Putting Maps, Images and Data on the Web

   
Avenza Maps Reference Guide, Page 1 
Quick Reference Guide for Using the Avenza Maps App 
 
 
 
Avenza Maps is an app for iOS and Android mobile devices. It allows a person to use maps on a 
mobile device and locate your position using the GPS in the device. It does not require Internet or 
cell network connections. Avenza Maps allows a user to record GPS tracks, add placemarks, 
photos, and more. It uses geospatial PDFs, GeoPDFs, or GeoTIFFs as base maps. These can be 
imported from online sources or downloaded from the Avenza Map Store. The free version of the 
app allows a user to store up to three base maps on their device. The Pro version costs $29.99 
and includes lots of extra bells and whistles. This user guide is a collection of tutorial content 
created by the Avenza Maps development team. Visit the Avenza Maps website for more 
information.   
 
Download the Avenza Maps App: iOS and Android 
An overview of Avenza Maps features 
 
Contents 
The App Layout: .......................................................................................................................... 2 
Getting a Basemap:..................................................................................................................... 3 
Creating Map Features – Adding a Placemark ........................................................................... 5 
Creating Map Features – Recording a GPS Track ..................................................................... 5 
Creating Map Features – Plot Photos Tool ................................................................................. 6 
Creating Map Features – Attribute Schema ................................................................................ 7 
Draw and Measure Features ....................................................................................................... 7 
Managing Map Layers ................................................................................................................. 7 
Import Map Feature Layers ....................................................................................................... 10 
Exporting Map Features ............................................................................................................ 12 
Other Useful Tips and Tricks: .................................................................................................... 13 
Additional Resources ................................................................................................................ 14 
 
   
Collecting GPS Field Data with Avenza Maps for 
iOS and Android Devices 
 
 

Avenza Maps Reference Guide, Page 2

The App Layout:

Once you have downloaded Avenza Maps to your phone or tablet, take a minute or two to

explore the various tools and menus the app offers. Please note the iOS and Android version of

the app differs slightly. Be sure to look for the and references in the instructions below.

My Maps Tab

After closing the introduction screens, the default screen of the app is known as "My Maps". This

is where all your maps (custom imported and those from the Map Store) are stored. In addition to

your maps, the "My Maps" screen also features several navigational buttons for different features

within the app.

Along the top of the screen users will see several icons (will vary based on your operating

system):

 Map Store Account - this is where you log into your Map Store account to download

maps from the Avenza Map Store

 The Import Map - for our iOS users allows for a number of ways to add maps or

import a custom import map

 Additional options for iOS users and for Android users - this is where you will find

the option to Check for Map Updates as well as to access the app Settings for our

Android users

 Search - this is where you can search any existing maps you have downloaded for a

specific map

 Sort and Filter - sort your maps according to distance, name, size, or date, as well as the

option to filter maps based on type, folders, etc.

For iOS users along the bottom of the screen you will see four tabs:

 My Maps - this provides a list of all the maps you have installed in the app

 Layers - this provides a list of all of the map features (points, lines, tracks, areas) that you

have within the app

 Store - this is the Avenza Map Store where you can download a variety of free and paid

maps

 Settings - this is where you will find various app settings including subscription options,

map display settings, etc.

For Android users along the bottom of the screen you will see the following:

 My Maps - this provides a list of all the maps you have installed in the app

 Layers - this provides a list of all of the map features (points, lines, tracks, areas) that you

have within the app

 Store - this is the Avenza Map Store where you can download a variety of free and paid

maps

 - this is where you can add a folder, add a collection, or download/import a map from

a custom location

Avenza Maps Reference Guide, Page 3

Layers Tab

The Layers tab contains all of the features that you collect within the app on any given

map. These features are organized into layers and can include points, lines, tracks, and

areas. These features can also have photos attached to them, as well as additional details and

notes that you collected alongside them. From this tab, you are able to import features, link

features to different maps, edit layers, as well as export features.

Store Tab

The Avenza Map Store is where you can go to search and download maps all across the

world. The store features everything from hiking maps, to road maps, to aviation and nautical

maps. The Avenza Map Store now includes over a million maps (free and paid).

Settings Tab

The Settings tab allows a user to change characteristics of the app including units of measure,

map view, and navigation, among other things.

Getting a Base Map:

Downloading Data from the Map Store

Avenza Maps does not have a built in base maps like other mapping apps. In order to “see”

anything on your map, you first need to download a map to your device. Maps are both free and

available for purchase. It is not necessary to create an account if you only use free maps. To

purchase maps from the Map Store however, you are required to have a Map Store account for

users on Android devices. For our iOS device users, users are strongly encouraged to create a

Map Store account and sign in, to ensure their map purchases are linked to their account. If you

haven’t created this already, you can do so by tapping at the top of the screen from the My

Maps, or Map Store tabs, and choosing the option to Register. Once you have your account

created, you will be able to purchase maps from the store. Maps purchased while logged in with

your account can be accessed on up to 5 devices by logging into your account.

Searching for a map

To search for maps, you can pan around the map, as well as zoom in and out on the desired

area. The compass ( ) can be used to zoom to the device’s current location and search for

maps nearby. If the results do not update right away, tap the “Search this area” tab in the upper

right corner to prompt the search of the desired area.

Alternatively, you can also search using keywords and locations. To do this, tap the search bar at

the top of the screen where you can then enter the desired location, and/or keywords that you

wish to search for.

If you would like to filter your search results further, you can tap in the upper right corner of the

Map View, or the List View. Results can be narrowed by category (e.g. recreation, topographic,

etc.), activity (e.g. hiking, hunting, etc.), price range, product type, and how you want to order the

results. If you are having difficulty finding the specific map you are looking for, please be sure to

   
Avenza Maps Reference Guide, Page 4 
check that your search terms and/or filters are not too narrow that you might be excluding the 
map you want. 
Once you have found the map you wish to purchase or download, you can do so by tapping on 
the price icon (or “Free” if it’s a free map), and proceeding with the steps provided.  If the map 
you are wanting to download/purchase is a paid map, you will need to ensure that you have a 
valid payment option set up in your Google Play account as all purchases made through the app 
are handled through Google for our Android users. For iOS users, you will need to ensure that 
you have a valid payment option set up in your Apple App Store account as all purchases made 
through the app are handled through Apple for iOS users. Once you have purchased your map, it 
will automatically be downloaded to your My Maps list and will be linked with your Map Store 
Account. 
 
Learn more about Getting Maps from the Avenza Maps Map Store 
 
 
Importing a Map 
Users can import an unlimited number of their own maps, however, only 3 maps will be able to 
use the tools contained within Avenza Maps (location, placemark creation, tracking, etc.).  Users 
without a subscription (Plus or Pro), will see two new map statuses introduced - Active and 
Inactive. 
Active maps refer to those maps that can be used with the Avenza Maps toolset.  In the event 
that you had more than 3 maps imported (non-map store maps), the first 3 imported maps are 
considered 'Active'. If a user does not have a Plus or Pro Subscription, they can delete an active 
imported map to make an additional import map active. 
Inactive maps refer to those maps that cannot be used with the Avenza Maps toolset.  This status 
occurs if you have more than 3 imported maps (non-map store maps), and do not have an active 
subscription (Plus or Pro).  You will continue to be able to view these types of maps, as well as 
import them, however, you will not be able to locate yourself, create placemarks, or record 
tracks.  If you have any Map Features (placemarks, tracks, etc.) on an Inactive map, you will be 
able to export these features, however, new features cannot be added until the map becomes 
Active. If you wish to have Inactive maps become Active, you will need to either purchase a 
subscription (Plus or Pro) to unlock the ability to use the Avenza tools with all maps or remove the 
currently Active maps to allow some Inactive maps to shift into Active status. 
To Import a Map 
On the My Maps screen, tap  for Android users, or  on iOS devices, followed by 
"Download or import a map" to import a map. The maps will import to the current open folder if 
one is selected and open. You can import a map from any of the following sources and/or 
supported formats (links take you to Avenza Maps app documentation): 
  Get a map from the store 
  Request a map 
  QR Code 
  From Dropbox 
  From Storage Locations 
  URL 
  Email 
  Supported formats 

Avenza Maps Reference Guide, Page 5

Creating Map Features – Adding a Placemark

A placemark marks a position on the map. At its most basic, a placemark is indicated by a default

icon and stores geographic location.

To add a placemark, pan to a position on the map centered by the crosshair and tap . Users

will be shown the Placemark details screen before a placemark is actually created. This screen

(shown under Placemark details) allows users to specify the name of the placemark, specify the

symbol, attach pictures, and set any attributes. Once you have set the necessary information, tap

Submit or tapping in the upper right corner, and the placemark will be created.

Placemark details

Tap the placemark label to see details about the placemark. On the Add or Edit Placemark

screen, you can change the placemark title, icon, enter a description, add photos, edit the

location coordinate, and edit attribute schema. For more information about attribute schemas,

visit this article located in the Advanced Data Collection section of the Avenza Maps Help.

Moving a placemark on a map

To move a placemark on the map, tap and hold a placemark, drag it to another position and

release it.

Deleting a placemark

Tap on the placemark to show the placemark label. The label can then be tapped to see details

about the placemark.

For Android users, tap in the top right corner and then select delete from the menu.

For iOS users, placemarks can be deleted by tapping .

Creating Map Features – Recording a GPS Track

Avenza Maps allows users to record a track using the GPS chip in their device. Note that some

devices, including some models of iPads, do not have a built-in GPS chip and will not record

location when they are not connected to a wifi network.

Recording a Track

GPS tracks are recorded directly within a Map View and therefore require a map to be open.

To record a GPS track:

1. Have an appropriate map open that covers the desired area.

Avenza Maps Reference Guide, Page 6

2. Tap on and select Record GPS Tracks. Alternatively, you can swipe up on the

Navigation bar and select "Tracking"

3. Once a signal has been established (will see "Ready to track" displayed), tap the “Start

tracking” icon to start recording. Your tracks will continue recording, even if you minimize

the app.

4. When you are done recording, tap 'Stop' and the track will be saved as a Map Feature.

You also have the option to pause tracking instead by tapping ‘Pause’.

You can also access the Tracking Screen by pulling up on the tab located just above the

coordinates in the map view.

Viewing a Track

Saved tracks can be viewed on the map or exported for use on another device, or software. For

more detailed track information, tap the track to show its label, then tap the information icon. To

view Track Statistics, tap on "Show Graph".

Creating Map Features – Plot Photos Tool

Plot Photos is an alternate way to create a placemark and add the photo. Rather than the

traditional method of creating a placemark and then manually adding the photo to it, Plot Photos

uses geotagged photos to automatically create a placemark based on the coordinates embedded

within the photo. This is ideal if you are taking pictures (ensuring that they are geotagged when

you take them - most phones can do this and have it available within the camera settings), and

then want to plot them on a map afterward.

To plot photos:

1. Have a valid map open that covers the area required

2. Tap , then tap Plot Photos

3. If necessary, choose an app to complete the action (e.g. tap Gallery)

4. On the Photo Browser, select photos, and tap Import

5. Placemark will be added at the location based on the geotagged photo

The tool will only allow you to select photos that fall within your map extents. Additionally, the

results will be placed into a new layer titled Photo Library and not your active layer.

Although only geotagged photos can be added to the map using the Plot Photos tool, you can still

add photos from any location to an existing placemark. In order to ensure your photos contain

location information, you will need to ensure that location tags are enabled in the device’s

Camera App Settings and Privacy Location Services settings if applicable. There may also be

permission requirements that Avenza Maps needs for this tool to work.

On an existing placemark, tap the information icon of the placemark label, then tap Photos. Tap

and attach a photo from the Camera or Photo Library. You can attach multiple photos to a

placemark. A number at the corner of the photo on the placemark label indicates how many

photos are attached. The first photo attached is the one displayed in the placemark label.

   
Avenza Maps Reference Guide, Page 7 
Creating Map Features – Attribute Schema 
An attribute schema allows users to create a series of attributes for a layer to make data 
collection more efficient. The schema defines the name, type, and associated properties such as 
an optional picklist.  Attribute schemas can also be exported and shared between users to ensure 
the standardization of data collection. 
 
View the following tutorials on the Avenza Maps website to learn more about working with an 
attribute schema.  
  Creating an Attribute Schema 
  Exporting an Attribute Schema 
  Importing an Attribute Schema 
  Using Attribute Schemas 
Draw and Measure Features  
The Avenza Maps Draw and Measure tool allows users to draw and measure lines, areas, and 
circles.  This tool also allows for the saving of measured areas. 
View the following tutorials on the Avenza Maps website to learn how to use this tool.  
  Accessing the Draw and Measure Tool 
  Drawing and Measuring a Line 
  Drawing and Measuring an Area 
  Drawing and Measuring a Circle 
  Drawing Using Point-By-Point, or Course and Distance 
  Changing Settings 
Managing Map Layers 
The Layers Tab 
The Layers tab stores all features collected in the app.  This means that in the event that you 
remove a map, the features you had on it, will still be accessible from the Layers tab, and not 
lost.  This also means that you can easily link a layer with multiple maps without having to export 
and re-import the file each time.  Features added to a layer will be dynamically updated so that 
each map referencing that layer will have access to the same features. 
From the Layers tab, users can easily manage their layers and map features through the 
following actions users and see and do including: 
  View what map a layer is linked to 
  View what types of features a layer contains 
  View the number of features a layer contains 
  Search layers/map features   
  Add a layer  
  Import layers (option to link with map(s) on import, or just import)  
  Export select layers based on the visibility  
  Export all layers at once  
  Edit layer information 
  Edit map feature information 
  Move layers/features  

Avenza Maps Reference Guide, Page 8

The Import Layers allows you to import placemarks, tracks, lines and areas from one of a

number of sources.

The Export Layers allows you to import placemarks, tracks, lines and areas from one of a

number of sources.

Search for layers

To search for specific layers, tap on Android or simply type directly into the search bar on

iOS. Users can search layers by name to locate them quickly and efficiently.

Toggle layer visibility

To hide a layer so it no longer is visible on the map, tap next to the layer’s name in the Map

Layers menu. If a layer is set to be invisible, the eye icon will turn gray and be crossed out. Note

that visibility cannot be toggled from the general Layers tab.

Create an empty layer

To add a blank data layer from the Map Layers menu:

1. Tap at the top of the screen or tap Edit and then

2. Rename the layer as desired

3. Select OK

Note: This layer, by default, will not be the active layer for data collection. To specify which layer

to be the active layer, please see 'Editing Layers' below.

Move a layer

To move a layer to another layer:

1. Long press on a layer to select it, or tap Edit and then select the layer you want to move.

2. Tap .

3. In the layer tree, tap the layer you would like to move the feature(s) to

4. You will be asked if you want the destination layer's styles to be applied to the new

features

o If you select Yes, the features will be moved and will take on the new styling of

the destination layer

o If you select No, the features will be moved but will keep their original styling

Edit Layers

Layers can be edited from either the Layers tab or the Map Layers menu. To edit a layer:

Android

1. Long press on the layer you wish to edit

2. Select to edit the layer.

Avenza Maps Reference Guide, Page 9

iOS

1. Tap the Edit button

2. Tap next to the layer you wish to edit.

Editing a layer offers many useful possibilities, including the ability to rename the layer, change

the default symbology, lock the layer or make it active, choose which map(s) to link it to, and set

attributes for the layer.

Make a layer active

When you’re collecting data in the field, any new features you create will be stored in the active

layer. If you want to collect data in a specific layer, you can make it the active layer from the Map

Layers menu:

Android

1. Long press on the layer you want to make active

2. Tap to edit the layer.

3. Toggle ‘Set To Current Layer’ to on.

iOS

1. Tap the Edit button

2. Tap next to the layer you want to make active..

3. Tap the "Set as Active Layer" to make "Active" icon turn green

Link and unlink layers

There are two ways to link layers to a map. The first way allows users to link multiple layers to the

map they’re currently working in via the Map Layers menu, while the second way allows users to

link one layer to several different maps by editing the layer directly. You can freely link and unlink

layers to any map, but if the features in that layer do not fall within the geographic extents of the

current map you are viewing, they will not be visible.

1. Linking several layers to a map:

1. Open the map you want to link layers to

2. Tap

3. Tap

4. Select all the layers to link to the current map (or deselect any layers you want to

unlink), and tap or ‘Apply’ to confirm.

2. Linking a layer to several maps:

1. Find the layer you want to link in either the Map Layers menu or the Layers tab

2. Android: long press the layer and tap to edit it. iOS: tap Edit and then

next to the layer you want to edit.

3. Scroll down and tap ‘Link to maps’

Avenza Maps Reference Guide, Page 10

4. Select all the maps to link the current layer to (or deselect any maps you want to

unlink), and tap or ‘Apply’ to confirm.

Delete a layer

To delete a layer:

Android

1. Long press on a layer to select it.

2. Tap , then tap Delete.

3. In the warning message, tap Delete to confirm your choice.

iOS

1. Tap Edit and select the layer to delete.

2. Tap .

3. In the warning message, tap Delete to confirm your choice.

Import Map Feature Layers

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:

Avenza Maps Reference Guide, Page 11

 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.

Android

1. Tap

2. Select 'Import layers'

3. Choose which settings (if any) to apply on import

4. Optionally, choose which maps to link the features to

5. Choose where you want to import from

6. Navigate to the file(s) you want to import, select them and confirm your choice

iOS

1. Tap

2. Choose which settings (if any) to apply on import

3. Optionally, choose which maps to link the features to

4. Choose where you want to import from

5. Navigate to the file(s) you want to import, select them and confirm your choice

Avenza Maps Reference Guide, Page 12

Exporting Map Features

Map features, such as placemarks, tracks, lines, and areas can be exported for use in another

device or GIS software, or as a way to backup data by storing it outside of the device itself.

Users can export map features directly from a map (one map at a time), or export all features at

once from the Layers tab.

Supported export formats

Currently, the following formats are supported for export:

 KML/KMZ (placemarks, lines, tracks, and areas)

 Shapefile* (placemarks, lines, tracks, and areas)

 CSV (placemarks only)

 GPX (placemarks, lines, and tracks)

*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)

Export settings

You can export with the following options:

 Filename - By default this will use the name of the map but can be changed to something

more appropriate if required

 Export Format

 Data - This section lets you specify whether to export all the features, schema only, or

specific features/layers using the Custom option.

 Media Size - This option is valid for data that has images attached to it, and if the

appropriate data type is selected (KML/KMZ, or Shapefile*). The Media Size options

available are:

o No Image

o Small

o Medium

o Large

 Export - This option will export the data using the settings you designated

*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).

Exporting map features

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

Android

1. Tap

2. Select 'Export Map Features'

Avenza Maps Reference Guide, Page 13

3. Choose the applicable export settings (see above for details on each setting)

o To export specific features or layers, please use the Custom option under the

heading “Data”

o To export schema only, please select this option under the heading “Data”

4. Tap Export to export the data

iOS

1. Tap

2. Choose where you'll export the files to:

o Export to Others: export the files to e-mail or cloud storage apps you have on

your device.

o AirDrop: export the files directly to Avenza on another iOS device. NOTE: For

iOS devices to only other iOS devices, custom imported maps can also be

shared this way via AirDrop. Differing operating systems or app versions may

affect this ability.

3. Choose the applicable export settings (see above for details on each setting)

o To export specific features or layers, please use the Custom option under the

heading “Data”

o To export schema only, please select this option under the heading “Data”

4. Tap Export to export the data

If you click on all features under the Data heading, you can choose to export all of the features

associated with your current map, make a custom selection of those features or export Schema

only without features.

Other Useful Tips and Tricks:

Location Tools

The Navigation bar allows users to easily and efficiently see their GPS information (compass,

bearing, accuracy), record GPS tracks, as well as navigate to a location using a variety of options

(specify a point based on distance and bearing, choose a placemark to navigate to or a track to

navigate along, or specify a destination coordinate).

To access these features, swipe up on the bottom toolbar. Alternatively, you can tap to

reveal the various map tools and choose "Navigate to Destination" to jump right to the navigation

toolset.

Visit the Avenza Maps tutorial website to learn more about this and other location tools.

Connecting to an External GPS Device

You can connect an external GPS to your device to improve the accuracy of your GPS fixes. This

allows you to attain much greater accuracy than your smartphone alone is able to achieve.

Visit the Avenza Maps tutorial website to learn more about how to connect an external GPS to

Avenza Maps.

Avenza Maps Reference Guide, Page 14

Avenza Map Settings

There are a number of settings that control the basic look of Avenza Maps as well as units of

measure, map view, and user account settings.

Visit the Avenza Maps tutorial website to learn more about how to change these settings.

Additional Resources

Check out these helpful resources created by the Avenza Maps team.

Avenza Quick Guide & Field Guide PDFs

YouTube Channel

Forums and Blog Resources

Training and Webinar Opportunities

For more information about this guide and local training, please contact Cary Chadwick at

cary.chadwick@uconn.edu or the UConn Natural Resources Conservation Academy.