What Are Data Layers?

Data Layers are a powerful new feature in Topo Maps+ that allow you to create custom map visualizations based on attributes you define. With Data Layers, you can organize and visualize your mapping data in meaningful ways by defining attribute schemas and applying custom styles based on those attributes.

Creating a New Data Layer

1. Tap on the Map icon in the toolbar.
2. Tap on the Plus icon in the Data Layers Section.

3. Select “New Layer”

4. Enter a name for the Data Layer

Data Layer Attribute Schema

An attribute schema defines what types of information you want to track for any map object in your Data Layer. For example, if you’re mapping hiking trails, you might want to track attributes like difficulty, surface type and trail conditions.

For an example, see our Wildlife Data Layer.

To add a new attribute tap on “New Attribute”.

Then give the attribute a title and choose what type of data you want with this attribute.

For text attributes you can select to use a “Pick List”. A pick list lets you add some predefined list to pick. For example you can have your list be “Easy”, “Medium”, and “Hard.

You can continue to add attributes by tapping on “New Attribute”.

You can drag the attributes up/down to rearrange the order.

Data Layer Attributes

When you add a new map object (waypoint, route, or region) to a data layer you can set the values for each of the attributes.

Data Layer Settings

You can access the data layer settings from the Advanced Maps -> Data Layers -> Settings.

Save New Content To Layer: When this setting is turned on, whenever you add a new waypoint, route, or region it will automatically be added to this layer.

Icon Title Position: This setting controls where waypoint titles appear for all waypoints in the data layer.

Attribute To Use For Title: This setting changes which attribute is displayed as the title on the map. If you set it to “None” then the normal title is used. You can change the title attribute to quickly see the values for different attributes on waypoints.

Zoom Level to Show Waypoint Title: This setting controls when waypoint titles appear on the map. When you zoom past this zoom level waypoint titles appear.

Zoom Level to Render Full Size Icon: This setting controls when the waypoint icon is rendered at full size. If you have a dense data set increasing this zoom level, lets you distinguish between the different icons.

Manually Set Styles: When you turn on this setting, all of the waypoint, route, and region styles are manually set for each object. If you turn off this setting, you can set style rules that apply to all waypoints, routes, and regions in this layer.

Data Layer Style Rules

You can use the Layer Styles to control how the waypoints, lines, and regions in the data layer appear. The styles are applied in order from the top of the list to the bottom. The first style to get applied is a default style for waypoints, lines, and regions. You can tap on each of these to change the default.

In this example I changed the default waypoint icon to an orange marker and the default line color to a pink color.

To add a new style tap on “New Style”. There are four types of styles you can add.

New Icon Style: Use this style to add styles for waypoint icons.

New Line Style: Use this style to add styles for route lines.

New Color Style: Use this style to add a style that adds a color. This can apply to a waypoint icon, line, or region.

New Variable Color Style: Use this style to add a style that adds a color based on a numeric range of numbers.

For an example with variable color styling, see https://topomaps.co/share/LHVLt8p20n.

Here is an example for setting a hazard icon when the difficulty is hard.

Here is an example for setting three different icons based on the difficulty level.

Now we can set up a variable color style for the priority attribute. We are going to set it up to do a gradient color from green to yellow to red.

Data Layer Groups

Sometimes you want to have multiple layers all share the same attributes and styles. You can do that with a Data Layer Group.

To create a new data layer group, tap on the New button under Data Layers and select “New Data Layer Group” and then give the group a name.

The Data Layer Group shows up as a new section in the Maps. You can add a new layer to the group with the New button.

When you create a new layer in the group, that layer’s attributes and styles come from the group settings and not from the layer settings.

You can edit the data layer group’s settings by tapping on the Settings button in the data layer group section.

Each map maker has a unique style to their presentation, but often there are ways we can improve the way a map looks onscreen. Depending on screen resolution, bright light on a sunny day, or screen brightness to save battery life, many factors can all affect our ability to see details on our maps.

For instance, here is a series of screenshots of the Natural Atlas with subtle overlay additions to it.

As you can see, it is incredibly detailed, but because of its light colors it can be hard to see on a sunny day. In fact, it’s a little hard to see here on a white background. Here is a tip that can allow us to quickly see our map details and provide an even more enjoyable app experience in Topo Maps+. Each photo below has one more overlay added to it.

To make these changes yourself:

1. Tap on the top right folded map icon.
2. Select the Overlays tab
3. Toggle on the US & S Canada Hill Shading and Neotreks Slope Map

Make sure the blend mode is on “Multiply” and Transparency is set at around 30%.    

How can we combine individual map purchases to be seamless on the screen?

  

   

   

    

I’m VERY close to finishing the Trails Illustrated Maps by National Geographic for Topo Maps+.

I have been working on this for awhile, but I am finally going to wrap it up. I will be releasing it next week.

Trails Illustrated maps are the most popular and trusted outdoor recreation maps.  With more than 200 maps, the Trails Illustrated map are available for most of America’s favorite outdoor destinations. Each map is created with help from local land managers and is rigorously reviewed.  Each Trails Illustrated map has topographic information, trails, and recreational points of interest.

HOWEVER, I need your help. Before I finalize everything, I need to make sure I have covered everything.

That is where you come in. Please take a few minutes to answer this super-short survey—there is really only one thing I want to ask you …

What is the most important thing for you when you are deciding which map to use for your outdoor adventures? (ie trail accuracy, reputation of map maker, up-to-date information from hiking community, etc). You can answer this question in the comments below.  I will read every response.

Topo Maps+ 5.0 is here!

Moved features

A number of features have been moved to new locations in Topo Maps+ 5.0.

Downloading and printing maps is now under Prepare to go offline.

My Data has been moved to the menu.

Recording tracks and progress on trail are now under Hike.

Card Interface

Route, tracks, and waypoints are now displayed in a “card” interface on top of the map.  This new interface makes it easier to access properties, notes, and photos.  You can also move the card up to see more or move it down to have a minimized view.

If you have multiple cards open or if you want to access the toolbar, you can double tap on the top of a card to see the toolbar and all open cards.

Compass and Location

You can access GPS information about your current location and the compass by tapping on the blue location dot on the map or via the hike menu.

Snap To Trails

You can now create new routes by having them snap to trails.  When you tap on the map, Topo Maps+ will attempt to find a route to that location using trails from the Open Street Map and using any trails that you have traced on the map.

Updated Custom Routes

In Topo Maps+ 5.0 you can now add loops, in-n-out, and spurs to custom routes.  To create a custom route you access it via the Add menu.

List of Trails

You can now see a list of all trails in the area you are looking at by using the trails menu on the toolbar.

Topo Maps+ version 4.5 now has the 2016 US Forest Service topographic map.  Like the USGS topo map this map has the backcountry features you need while hiking and backpacking.  It is an updated topographic map with cleaner lines and labels.

The US Forest Service map does not cover all of the US.  This video shows you how to use Topo Maps+ PRO to create a continuous US map and how to add hill shading.

You can switch to the USFS 2016 map by tapping on the mac icon in the upper right corner.

Before you head out on your next outdoor adventure make sure you have printed maps. Taking the time to print a map could save your life. This training video is about the different types of topographic maps and printing them. You should always have a printed map with you when you go out and you should never rely solely on your phone to safely navigate the backcountry. Everything covered in this training video can be done using the free version of Topo Maps+.

At the end of the video I introduce the amazing offers I am going to have for you if you choose to purchase early access for Topo Maps+ on the Mac.

I would love to hear any tips and tricks you use to navigate in the backcountry. Leave a comment on this blog post to let me know. I am always looking for new tips to make my experiences even better 🙂

If you are like me, you can’t go backpacking every weekend. When you do get out you want to make it the best outdoor experience possible. One of the biggest keys to having an awesome trip is planning.

I spend lots of time planning for each day on my backpacking trips. I want to know how far will each day be, what will the elevation gain/loss be, what will the terrain be like, and what will I see?

This training video is part 2 where I will teach you how to plan your next outdoor adventure. Most of what I teach in this video can be done using the free version of Topo Maps+ on the iPhone.

I would love to hear what you do to plan your outdoor adventures. Leave a comment on this blog post to let me know. I am always looking for new tips to make my experiences even better 🙂