Mapping Resources / Map Creation

OCAD – The Industry Standard

This proprietary and fee based Windows program that is dedicated to orienteering map making.  For easier field work the GPS real-time module can be used.  Features like Layout layer, drawing and editing tools (reshape, interpolate, stairway or multiple point mode etc.) and the LiDAR / DEM module are also included.

https://www.ocad.com/en/products/

Open Orienteering Mapper (OOM)

Open Orienteering Mapper is an orienteering map making program and provides a free alternative to the existing proprietary solution. Its main advantages compared to it are:

  • Open Source: the program is completely free, every programmer can improve it.
  • Cross-platform: the program works on Android, Windows, Mac OS X and Linux.

While it is under continuous development and considered in beta state, it has been used to produce maps for classical orienteering, MTBO (Mountain Bike O), and radio orienteering races.  All required functions for drawing maps are implemented and the program is very stable.  So it can be considered ready for productive use, although it is like always a good idea to keep backups of your files.  The creators are happy to hear feedback about the program.

http://oorienteering.sourceforge.net/

GPS Map Notes

The app ‘Map Notes’ simplifies the work to revise orienteering maps by enabling you to make your revision notes directly in the field on your GPS enabled smartphone or tablet and then later import the notes and GPS files to OCAD.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=se.hippsomapp.mapnotes

You need to have GPS Orienteering App (~ $4) loaded for this to work, so that you can Geo Reference the map:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=se.hippsomapp.gpsorientering

GPS Map Notes outputs a GPX file with embedded notes for point features. It can also send the files to anyone via email if you choose.

Unfortunately, it does not allows for tracks or routes to be recorded which would be perfect for trail/road features.  But maybe other apps can do this and then just send them manually.  ** Update: the latest version appears to have added a some of this type of functionality. **

Purple Pen

Purple Pen is course setting software for orienteering. Purple Pen makes it easy to design orienteering courses and their associated control descriptions.  This program may be useful in the map making process by allowing the user to create “courses” that would guide field checking of Geo features by individuals or teams.  And by making records about what Geo features that were seen in the field (via control descriptions for example).

http://purplepen.golde.org/

QuickRoute

QuickRoute is a computer program for Windows that allows you to display a route from a GPS device, such as a GPS-watch, on an orienteering map saved as an image file. The main purpose of QuickRoute is to make it quick and simple to transfer your route from a GPS device onto a map.  Again this could be useful for planning field checking by individuals or teams.

http://www.matstroeng.se/quickroute/en/

Clue

Clue is a Windows-based program that simplifies the task of creating control description sheets for orienteering events.

http://www.dvoa.org/events/evdir/clue/index.php