Geo-Enabled PDF Maps

A geo-enabled PDF file is a static map that contains coordinate information (latitude-longitude). Geo-pdf’s can be used with various mobile mapping apps (see below) allowing you to use the map on a mobile device, showing your location on the map. In addition, geo-pdf maps can be used off-line (once downloaded). Many of my Vashon Island maps are geo-pdf files (indicated with an * ).

The process for using a geo-pdf with a mobile app is:

  • Install a mobile mapping app on your mobile device (see below)

  • Download a geo-pdf map (from this website or other sources)

  • Open the geo-pdf map file using the mobile mapping app

  • Once the geo-pdf map is open in the app you can pan / zoom on the map as well as see your location, etc. similar to using Google Maps, but with the geo-pdf file as the map

  • Most mobile mapping apps work offline

  • Many mobile mapping apps allow you to also store points, tracks, routes, etc.

Until recently the geo-pdf mapping app of choice was Avenza Maps. Sadly, Avenza no longer allows free uploads of maps, making it much less attractive for the casual user. Fortunately, there are some free alternatives.

  • Nomad Tracks

    • No login or account needed

    • Can open unlimited geo-pdf files

    • Can also create / store tracks and points

    • Android and Apple, free

    • Note: on files with multiple maps on the same page (i.e., a main map and an inset map) the geo-referencing (placement) of the two maps gets averaged together, leaving neither map in the right place. The solution was to open the file’s properties (in the NomadTracks app) and delete the geo-referencing points for one map or the other. So, for example, if a map also has an inset locator map, deleting the geo-referencing points for inset map would then allow the main map to be properly located.

  • BorealMaps

    • Designed in (and for) Quebec, BorealMaps also can be used to upload geo-pdf file

    • An account is required, but you can upload up to 10 maps for free

    • Android

    • (I haven’t tried it myself)

  • Q Field

    • A field mapping / data collection application designed to work with QGIS that also allows geo-pdf importing

    • Overkill for just viewing a map, but lots of possibilities

    • (I haven’t tried it myself)

  • MapVald - also has a desktop version (I haven’t tried it myself)