GeoPDF maps

I never heard of this map type. What`s their advantage over other map types like http://mobac.sourceforge.net/) and where is this map type common/widespread? :)

I support this too, geoPDF allows way better options for map appearance, and it also can be edited easily in common graphic vector programs (for ex. Illustrator). I often need maps with custom fills of areas, etc, and thats not possible, nor easily done with current tools. So I end always with rasterized map, which isnt what i want ..

I use Locus to collect data in the field. I use ArcGIS to maintain data in the office. I need the two programs to work together. I can export my map, its contents, and the attributes of those contents, from ArcGIS to a georeferenced PDF, but I cannot open this in Locus. Please help.

Hello Patrick,

Unfortunately Locus does not support geoPDF files. Anyway it could be possible to convert these format into sqlitedb format using Mapc2Mapc software. I dind’t try it but it could work. On the other hand you lost all advantages of geoPDF during conversion. How to convert:

http://docs.locusmap.eu/doku.php/manu...

You can probably skip the calibration step because geoPdf should be calibrated.

Locus really needs to add this functionality. All land managers in the US use ArcMap, which exports maps as geopdf and geotiff. As a result, all land managers currently use the PDFMaps app in the field. I'm not exaggerating here; all natural resource professionals use pdf maps because of this functionality. Locus GIS is NOT the answer to this problem. The ability of Locus GIS to view and edit .shp and .db files is great for editing in the field, but it is no good for viewing data. The symbology options needed to view data correctly are not available in Locus GIS, and it is not possible to add them as different land management agencies use their own proprietary symbology. The reality of the matter is that professional land managers will never use locus unless pdf viewing is added. There needs to be an EFFICIENT way to view data, such as high definition LIDAR and derivatives of LIDAR, in arcmap. There is currently not a way unless one knows how to use GDAL or MAPC2MAPC. That is not a realistic answer for a large number of people to use.

I agree that this functionality would be very useful. PDFmaps is also used extensively in the geologic mapping community for the reasons explained by Doug. I use Global Mapper to convert pdfs exported from ArcMap into sqlite but it's time consuming.

Locus is missing a big market by not supporting geoPDFs. In Australia the National Parks & the topo maps in several states are all now being produced in geoPDFs. They are suggesting users download the Avenza Maps app for viewing & navigating.

You guys HAVE to get onboard with GeoPDFs or your great product is going to become a piece of history.

+1

geoPDF and/or geoTiff is really needed.

Another vote for GeoPDFs. These maps are becoming very common and Locas should support them.

Why the heck hasn't this happened yet? I'll add another reason geopdf functionality needs to be added: When you arrive as a professional to a natural disaster in the US (wildfires for example), there is usually a QR code available with a link to a map of the incident. That map is ALWAYS geopdf, because that's what esri exports. For that reason, we all use the Avenza app. Attributes are irrelevant in most cases; we just need to be able to view the referenced pdf.

Not only is converting to sqlitedb unpractical in most cases, but it is impossible in many cases where the map is received in the field. This can't be too difficult of an addition to Locus' functionality, and it would add a massive amount of potential customers. I'm guessing it would more than double your customers. I am asked constantly what mapping app I use when people see Locus in action. It's far superior to Avenza. When I tell them I have to convert to sqlite, they just forget about it because without pdf functionality it's useless in the field.

But they are too busy moving menus around and redesigning the interface to add important functionality like this!

This is correct. Design is an important part of every application.

I was looking for some library that is able to read GeoPDF maps and that is able to run on Android devices (maybe two years ago), but wasn't able to find anything useful. If anyone has a technical tip, it will be welcome.

Yes, design is important but is also subjective. Many of the UI changes are a step backwards in my opinion and the amount of effort put into this while neglecting new important functionality disappointing. Support for IMG and PDF maps is well overdue! Also we are way overdue for data syncing functionality.

I too vote for geopdf imports.

Great. Just purchased this app only to discover it doesn't support ALL of my maps (geopdf format).

But just wait another 3-6 months until they do a ton more useless gui updates and ignore important functionality like GeoMaps, IMG maps, track syncing across devices, etc... It's a freaking joke!!

Hello Greg, Robin,

this is correct. GeoPDF, as well as many other map formats, are not yet supported and this feature is currently not on the road plan for next months.

We already spend some time on this task, even contacted some experts on a very similar topic, but unfortunately, it is still beyond our current skills.

So sorry, no plan to implement this in the next months. I'm anyway sure, that we never wrote that these formats are supported. Thanks for understanding.

Menion

Thanks Menion. I've found a way around my issues. Help from another user so I can continue to use the app. I like the ease of use and I'll try out the features over time. Connected a few external devices easily, temperature, heat rate etc. Works well.

Thanks for the quick response.

Hi,

I am a new paid Locus Map Pro app user and wanted to chime in with my own personal story on this important discussion.

As a new Search and Rescue professional volunteer located in SF Bay Area, our agency pushes Avenza as the only offline app for keeping track of live mission. We would arrive on scene with a pre-printed map with QR code in lower corner, open Avenza, and scan QR code to import search map with attributes/grids/tracks/teams into app. The other method is to download map via URL in the form of https://sartopo.com/p/6E2Q as an example.

From there onward, we can start tracking our assignment and download to Incident Command Post (ICP) via email upon return, to be debriefed and managed in SARTopo, an offshoot of CALTopo. If cellular data is turned on and available during mission, we can even upload our current status/whereabouts/info in realtime, from Avenza to SARTopo back at command. ICP runs SARTopo with cellular hotspot.

Sorry for long-winded walkthrough, but this is due to simple fact that Avenza supports geoPDF, but not Locus Map. I use Locus Map exclusively for recreational use, and would love to use it for official search and rescue purpose too, once supported. Other than occasional glitch of add point with photo not saving during recording, it is so much more powerful and feature rich.

Please seriously consider adding geoPDF support to your near term development plan. Thank you for the consideration!

This is way overdue! More and more organizations are providing GeoPDFs now.

Just subscribed to LocusMaps Gold and I am also a bit disappointed that I cannot import GeoPDF. Ontario Parks releases some of their recreational maps in that format - so it's not only for professional/govt use!

Hello.
I also vote for this idea. Not all users use Locus Map only for walking and cycling. There are other apps with more tools, compatible with geoPDF, shp, hdr....... very useful for users who want more than one app.
Locus Map is an excellent application but it can be much more.