

Excellent job, thanks Mike!

[@OutsideChronicles]

Thanks, hope it helps you navigate the trails.

[@breakitdownbarneystyle508]

Great video thank you. Also, I loved you in Community it's one of my favorite shows!

[@OutsideChronicles]

Thanks, I appreciate that you think I look like Joel McHale…at least I assume that is who you mean, I hope it is not Ken Jeong or Danny Pudi.

[@stevebaum]

Nice job, very informative and helpful for a newbie.

[@OutsideChronicles]

My pleasure, thank for watching. Be sure to check out my Advanced Avenza Maps videos and Caltopo videos.

[@rod.jordan]

Great video... Thank You!

[@OutsideChronicles]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@mchunley]

Cool. I was just in the great smoky mountains. This is my home base. Currently in Poughkeepsie.

[@OutsideChronicles]

The Smokies are awesome. I am looking forward to heading back there soon. I have some videos on my challenge from Le Conte, Charlie's Bunion, etc. I really loved that area. Doing any cool hikes in NY? If you can get to the Adirondacks, I highly suggest it.

[@OutdoorGoyo]

awesome job! well done

[@OutsideChronicles]

Thanks!

[@karenpratt5550]

I'm looking forward to trying this out!

[@soaroutdoors]

Works great. Basically imports the challenge map into live GPS tracking that can be used in offline mode in case you don’t have service. I tested some trails out w this app this week and tracking is spot on. Very hard to get lost but always have a paper map w you

[@BackcountryPaddler]

@@soaroutdoors Eric do you have an Apple or Android?

[@soaroutdoors]

@@BackcountryPaddler iPhone 8

[@jasonborrelli3633]

Good Video, very helpful

[@OutsideChronicles]

Glad it helped, thanks for watching.

[@rodjordan3292]

Thanks for sharing.

[@OutsideChronicles]

My pleasure

[@mchunley]

Cool thanks.

[@OutsideChronicles]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching.

[@OutsideChronicles]

Avenza Maps is a powerful tool to download offline maps for hiking and backpacking. The WNY Hiking Challenge maps are now in Geospatial PDF format and can be imported directly into Avenza. Get on their store for free maps and look out at trailheads for QR Codes! If you like this video, check out our top hiking apps video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hp3aqp2QiZWejsU

[@mchunley]

Thanks. So cool. How much does this drain when in use InThe backcountry?

[@OutsideChronicles]

@@mchunley It is actually not too bad. I do not have any data on recording a route, but after a several hour hike, it only dropped my battery slightly. If you just need it for location, you can set the app to just use the GPS when in the app. Be sure to have a spare battery if you need to rely on your phone.

[@eberniard]

Great video! How do you reference an unreferenced PDF map?

[@OutsideChronicles]

@@eberniard I do not know of a way to import information into a PDF. The best you can do is what is called georeferencing the PDF in a GIS application like QGIS or ArcGIS and then trace the features. If you want to make geospatial PDFs, check out this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZa0fYKijq-EeqM

[@edwardsirianno1004]

Great Video Mike, Can you help Buffalo Audubon at Beaver Meadow to get our maps on Avenza? Thank you

[@OutsideChronicles]

You bet. The map for the WNY Hiking Challenge is already Avanza Aware. If you download the latest version of the Challenge PDF (just use the link in the welcome e-mail), you will see a QR code at the top right of each map. Use the instructions in this video to add Beaver Meadows. Let me know if you have any questions.

[@rickbryan9263]

From where does Avenza import to the Plot Photos function by geotag? Is the app searching the web for those photos, or only the photos already on your phone?

[@OutsideChronicles]

It comes from the photos in geotagged in your library or taken while recording a track.

[@maggielarkin7003]

I’m having hell downloading a route from alltrails. None of the formats that alltrails offers seems to be compatible. I know I did this once and it worked, but I can’t remember how. Any tips?

[@swaha55]

do you use All Trails and Avenza? Can you see where you are when you are hiking with Avenza?

[@OutsideChronicles]

I only use a AllTrails to find a trail. I prefer using Avenza Maps to navigate especially because I can load offline maps for free.

[@TheRedMenaceProductions]

I was recommended the use of the app. I am looking to go into the bush soon but I won't be on tracks all the time, I am going to be going through the woods. I am scared of being lost so my buddy reccomended the app. Does it work well off the track? Is it constantly tracking so say if you had a Y intersection, you go up one track and then decide to cross over to the other one, will Avenza track you doing that? Thanks :)

[@OutsideChronicles]

You can use its tracking feature, however, I usually track my route with my Garmin Instinct watch. I use Avenza just to look at my position. It has a blue dot that will move as you move. If you click the compass arrow in bottom right, the dot will get an arrow that will show you your direction at a junction. Check out this video, I show it there: kzbin.info/www/bejne/inupZKJ_r9l-fpo

[@michaelhopkins6277]

How do I follow a track if it crosses several different maps. Can you combine maps so it automatically changes to the next map. When I track my route in the mountains, I often have to change from one quadrant to another.

[@OutsideChronicles]

Great question. Unfortunately I am not 100% sure there is a solution. What I do is create a route as a layer and then link that layer to both maps. See my other tutorial: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZa0fYKijq-EeqM I typically only use the Avenza dot and compass features for my location. I track with my Garmin Instinct Solar. Hope this helps, see you outside!

[@trailrunnah8886]

So I literally just downloaded this app today and have been loading maps into it. I'm going to an overlanding event this week, and organizers sent out a group of maps. They've advised to load them together as a "collection", not a file, and that way the maps would flow one to another, rather than having to select each individual map as you move from one to another. I'm not sure if this is exactly what you were talking about, but I hope this may help you. I found this video trying to figure this app out, but I'm still lost. I kind of wish they had used Gaia or something that you can actually use to navigate within.

[@OldTimeyGraeme]

Gday mate How can I export a map after I’ve put my tracks and marked points on it ????

[@OutsideChronicles]

There are a couple of ways to do this. You can export layers and placemarks as tracks as KML, CSV, and GPX. Go to Layers and select the ones you want, click the arrow. You can also Share a map and associated layers, just click the ellipses next to the map.

[@dennisbrown7451]

can you delete individual placemarks? when I try to do this I delete everything on that layer.

[@OutsideChronicles]

You should be able to click the layers button, then click the layer, you should see your place marks. Swipe to the left on the place mark you want to remove. You should get a delete button

[@cmgreen40]

Is the app available on a smart watch?

[@OutsideChronicles]

No, I do not believe so.

[@IcePonyGoddess]

I have tried and tried to upload off both URLs and Dropbox and it just does not work. :( Do I need to upgrade to use the upload features?

[@OutsideChronicles]

Both are free. Are you sure you are using geospatial PDFs? Here is an example to try parks.ny.gov/parks/taughannockfalls

[@BackcountryPaddler]

I'm having trouble finding the QR code button on my Android. The whole app looks quite different in fact. Maybe it's only available on Apple? (I'm also computer illiterate so it's prob right in front of my face) 🙃

[@OutsideChronicles]

That's strange because their documentation does not discriminate between the platforms. support.avenzamaps.com/hc/en-us/articles/360034714392-Importing-maps-from-custom-locations

[@BackcountryPaddler]

It was user error! 😜 Where do we get the updated challenge maps with the QR codes on them? Hoping to try it out this morning! This is awesome.👌

[@OutsideChronicles]

@@BackcountryPaddler good to know, if you questioned it, 1600 other people might. You can use the same download link that was in the welcome e-mail. If you can’t find it DM me on Facebook

[@SvSzYT]

can i upload own geotiffs?

[@OutsideChronicles]

Yes, they are supported. I use mostly Geospatial PDFs, but docs say tiffs work. Good luck!

[@argndogo]

I can't see what he's hitting to get options suck as copy, paste, open url, etc.

[@autocadandarcmapsolution10]

How do we download it

[@OutsideChronicles]

Search for Avenza Maps on your respective app store. Or www.avenza.com/avenza-maps/

[@jarekl787]

Great and clear explanation. However, you downloaded a pdf map. But pdf they don't have a coordinates with them. So, how Avenza will know what location in the real world is this pdf map corresponding to ?

[@OutsideChronicles]

Thank you. The PDF needs to be a GeoPDF or Geospatial PDF. You can get them from the Avenza Store or if your state or park provides them, they will usually call it out. here is one from Letchworth State Park: parks.ny.gov/parks/letchworth OR Rock City SF www.dec.ny.gov/lands/77184.html Notice they call it a GeoPDF. Many National Parks do the same: www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/maps.htm See "GPS Enable Topo Maps section. You can also make your own, here is my tutorial: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZa0fYKijq-EeqM Thanks for watching!

[@jbeebe2]

Mike Radomski > Josh Allen?

[@OutsideChronicles]

I wish! Go Bills!

[@topdeckdog]

This app is cool, but WAY too expensive.

[@OutsideChronicles]

Thanks for the comment. I have been using Avenza for free by importing my own maps. Check out my video: MAKE CUSTOM BACKCOUNTRY MAPS for AVENZA MAPS// Make offline maps using Caltopo to use in Avenza

[@topdeckdog]

@@OutsideChronicles Thanks, but I want to sell my own custom maps on there as a developer, but then potential customers will have to pay an expensive yearly subscription on top of the price of my maps. I'm trying to make them as cheap as possible to offset the cost but then it gets to the point that i have to consider if its even worth pursuing as a form of income. if Avenza want main stream adoption i think they need to consider a lower price point... and an updated marketing strategy including logo 🙊