Some paper/digital files are not true maps, and must be geo-referenced to use within Gaia GPS. If you have a map, such as a .tif file, check out this article about importing maps and data into Gaia GPS.
To import a digital/paper map into Gaia that has not been geo-referenced yet:
- Visit http://mapwarper.net/
- Create an account and log in
- Upload your map image or URL. For images, PNG files with a resolution of at least 300 pixels/inch are recommended.
- "Rectify" the map by choosing points that correspond to the reference map. We recommend placing at least four points of rectification, add more if you would like your map to be more accurate.
- When done rectifying the map, click "Warp Image" to update your map.
Once you have saved and rectified your map:
- Click the Export Tab
- Copy the Tiles URL
Importing
To gaiagps.com:
To upload the TMS URL directly to your gaiagps.com account, follow the instructions here.
or
Create a TileJSON File (iOS only):
Here is an example of what the file should look like ( For help creating a TileJSON file, please see here ):
4. Enter the appropriate information for your map. The "name" of the file will be what appears as the layers title once it is imported into Gaia. (If you are unsure of the min and max zoom, choose 4 and 18)
Importing into Gaia
- Import the TileJSON file into Gaia via iTunes by following the instructions here
- The map source will now be visible in your layers menu
Comments
5 comments
This is awesome! I just followed these instructions and converted an out-of-print topo map of a remote African mountain into Gaia GPS on my iPhone. I've wanted to do that for years! However, I can't seem to find any way to download my new map layer for offline use...am I missing something?
Hi Matt,
You can follow the same steps to download your custom map source as you would for any other map in the app. If you have trouble with that, click 'submit a request' above and someone from the support team can definitely help you out!
Thanks for the excellent instructions. I just warped an Army Corps of Engineers map of a local trail at Canyon Lake, TX. The USGS Topo doesn't show the trail, which winds around and is very faint and confusing in places. This map will help keep me on track!
This is mucho terrific! Excellent instructions and perfect for some tile layers I've built. Thank You!
Is there a way in GaiaGPS to add these tile sources as Overlays instead of Layers?
Thanks so much for these great instructions! I was able to input the Spring Creek Horse Trail (Allegheny National Forest) map. Now a rider will know precisely where they are on a trail and if there are any questionable sections of trail, a rider will know if they have veered off course.
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